Online Payments for Contractors: Credit Cards, ACH, and Payment Plans
Quick answer
Erro's Stripe integration helps contractors collect deposits, milestones, and final balances online by credit card, ACH, or payment plan while keeping invoices and payment status connected to the project.
Why Online Payments Matter for Construction Businesses
Online payments give contractors a simpler way to collect deposits, milestone payments, and final balances without asking clients to mail a check or call with payment details. Erro's Stripe integration keeps the invoice, payment method, schedule, and client record together, helping the team see what is due, paid, or overdue while giving clients a more convenient way to pay.
Offer Payment Methods That Fit the Project
Credit cards can make smaller deposits or service payments convenient, while ACH is often a practical option for larger balances and recurring milestones. Payment plans can help clients understand how a larger project balance is divided over the work. Give clients clear instructions for the methods you accept and make sure the selected option fits the payment terms in the approved proposal.
Create Payment Plans From the Approved Scope
A payment plan should reflect real project milestones, dates, or completed work rather than an arbitrary split. Define the deposit, progress payments, and final balance in the proposal so the client knows what triggers each invoice. When a scope change affects the price or schedule, review whether the plan needs to be updated before the next payment is due.
Learn how contractors structure progress paymentsKeep Invoices, Payment Status, and Client Records Connected
Online payment collection is easier to manage when the invoice stays connected to the proposal and client record. Your team can see the work being billed, the payment schedule, the selected payment method, and the current status without reconciling separate systems. This visibility makes it easier to answer client questions and follow up on balances that need attention.
Explore invoices and payments in ErroUse Timely, Professional Payment Follow-Up
Clear reminders help clients act before a balance becomes overdue. Send the invoice promptly, state the due date and available payment options, and use a consistent follow-up process when payment has not arrived. Keep reminders focused on the project and next step, not on blame. A reliable process protects cash flow without adding unnecessary friction to the client relationship.
Learn how to automate payment remindersReview Payment Terms Before Sending the Proposal
Before a client approves the work, confirm the deposit, milestones, final payment, accepted payment methods, late-payment policy, and any applicable processing fees are clear. The proposal and invoice should tell the same story. A connected workflow helps your team move from an approved scope to a payment schedule without recreating the terms manually.
Start a 30-day free trialFrequently Asked Questions
Can contractors accept credit cards and ACH payments online?
Yes. With Erro's Stripe integration, clients can pay deposits, invoices, and scheduled balances online by credit card or ACH based on the payment methods enabled for your connected Stripe account.
How do payment plans work for construction projects?
A payment plan divides the contract balance into a deposit, milestone payments, time-based installments, or a final balance tied to the approved scope and project schedule.