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Predictable Pay is an early pay program powered by Billd that gives subcontractors access to faster payments on approved invoices—as quickly as the next business day. The program is designed to accelerate payment to subcontractors ahead of the standard payment timeline. Depending on the funding model chosen, the GC may pay subcontractors directly and early (self-funded), have a third-party funder pay subcontractors early while the GC pays that funder at invoice maturity (third-party funded), or use a combination of both (hybrid).
Predictable Pay offers multiple benefits:
Billd is a financial services company built specifically for the construction industry, focused on empowering commercial subcontractors. Unlike general-purpose fintech providers, Billd understands construction payment cycles, retainage, and the unique cash flow challenges subcontractors face.
Billd powers Predictable Pay programs for multiple general contractors. Your subcontractors access a portal that is specific to your program and branded accordingly. If a subcontractor works with another GC that also offers Predictable Pay, they would register separately for that GC’s program. Each portal is distinct.
There are three funding models for a Predictable Pay program:
The right funding model depends on your liquidity position, program objectives, and scalability goals. Billd can help you evaluate the options.
The implementation lift for the GC is minimal. Billd handles onboarding, the subcontractor portal, payment processing, and support. Your primary responsibility is to load approved invoices into the platform so that subcontractors can see them and elect early payment. Billd will work with your team to define the invoice upload process during setup.
General Contractors have several options for transferring approved invoices from their invoicing or ERP system into the Predictable Pay portal. Billd works with each GC to determine the best technical solution for their specific environment. The required process is straightforward, needing only a minimal number of data fields to successfully operate the program.
No. Participation is entirely voluntary and at each subcontractor’s sole discretion. Subcontractors can choose to use early pay on all invoices, select invoices only, or not use it at all. They can also change their preference at any time. Opting into or out of the program has no bearing on their eligibility for future work.
The agreements are based on the program’s selected funding model. Regardless of the model, the subcontractor will execute a single agreement with Billd to gain access to the portal.
This agreement includes a provision that if the subcontractor chooses early payment, they will receive a reduced invoice amount (net of the early payment fee), and this payment will be considered the full settlement of the invoice. If the program is funded by a third party, the agreement also specifies that the collection rights for these early-paid invoices are transferred to that funder. The General Contractor is not required to manage or countersign this agreement.
The General Contractor incurs no fees or commitments when utilizing the BPP program; all services are included. The only fees associated with the program are paid by the subcontractor when they choose the early payment option.
The answer depends on your funding model:
It’s important to note that payment risk will vary based on your chosen funding structure. We recommend discussing the specifics of risk allocation with Billd.
Early pay program pricing is flexible and is jointly decided by the general contractor and Billd during the program design phase.
The most common model is a time-based fee, where the early payment discount is calculated based on the number of days the payment is made early. For instance, if a payment is made 15 days before the approved date, the fee is calculated as:
(30-day rate / 30) x 15
Regardless of the specific rate or fee structure chosen, all early payment charges will be clearly displayed within the platform to ensure transparency for the subcontractor.
If an invoice dispute arises after early payment has been disbursed, the dispute is handled through your standard invoice resolution process. Since the early payment has already been made, Billd and your team should be looped in promptly so all parties can align on next steps. Billd’s support team is available to assist in coordinating resolution.
It’s important to note that consistent and repeatable processes around invoice approval and processing are vital for early pay program success. While disputes may arise periodically, general contractors should have a strong internal system in place for an early pay program to run smoothly.
Subcontractors register directly through the Predictable Pay portal. The process takes only a few minutes. Existing Billd customers can use their current credentials—the Predictable Pay menu item will become available upon registration.
Payment timing depends on whether the General Contractor or a third party is funding the program. If a third party is involved, early payment requests may be processed and paid as quickly as the next business day. The specific payment schedule, determined by the funder and their processing timeframes, will be visible within the platform, allowing subcontractors to know exactly when to expect payment.
Billd provides dedicated support for subcontractors enrolled in the program. Subcontractors can reach Billd directly for any platform, payment, or fee-related questions. For general contract or project questions, subcontractors continue to work through their standard relationship manager at your company.
Predictable Pay is one of the most tangible financial benefits a GC can offer a trade partner. Cash flow is the single biggest challenge facing subcontractors in commercial construction. By giving subcontractors control over when they get paid—at no cost to them beyond an optional fee—you signal that you understand their business and are invested in their success. This builds loyalty, improves subcontractor adoption, and gives you a competitive advantage when bidding projects that require strong subcontractor teams.
Contact Billd to begin the implementation process. We’ll work with your team to configure the portal, define the invoice upload workflow, and prepare communication materials to introduce the program to your subcontractors.
