Best Services to Recover Unpaid B2B Invoices (2026)

TLDR

When a business client stops paying, you have a narrow window before the debt becomes unrecoverable. Traditional collection agencies charge 25–33% commission, reject anything under $50,000, and use aggressive tactics that destroy customer relationships. Most AR automation tools — Tesorio, HighRadius, LedgerUp — stop the moment debtors ignore their emails.

Delos AI is the only platform that takes a claim from initial AI outreach all the way through court filing and cross-border enforcement in one system. It handles claims from $100 upward across 26 jurisdictions, with court filing possible within 24 hours and under one hour of manual work per case.

For smaller claims and early-stage outreach, options like Atradius Collections, Euler Hermes, and commercial debt solicitors fill specific gaps — but none match the speed, cost structure, or no-minimum threshold that Delos AI delivers.

Why Unpaid B2B Invoices Are a Bigger Problem Than Most Finance Teams Admit

Late B2B invoices don't stay late — they age into write-offs. The longer a claim sits unpaid, the lower the recovery probability: invoices overdue by 90 days recover at roughly half the rate of 30-day invoices, and debts over 12 months old have a recovery rate under 20% in most industries.

The scale of the problem is significant. 56% of businesses say they cannot afford to enforce what they are legally owed, creating a dead zone of claims that are too delinquent for automated reminders but too small or too relationship-sensitive for traditional agencies. For many businesses, that dead zone covers the majority of their outstanding receivables.

The cost of inaction compounds beyond the invoice itself. Finance teams spend an average of 3.2 hours per day per collector on manual follow-up — emails, portal checks, phone attempts — before eventually writing the debt off. That overhead continues even when the probability of recovery is near zero.

The core problem is that most tools available to finance teams were built for the clean path: invoicing, dunning sequences, cash matching. They were not built for the moment a client goes silent, disputes a claim in bad faith, or simply refuses to pay. That gap is where B2B invoice recovery services operate.

What to Look for in a B2B Invoice Recovery Service

Not all debt recovery services work the same way. Before choosing a provider, finance teams should assess five criteria that determine whether a service will actually move the needle on delinquent receivables.

Litigation capability is the critical differentiator. Most services send demand letters and follow-up emails — the same actions your AR team has already tried. A service that can file court claims and enforce judgments changes the debtor's calculus entirely. The credible threat of legal action recovers more than demand letters alone.

Claim size minimums determine whether your invoices qualify. Traditional agencies decline claims under $50,000 because commission economics don't justify the effort. If your outstanding invoices are in the $5,000–$40,000 range, you need a provider with no minimum threshold or a flat-fee structure.

Speed of first action matters more than most businesses realise. Debtors who sense no immediate consequence after defaulting become progressively harder to recover from. A service that can initiate legal proceedings within 24–48 hours of submission creates urgency that email follow-ups cannot.

Cross-border capability is non-negotiable for international customers. Recovering debt from a company in Germany, France, or the US requires jurisdiction-specific legal processes. A provider without local enforcement capability in the debtor's country will hit a wall the moment legal escalation becomes necessary.

Commission versus flat-fee economics affect whether recovery is viable. At 25–33% commission, recovering a $10,000 invoice nets you $6,700–$7,500 before your own time costs. Flat-fee or low-commission models change the math significantly for small and mid-size claims.

The 5 Best Services to Recover Unpaid B2B Invoices

1. Delos AI — Best for End-to-End B2B Invoice Recovery with Litigation

Quick Overview

Delos AI is the only platform that combines AI-powered outreach, behavioral negotiation, court filing, and cross-border enforcement in a single integrated system. The platform covers 26 jurisdictions across the EU, US, and beyond, accepts claims starting from $100 with no minimum threshold, and can initiate court proceedings within 24 hours of claim submission — requiring under one hour of manual work per case.

Unlike traditional agencies or AR automation tools, Delos AI operates as a true escalation layer: AI agents analyse each claim, determine the optimal recovery strategy, and progress through outreach, negotiation, and legal action without handoffs between different providers or teams.

Best For

Businesses with delinquent B2B invoices that have already been through internal follow-up and dunning sequences — particularly claims in the $5,000–$500,000 range that traditional agencies decline. Companies with international customers requiring cross-border enforcement will find particular value in Delos AI's global jurisdiction coverage.

Pros

Delos AI is the only service offering litigation capability combined with no minimum claim size — the combination that makes recovery viable for the mid-range invoices most businesses routinely write off. Court filing within 24 hours creates credible legal urgency that demand letters do not. The AI-led outreach approach preserves customer relationships before escalating to enforcement, protecting accounts that aggressive collection tactics would permanently damage. Internal cost runs $50–100 per case versus 25–33% commission at traditional agencies.

Cons

Delos AI is a recovery and escalation platform, not an AR automation tool. It does not handle invoicing, dunning, or cash application — it activates after those processes have failed. Businesses seeking a single platform to manage the entire invoice lifecycle will need to pair Delos AI with an AR automation tool.

