Builder invoicing software for UK tradespeople - Invoicr
Invoicr is a free invoicing app built for UK builders, plumbers, electricians, and tradespeople that cuts payment costs through bank-to-bank UK open banking instead of card processors. For retention clauses and staged payment workflows specific to construction contracts, you'll need bespoke contract language and project management integration; Invoicr handles the invoicing, payment collection, and compliance side of the job.
What Invoicr does for builders
Invoicr is an invoicing and billing app built specifically for UK sole traders and small tradespeople. It lets you send invoices to clients, collect payment directly from their bank account via UK open banking, and track who's paid. The main saving is cost: a £500 invoice costs around £4 in payment fees instead of £12.50 through a card processor. You get a free tier with 5 invoices per month and 3 clients. The Pro plan (£9.99 per month or £79.99 per year) adds unlimited invoices, automated payment reminders, WhatsApp invoice delivery, and quotes. The Business plan (£19.99 per month or £179.99 per year) includes 5 team seats, full VAT and CIS compliance, and accountant-friendly export for tax season.
Why bank-to-bank payments matter for building work
Construction invoices are often larger than other trades, so the payment method matters. Invoicr's bank-to-bank system uses UK open banking, which means your client authorises payment directly from their account to yours. There's no card surcharge, no payment processor markup, and no waiting three days for the money to appear. For a builder on multiple job sites across the week, faster, cheaper payment collection means better cash flow. Mobile-first design means you can send invoices and check payment status from the van or on site, not just from an office desk.
Retention clauses and staged payments
Retention clauses, staged payment terms, and phased invoicing for construction projects are handled at the contract level, not the invoicing app level. Your terms should be written into your quotation and contract with the client before you invoice. Invoicr lets you send multiple invoices to the same client (unlimited on Pro and Business plans) and track which have been paid, so you can stage invoices across project milestones. However, the app itself doesn't enforce retention percentage holdbacks or auto-generate stage-gated invoices. That logic lives in your contract. What Invoicr does is make sure each invoice is sent quickly, paid faster, and costs less in fees.
Compliance for UK builders
If you're registered for VAT or operate under Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), the Business plan includes VAT and CIS compliance built in. Invoices are compliant with HMRC requirements, and you can export data in accountant-friendly formats for year-end filing. As of 2026, VAT and CIS rules remain tight for construction trades, so having an app that knows UK tax law is crucial. The free and Pro tiers don't include CIS, so upgrading to Business is worth the cost if you're CIS-registered.
Team invoicing for larger building teams
If you run a building company with multiple staff or subcontractors, the Business plan gives you 5 team seats. Each person can send invoices and track payments from their own phone or device, but all invoices come from the same business account and bank. This keeps your admin simple while letting your team issue invoices on site without waiting for head office approval.
Getting started with Invoicr
Download the app, set up your business name and bank account (via UK open banking), and you're ready to invoice. The first 5 invoices per month are free. You can invite up to 3 clients on the free tier. Most builders and tradespeople find the Pro plan (£9.99 per month) worth the cost for unlimited invoices and WhatsApp delivery alone. If you're VAT or CIS registered, jump straight to Business.
Start invoicing for free, cut your payment fees by two-thirds, and get paid straight to your bank.
Frequently asked questions
Does Invoicr handle retention clauses automatically?
No. Retention clauses are contractual terms that you write into your quote and contract with the client. Invoicr lets you send multiple invoices to the same job (useful for staged invoicing), but you must manage the holdback amount yourself as part of your contract terms.
Can I send staged invoices for different project phases?
Yes. The Pro and Business plans include unlimited invoices, so you can send one invoice per project milestone. Track which are paid in the app, but retention percentages and holdback terms must be in your original contract.
Is Invoicr compliant with UK VAT and CIS?
The Business plan includes VAT and CIS compliance, and invoices are HMRC-compliant. Free and Pro tiers don't include CIS features, but they still generate valid VAT invoices if you're VAT-registered.
How much do I save with bank-to-bank payments instead of cards?
On a £500 invoice, bank-to-bank costs around £4 instead of £12.50 through a card processor. The saving compounds across dozens of invoices per month, especially for construction work where invoice values are typically high.
Can my team send invoices?
Yes, on the Business plan. You get 5 team seats, so multiple staff members can issue invoices from their own devices using the same business account and bank details.
What happens if a client doesn't pay on time?
Invoicr includes automated payment reminders on Pro and Business plans, which send via email or WhatsApp. It's not a debt-chasing service, but reminders help prompt faster payment.