Free Templates

Payment Reminder Templates That Work

Professional, tested templates for every stage of the collection process. Copy, customize, and send to get paid faster without damaging client relationships.

15+

Ready-to-use templates

98%

SMS open rate

3x

Faster payment with reminders

60%

Reduction in late payments

The Psychology of Getting Paid

Most late payments aren't intentional - people are busy, invoices get lost, and payment dates slip. The right reminder at the right time can recover 90% of overdue payments without escalation. Here's how to approach each stage:

Start Friendly

Assume good intent. Most delays are accidents, not avoidance.

Be Consistent

Stick to a schedule. Irregular reminders feel unprofessional.

Escalate Gradually

Each message should be slightly firmer than the last.

Always Include the Link

Make paying as easy as possible - one click.

Payment Reminder Timeline

-3

3 Days Before Due

Friendly heads-up

0

Due Date

Polite reminder

+3

3 Days Overdue

Gentle nudge

+7

7 Days Overdue

Firm but fair

+14

14 Days Overdue

Final warning

+30

30 Days Overdue

Formal demand

Before Due Date

Proactive reminders prevent most late payments

Friendly Heads-Up Email

Subject Line

Quick reminder: Invoice #{invoice_number} due in 3 days

Hi {customer_name},

Just a friendly heads-up that invoice #{invoice_number} for {amount} is due on {due_date}.

You can view and pay your invoice here:
{payment_link}

If you've already sent payment, please disregard this message.

Thanks for your business!

Best regards,
{your_name}
{company_name}
Tips
  • -Send 3-5 days before the due date
  • -Keep the tone light and helpful
  • -Include a direct payment link for one-click payment

Pre-Due Date SMS

Hi {name}, your invoice #{number} ({amount}) is due {date}. Pay here: {link} - {company}
Tips
  • -Keep under 160 characters for single SMS
  • -Include amount and due date
  • -Payment link is essential

On Due Date

Payment is due today - time for a clear reminder

Due Date Email

Subject Line

Payment due today: Invoice #{invoice_number}

Hi {customer_name},

This is a reminder that invoice #{invoice_number} for {amount} is due today, {due_date}.

To avoid any late fees or service interruptions, please process your payment at your earliest convenience.

Pay now: {payment_link}

If you have any questions about this invoice, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Thank you,
{your_name}
{company_name}
Tips
  • -Be clear and direct about the due date
  • -Mention any late fee policies if applicable
  • -Still maintain a professional, respectful tone

Due Date SMS

{name}, invoice #{number} ({amount}) is due today. Pay now: {link} - {company}
Tips
  • -Send in the morning for best response
  • -Be direct but not aggressive

After Due Date

Escalating reminders for overdue payments

3 Days Overdue - Gentle Reminder

Subject Line

Friendly reminder: Invoice #{invoice_number} is past due

Hi {customer_name},

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to follow up on invoice #{invoice_number} for {amount}, which was due on {due_date}.

I understand things can get busy - if the payment slipped through the cracks, here's a quick link to settle the balance:

{payment_link}

If there's an issue with the invoice or you need to discuss payment arrangements, please let me know. I'm happy to help.

Best regards,
{your_name}
{company_name}
Tips
  • -Assume the best - it's probably an oversight
  • -Offer to help if there's a problem
  • -Keep the relationship warm

7 Days Overdue - Firm Reminder

Subject Line

Action required: Invoice #{invoice_number} is 7 days overdue

Hi {customer_name},

I'm following up regarding invoice #{invoice_number} for {amount}, which is now 7 days past the due date of {due_date}.

We value our working relationship and would like to resolve this promptly. Please process the payment at your earliest convenience:

{payment_link}

If you're experiencing difficulties or have questions about this invoice, please contact me directly so we can find a solution.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Regards,
{your_name}
{company_name}
{phone_number}
Tips
  • -Add a sense of urgency
  • -Mention the specific number of days overdue
  • -Include your phone number for direct contact
  • -Offer to discuss payment arrangements

14 Days Overdue - Final Warning

Subject Line

URGENT: Final reminder for invoice #{invoice_number}

Dear {customer_name},

Despite previous reminders, invoice #{invoice_number} for {amount} remains unpaid. The invoice is now 14 days past the original due date of {due_date}.

Outstanding amount: {amount}
Original due date: {due_date}
Days overdue: 14

Please make immediate payment to avoid further action:
{payment_link}

If payment is not received within 7 days, we will be forced to:
- Suspend services/access
- Apply late payment fees
- Refer the matter to our collections department

If you have already made payment, please send confirmation. If you need to discuss payment options, contact me immediately at {phone_number}.

Regards,
{your_name}
{company_name}
Tips
  • -Clearly state consequences
  • -Use bullet points for impact
  • -Set a specific deadline (7 days)
  • -This is your last friendly warning before formal action

30 Days Overdue - Formal Demand

Subject Line

FINAL NOTICE: Invoice #{invoice_number} - Immediate action required

Dear {customer_name},

FORMAL NOTICE OF OUTSTANDING PAYMENT

This letter serves as formal notice that the following invoice remains unpaid:

Invoice Number: {invoice_number}
Invoice Date: {invoice_date}
Original Due Date: {due_date}
Outstanding Amount: {amount}
Days Overdue: 30+

Despite multiple reminder notices sent on {reminder_dates}, payment has not been received.

We hereby demand immediate payment in full. Failure to pay within 14 days of this notice will result in:

1. Termination of all services
2. Late payment interest as per our terms ({interest_rate}% per month)
3. Referral to a third-party collection agency
4. Potential legal action to recover the debt plus costs

To avoid these consequences, pay immediately:
{payment_link}

Alternatively, contact us within 48 hours to discuss a payment plan.

