Invoice Reminder Text Messages: 10 Templates (SMS + WhatsApp)
Email gets ignored. A well-timed text or WhatsApp message often gets an immediate response. Here are 10 copy-paste templates for every stage of payment chasing.
When to use text for invoice reminders
✅ Good uses
- • When email has been ignored for 3+ days
- • For a personal client you have an ongoing relationship with
- • As a softer, faster follow-up to a formal email
- • When you have their WhatsApp for work communication already
⚠️ Use with caution
- • First-time clients you haven't texted before
- • Large corporate clients (email creates better paper trail)
- • Very early reminders (can feel intrusive before due date)
- • Clients who've told you they prefer email
10 text message templates
Friendly reminder before due date
127 characters (fits in 1 SMS)
Invoice due today
118 characters (fits in 1 SMS)
First reminder
112 characters (fits in 1 SMS)
Second reminder
119 characters (fits in 1 SMS)
Before escalation
150 characters (fits in 1 SMS)
Soft reminder before due date — can include formatting
First real reminder — personal feel
Firm reminder — asking for response
When emails have been ignored
Last message before formal action
GDPR and consent for invoice text reminders
Under GDPR, you can contact existing clients about unpaid invoices as legitimate interest — you don't need separate consent for invoice-related communications.
- •Only text numbers provided for business use — not personal numbers unless used for work comms
- •Don't add clients to marketing SMS lists without explicit consent
- •Keep records of invoice-related communications in case of disputes
- •If a client asks you to stop texting, respect that immediately and switch to email
Combining text + email reminders
Chaser automates the email part of this sequence. Add a personal text at days 7 and 14 for maximum effect.
Automate the email side of chasing
Chaser handles the email escalation automatically — you handle the personal touch via text when needed. Together, it's the most effective chase sequence available to freelancers.
Try Chaser free →Frequently asked questions
Is it appropriate to send invoice reminders by text message?
Yes, but only if you have the client's phone number and they have consented to business communications via text. For ongoing client relationships, a quick WhatsApp message is often more effective than a formal email — it's harder to ignore. Always include your name and invoice reference so it's clear who's contacting them and why.
Do I need GDPR consent to text clients about invoices?
Under GDPR, you can contact existing clients about unpaid invoices as part of your legitimate business interest — you don't need separate marketing consent. However, you should only use the contact details they provided for business purposes. Don't text personal numbers unless the client has used them for business communication with you.
How long should an SMS invoice reminder be?
Keep SMS under 160 characters if possible (one SMS credit). Include: your name, the invoice amount, and a simple action. Example: 'Hi [Name], this is [Your Name]. Invoice #123 for £500 was due on [date]. Can you confirm payment? Thanks.' WhatsApp messages can be longer and include formatting.
Should I combine text and email invoice reminders?
Yes — a multi-channel approach works best. Email is the primary channel (for the paper trail and formality), with a text or WhatsApp follow-up 1–2 days after if there's no response. Never send both simultaneously — it feels aggressive. The text should reference the email: 'Just texting to make sure you got my email about invoice #123'.
What if a client ignores text reminders?
If a client ignores both email and text reminders, escalate to a formal written letter via post (adds legal weight), then consider a formal debt collection letter, a solicitor's letter, or in the UK, a statutory demand (for debts over £750). Chaser automates the email escalation sequence — combined with a personal text, this covers most situations before legal action is needed.