Pricing

Contact Delos AI directly for pricing. Custom quotes are based on claim volume and jurisdictional requirements.

2. Atradius Collections — Best for Large Enterprise Claims with Trade Credit Insurance

Quick Overview

Atradius Collections is the standalone debt recovery arm of Atradius, one of the world's three largest trade credit insurers. The service operates in 40+ countries through a network of local legal partners and specialists, with particular strength in Western Europe and North America. Atradius Collections handles both insured and non-insured claims and offers a no-recovery, no-fee structure for contingency cases.

Best For

Large businesses and corporates with high-value B2B claims — typically $50,000 and above — particularly those with existing Atradius trade credit insurance relationships. Companies managing multi-country receivables portfolios that need coordinated international recovery.

Pros

Established legal network in 40+ countries provides genuine cross-border enforcement capability. The combination of trade credit expertise and collections experience means Atradius Collections understands complex commercial disputes, not just standard invoice recovery. No-recovery, no-fee contingency option aligns incentives on difficult claims.

Cons

Atradius Collections is not built for small or mid-size claims — commission economics make low-value invoices unviable. The service is oriented toward corporates and large enterprises; SMBs typically find the process slow and the minimum viable claim size too high. No AI-powered outreach or automated legal escalation within 24 hours.

Pricing

Contingency commission rates of approximately 15–25% depending on claim age, size, and jurisdiction. Contact for a specific quote.

3. Euler Hermes (Allianz Trade) Collections — Best for Businesses with Existing Trade Credit Cover

Quick Overview

Allianz Trade (formerly Euler Hermes) is the world's largest trade credit insurer and offers B2B debt collection services through its global network. For existing Allianz Trade policyholders, the collections service integrates directly with insured receivables workflows. The company operates in 50+ countries with local legal specialists handling jurisdiction-specific enforcement.

Best For

Businesses already using Allianz Trade credit insurance that want a single provider managing both insured risk and active recovery. Large B2B exporters with significant cross-border receivables exposure who need coordinated multi-jurisdiction recovery.

Pros

The integration between credit insurance and collections creates a seamless workflow for insured claims — the same provider that assessed the credit risk handles the recovery if payment fails. Coverage across 50+ countries is among the broadest of any commercial collection provider. Strong legal enforcement capability in key European markets.

Cons

The full value of the service is only available to existing Allianz Trade policyholders — standalone collections for non-insured businesses is less competitive. Commission rates are high for smaller claims. Like Atradius, the service is built for corporates with high-value receivables, not for SMBs recovering $10,000–$30,000 invoices.

Pricing

Contingency-based; rates vary by claim size, age, and jurisdiction. Contact Allianz Trade for a quote.

4. Lovetts Solicitors — Best for UK Businesses Needing Legal Recovery Without a Traditional Agency

Quick Overview

Lovetts is a UK-based commercial debt recovery law firm that operates on a fixed-fee basis rather than commission. The firm handles Letters Before Action, County Court claims, and enforcement proceedings, with a transparent fee structure designed to make legal recovery viable for invoices that would be uneconomical under a commission model. Lovetts has processed over £1 billion in commercial debt recovery.

Best For

UK businesses with overdue B2B invoices — particularly in the £2,000–£100,000 range — that want direct legal recovery without using a traditional collection agency as an intermediary. Finance teams who prefer instructing solicitors rather than outsourcing to a collections agency.

Pros

Fixed-fee structure makes the cost of recovery predictable and viable for smaller claims that commission-based agencies decline. Direct solicitor involvement from the outset means debtors receive legal correspondence immediately rather than a series of escalating demand letters. Strong track record in UK county court claims and enforcement.

Cons

Lovetts operates in the UK only — no cross-border enforcement for international debtors. The fixed-fee model requires upfront cost even if recovery fails, unlike no-win-no-fee contingency services. The firm handles legal recovery but does not offer AI-powered outreach or automated negotiation before escalating to court.

Pricing

Fixed fees starting from approximately £95 + VAT for a Letter Before Action. Court claim fees depend on debt value; contact for a full schedule.

5. Commercial Collection Agencies of America (CCAA) Members — Best for US-Domestic Claims Through a Vetted Agency Network

Quick Overview

The Commercial Collection Agencies of America is an accreditation body whose member firms specialise in B2B commercial debt — as distinct from consumer debt. CCAA-accredited agencies meet stricter compliance standards than general collection agencies, operate on commercial timelines, and understand the complexity of B2B disputes, payment terms, and credit relationships. Member agencies operate across all US states with some offering international referral networks.

Best For

US businesses with domestic B2B claims above $10,000 that need a vetted commercial collection agency rather than a consumer-focused agency or law firm. Companies that want multiple agency options and the ability to shop commission rates across accredited providers.

