---
title: Configure purchase orders
slug: configured-commerce/docs/configure-purchase-orders
docTags: 
createdAt: 2026-08-13T10:46:25.000Z
---

Purchase orders (POs)are commercial documents used to define the types, quantities, and prices for objects or services in a transaction.

You can use a global website setting to require all customers to enter PO numbers to check out or you can set this requirement at the customer level. The global setting overrides the customer-level requirements, if enabled. Customer bill-to accounts that require POs override any customer ship-to requirements.

Use the steps below to allow for the use and/or requirement of POs on your website. Also review [Create and Assign Payment Methods](docId\:dQqBkGaBcL8E3P4yryPLT) for more information about assigning POs as the default payment method.

## Enable purchase orders on a website

If setting **Enable Purchase Orders** is set to **No** for the website, the system will ignore the logic for **Require Purchase Order Number** for both the setting and individual customer records.

1. Go to **Admin Console** > **Administration** > **System** > **Settings**.
2. In the search box enter and select **Enable Purchase Orders**.
3. Set the toggle to **YES**. This makes the **PO Number** field and **Payment Terms** options available in the **Payment Method** drop-down list on the **Review and Pay** page. The default value is **YES**.
4. Click **Save**.

## Require a purchase order to checkout for all customers

If the setting **Require Purchase Order Number** is set to **Yes** for the current website, all customers must enter a PO number to check out.

1. Go to **Admin Console** > **Administration** > **System** > **Settings**.
2. In the search box enter and select **Require Purchase Order Number**.
3. Set the toggle to **YES**. If Yes, a purchase order number will be required to submit an order.
4. Click **Save**.

## Require purchase order number for certain customers

If the setting **Require Purchase Order Number** is set to **No** for the current website and:

- The customer bill to record is set to **On**, this customer must enter a PO number to check out.
- The customer bill to value is set to **Off**, but the customer ship-to record is set to **On**, this customer must enter a PO number to check out.

1. Go to **Admin Console** > **Customers**.
2. Select the **Edit** icon next to a customer.
3. Scroll down to the **Billing** section on the Details finger tab.
4. Set the **Require Purchase Order Number** toggle to **On**.
5. Click **Save**.