What happens if I don't pay an invoice on time? Print

What happens if I don't pay an invoice on time?

Invoices are generated automatically for hosting, domains, and other services when their renewal date arrives. This guide explains the overdue process in plain English and what to do about it.

How invoicing works

• When a service is due, an invoice is created and an email is sent to the address on your account.
• You can view and pay your invoices any time in the client area: How do I view and pay my invoices
• If you have a credit card saved on your account, payment can be taken automatically depending on your payment settings: How Do I Add or Change a Credit Card on my account

What happens if an invoice stays unpaid

The process is designed to give you plenty of warning before anything is interrupted:

1. Reminder emails are sent automatically as the invoice becomes overdue.
2. If the invoice remains unpaid, a notice is sent that service restrictions are pending.
3. If it still remains unpaid, the service may be restricted or suspended. A suspended website will not load, and a suspended mail service will stop sending and receiving email.
4. Domains follow their own timeline. An unpaid domain renewal can lead to the domain being suspended and eventually entering the redemption process, where it becomes much more expensive to recover.

The exact timing can vary, but you will always receive email notifications before any action is taken. If you are not seeing them, check your spam or junk folder, and make sure the contact email on your account is one you check: How do I change my account details

What to do now

• Log in to the client area, open the invoice, and pay it by the due date. Payment is usually applied automatically and any restrictions are lifted.
• If the invoice is already overdue, pay it as soon as possible. Services are normally restored automatically once payment is received.
• If you are having trouble paying, or you believe the invoice is wrong, reply to the invoice email or open a ticket in the Accounts department. We would much rather sort it out with you than suspend anything.
• If you no longer need the service, cancel it rather than leaving it unpaid: Cancelling a Service

Payment policies

For the detailed terms, including due dates and what applies to different services, see our Invoicing and Payment Policies.

The short version: keep your contact details current, keep a payment method on file if you want automatic renewal, and if anything ever looks wrong, tell us before the due date.