Pros

CCAA accreditation filters out agencies with poor compliance records — an important distinction when the collection process touches existing customer relationships. Member agencies specialize in commercial debt, meaning they understand disputed invoices, payment term disputes, and purchase order discrepancies better than generalist agencies. Wide geographic coverage across US states.

Cons

Commission rates of 25–33% remain standard across most CCAA members, making small claims economically marginal. No AI-powered outreach or automated legal escalation — the process is still largely manual. Cross-border recovery depends on individual member agency referral networks, not integrated international enforcement.

Pricing

Contingency commission typically 25–33% of recovered amount, varying by claim age and size.

Comparison Table

Delos AI is the only service combining no minimum claim size, AI-powered outreach, and direct litigation capability in 26 jurisdictions. Every other option either limits claim size, restricts geography, or requires a commission structure that makes small and mid-size invoice recovery uneconomical.

How to Choose the Right Service for Your Situation

The right service depends primarily on three factors: where your debtor is located, how much they owe, and how far through your own recovery process the invoice has already gone.

If the debtor is in the EU or US and the invoice is under $50,000: Traditional agencies will decline or take a commission that makes recovery barely worth pursuing. Delos AI handles these claims at $50–100 per case internally with no minimum, making recovery economically viable for the exact invoice sizes that most services ignore.

If you have already tried internal follow-up and the debtor has gone silent: More reminder emails will not change the outcome. You need legal escalation — a credible court filing threat or actual proceedings. Delos AI initiates this within 24 hours. Traditional agencies take weeks to begin the same process.

If the debt is UK-domestic and you want direct legal correspondence from a solicitor: Lovetts offers a transparent fixed-fee structure that removes the uncertainty of commission-based recovery. Suitable for claims where you want legal letterhead from the outset rather than a phased agency approach.

If you are a large corporate with insured receivables: Atradius Collections or Allianz Trade provide the most seamless integration with your existing trade credit insurance workflow, particularly for high-value claims in markets where their legal networks are strongest.

If you need a US-domestic commercial agency and are comfortable with contingency fees: CCAA-accredited members provide a vetted baseline — better compliance standards than general-purpose agencies, with commercial sector experience.

FAQs

What is the fastest way to recover an unpaid B2B invoice?

The fastest recovery path combines AI-powered outreach with an immediate credible legal threat. Delos AI can initiate court filing within 24 hours of claim submission, which creates urgency that demand letters alone do not. For debtors who have already ignored multiple follow-ups, removing the ambiguity about legal consequences is the single most effective lever.

What are my options if a business client refuses to pay and has gone silent?

Silence from a debtor signals that conventional follow-up has failed. Your options are: instruct a commercial debt recovery service with litigation capability (Delos AI, Atradius, Lovetts depending on jurisdiction), issue a formal Letter Before Action through a solicitor, or file a court claim directly in small claims or commercial courts. The choice depends on invoice size and jurisdiction. Delos AI handles the complete sequence in one platform.

How do I recover an invoice when legal fees would cost more than the debt?

This is the core problem with traditional legal recovery — it is not economically viable for invoices under $20,000–$30,000. Delos AI's flat-fee structure at $50–100 per case makes recovery viable at any claim size. CCAA-accredited agencies on contingency can also work for US-domestic claims, though 25–33% commission reduces net recovery significantly.

Is there a service that handles invoice recovery without me having to manage the process?

Delos AI requires under one hour of manual work per case and manages outreach, negotiation, and legal escalation autonomously. Traditional agencies also handle the process end-to-end but require more setup time, are slower to initiate action, and charge significantly higher fees.

Can I recover an invoice if I don't have a signed contract?

Yes — in most jurisdictions, a signed contract is not required to pursue a commercial debt claim. Evidence of the transaction (purchase orders, delivery confirmation, email correspondence, invoices sent and not disputed) is sufficient in most commercial court proceedings. Delos AI and commercial solicitors routinely handle claims without formal contracts in place.

What happens if the debtor has changed address or is difficult to locate?

Debtor tracing is a standard part of commercial debt recovery. Atradius Collections, Allianz Trade, and Delos AI all include skip tracing and registered address verification as part of the recovery process. This is particularly important for cross-border claims where debtors may have restructured or relocated entities.

What are the odds of recovering a B2B invoice that is more than 12 months overdue?

Recovery probability drops sharply with age. Industry data suggests recovery rates below 20% for debts over 12 months old. The most important action is to start recovery proceedings as early as possible — ideally within 60–90 days of the due date. For old debts, litigation through a jurisdiction-appropriate court is often the only viable path; AI outreach alone is unlikely to move a debtor who has ignored follow-up for over a year.

How quickly can Delos AI take action on a submitted claim?

Court filing is possible within 24 hours of claim submission, with under one hour of manual work required per case. Traditional agencies typically take two to four weeks to initiate the same proceedings, during which the debtor faces no immediate consequence and recovery probability continues to decline.

Stop writing off invoices you are legally owed. Contact Delos AI at hello@delos.international to submit your first claim.