Accounts payable (AP)
Money you owe suppliers for goods or services already received.
Last reviewed 12 September 2026
Payables are a free source of short-term funding when managed honestly: longer terms mean cash stays with you longer.
Never fund your business by silently paying late. Negotiate the terms up front instead — suppliers usually agree to 30 or 45 days if you ask.
Frequently asked
What is accounts payable (ap)?+
Money you owe suppliers for goods or services already received. Payables are a free source of short-term funding when managed honestly: longer terms mean cash stays with you longer. Never fund your business by silently paying late. Negotiate the terms up front instead — suppliers usually agree to 30 or 45 days if you ask.
Why does accounts payable (ap) matter for founders?+
Never fund your business by silently paying late. Negotiate the terms up front instead — suppliers usually agree to 30 or 45 days if you ask.
Related terms
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