Duplicate Payment
Paying the same invoice more than once, resulting in overpayment to a vendor.
Definition
A duplicate payment occurs when the same invoice is paid twice, or when multiple invoices for the same purchase are all paid. This can happen due to data entry errors, receiving the same invoice via multiple channels, or insufficient controls.
Why It Matters
Duplicate payments cost the average company 0.5-2% of total AP spend. They damage vendor relationships when recovery is attempted and indicate control weaknesses.
Examples
Same invoice twice
Invoice #1234 is entered when received, then again when the vendor sends a reminder copy.
Different invoice numbers
Vendor sends invoice, then credits and re-invoices with a new number. Both get paid.
How Nexus AP Helps
Nexus AP automatically detects potential duplicates by matching vendor, amount, date, and invoice number patterns. Suspicious invoices are flagged before payment.
Start Free TrialFrequently Asked Questions
How common are duplicate payments?
Studies show 0.5-2% of AP payments are duplicates. For a company with $10M in annual AP, that's $50,000-$200,000 in potential duplicates.
How do you detect duplicates?
Check for matching vendor + amount + date combinations, similar invoice numbers, and same PO paid multiple times.
Category
processesRelated Terms
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