This is our final attempt to resolve this matter amicably.

Sincerely,
{your_name}
{your_title}
{company_name}
{company_address}
{phone_number}
Tips
  • -Use formal language and structure
  • -Document everything for potential legal action
  • -Include specific dates and amounts
  • -Send by registered mail or email with read receipt

SMS Reminder Templates

Short, direct messages with 98% open rate

SMS Best Practices

Keep messages under 160 characters for a single SMS. Always include the payment link and your company name. Send during business hours (9am-6pm).

Gentle Reminder

Hi {name}, friendly reminder: invoice {number} ({amount}) due {date}. Pay: {link} - {company}

Overdue Notice

{name}, your invoice {number} is overdue. Please pay {amount} today: {link} - {company}

Urgent

URGENT: Invoice {number} is {days} days overdue. Pay {amount} now to avoid action: {link}

Final Notice

FINAL NOTICE: Pay invoice {number} ({amount}) within 48hrs or service suspended: {link}

Formal Letter Templates

For serious collection situations

Formal Demand Letter (English)

[Your Company Letterhead]

{date}

{customer_name}
{customer_address}

RE: FORMAL DEMAND FOR PAYMENT
Invoice No: {invoice_number}
Amount Due: {amount}

Dear {customer_name},

NOTICE OF OUTSTANDING DEBT

We write regarding the above-referenced invoice which remains unpaid despite our previous correspondence dated {previous_dates}.

The facts are as follows:
- Services/goods provided on: {service_date}
- Invoice issued on: {invoice_date}
- Payment due date: {due_date}
- Amount outstanding: {amount}
- Days overdue: {days_overdue}

Under the terms of our agreement, payment was due within {payment_terms} days. As of the date of this letter, the above amount is {days_overdue} days past due.

DEMAND FOR PAYMENT

We hereby formally demand payment of the full outstanding amount of {amount} within fourteen (14) days from the date of this letter.

CONSEQUENCES OF NON-PAYMENT

If payment is not received within the stated timeframe, we reserve the right to:
1. Charge statutory interest at {interest_rate}% per annum from the due date
2. Pursue legal proceedings without further notice
3. Report the debt to credit reference agencies
4. Recover all reasonable costs of collection including legal fees

We strongly urge you to treat this matter seriously and make immediate payment to avoid these consequences.

Payment can be made at: {payment_link}

For queries regarding this demand, contact us at {phone_number}.

Yours faithfully,

{your_name}
{your_title}
{company_name}
Tips
  • -Print on company letterhead
  • -Send via registered/certified mail
  • -Keep a copy for your records
  • -Consider having it reviewed by a legal professional

Dutch WIK-brief (14-day Letter)

Required before legal collection in the Netherlands

WIK-brief Template (NL)

[Briefhoofd van uw bedrijf]

{datum}

{klantnaam}
{klantadres}

Betreft: Laatste aanmaning / WIK-brief
Factuurnummer: {factuurnummer}
Openstaand bedrag: {bedrag}

Geachte heer/mevrouw {achternaam},

Ondanks eerdere herinneringen hebben wij tot op heden geen betaling ontvangen van het hierboven genoemde bedrag.

Openstaande factuur:
- Factuurnummer: {factuurnummer}
- Factuurdatum: {factuurdatum}
- Vervaldatum: {vervaldatum}
- Openstaand bedrag: {bedrag}

Dit is een laatste aanmaning conform de Wet Incassokosten (WIK).

Wij verzoeken u dringend het openstaande bedrag van {bedrag} binnen 14 dagen na dagtekening van deze brief te voldoen.

U kunt betalen via: {betaallink}

Indien wij binnen 14 dagen geen betaling hebben ontvangen, zijn wij genoodzaakt de vordering uit handen te geven aan een incassobureau. De wettelijke incassokosten en rente komen dan voor uw rekening. Deze kosten bedragen minimaal 40 euro, vermeerderd met de wettelijke rente.

Wij vertrouwen erop dat u het niet zover laat komen.

Met vriendelijke groet,

{uw_naam}
{uw_functie}
{bedrijfsnaam}
{telefoon}
Tips
  • -Required by Dutch law before using collection agencies
  • -Must give exactly 14 days to pay
  • -Send by post with tracking or registered mail
  • -Keep proof of sending for legal purposes

Best Practices for Payment Reminders

Timing

  • Send first reminder 3-5 days before due date
  • Follow up on the due date itself
  • Escalate every 7 days after that
  • Send emails Tuesday-Thursday morning for best response
  • SMS works best between 10am-2pm

Tone

  • Start friendly, escalate gradually
  • Never be rude or threatening
  • Be firm but professional
  • Assume good intent until proven otherwise
  • Match formality to relationship

Personalization

  • Always use the customer's name
  • Reference specific invoice numbers
  • Include the exact amount due
  • Mention previous services/purchases
  • Sign with a real person's name

Technical

  • Always include a direct payment link
  • Use clear subject lines for emails
  • Keep SMS under 160 characters
  • Test links before sending
  • Track opens and clicks when possible

Automate Your Payment Reminders

Stop manually chasing payments. PayRequest's dunning system sends the right reminder at the right time - automatically. Set it once and get paid on autopilot.

Automatic pre-due reminders
Customizable email templates
SMS payment reminders
Escalating reminder sequences
One-click payment links
Real-time tracking
Works with Stripe & Mollie
Dutch WIK-compliant

Ready to Get Paid Faster?

Use these templates today or let PayRequest automate your entire collection process. Start free and see results in days.