The right payment reminder email gets you paid without damaging the client relationship. The wrong one either gets ignored or starts a fight. Here are 10 proven templates, ready to copy-paste.
🐕 Skip the templates
Chaser sends all of these automatically — day 3, 7, 14, and 30 after the due date. Free for up to 3 invoices. Start free →
| Timing | Tone | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days before due date | Friendly heads-up | Prevent the invoice from going overdue |
| Day 1–3 overdue | Polite, assume good faith | Catch clients who just forgot |
| Day 7–10 overdue | Firm, professional | Make clear this is now overdue |
| Day 14–21 overdue | Formal notice | Signal seriousness, mention consequences |
| Day 30+ overdue | Final demand | Last step before collections / legal |
Subject: Invoice #[number] due in 3 days — [Your Name]
Hi [Client name],
Quick heads-up: invoice #[number] for [amount] is due on [date] — just 3 days away.
Payment details are in the original invoice. Let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks,
[Your name]
Subject: Quick reminder — invoice #[number] from [Your Name]
Hi [Client name],
Just wanted to send a quick reminder that invoice #[number] for [amount] was due yesterday. Easy to miss!
Happy to answer any questions. Let me know if you need me to resend the invoice.
Thanks,
[Your name]
Subject: Following up — invoice #[number], [amount] outstanding
Hi [Client name],
I wanted to follow up on invoice #[number] for [amount], which was due on [date]. I haven't received payment yet.
Could you let me know if there's any issue, or when I can expect payment? I appreciate it.
Best,
[Your name]
Subject: Invoice #[number] — payment now 7 days overdue
Hi [Client name],
I'm following up on my previous reminder. Invoice #[number] for [amount] is now 7 days overdue (due date: [date]).
Please arrange payment at your earliest convenience. If there's a problem or dispute, please let me know immediately.
Regards,
[Your name]
Subject: OVERDUE: Invoice #[number], [amount] — action required
Dear [Client name],
This is a formal notice that invoice #[number] for [amount] is now 14 days overdue. Despite previous reminders, payment has not been received.
Please arrange immediate payment. Late payment interest may apply per our agreed terms. If there is a legitimate dispute, please contact me in writing immediately.
Yours faithfully,
[Your name]
Subject: Final notice — Invoice #[number] referred for collection
Dear [Client name],
Invoice #[number] for [amount] is now 30 days overdue. This is our final notice before we refer the outstanding debt to a collections agency.
Full payment of [amount] must be received within 5 business days of this notice to avoid further action.
[Your name]
[Your business name]
Subject: Re: Invoice #[number] — happy to clarify
Hi [Client name],
Thanks for getting in touch. I understand you have questions about invoice #[number]. I'm happy to review the details with you.
Could you let me know specifically what aspect you'd like to discuss? I'm available [times] for a quick call or can respond in writing.
Best,
[Your name]
Subject: Invoice #[number] — can we set up a payment plan?
Hi [Client name],
I understand that cash flow can be challenging. If it would help, I'm open to discussing a payment plan for invoice #[number].
Would you be able to make an initial payment of [amount] this week with the remainder by [date]? Please let me know if a different arrangement would work.
Thanks,
[Your name]
Hi [name], just chasing invoice #[number] for [amount] — now [X] days overdue. Can you confirm when payment will be made? Thanks, [Your name]
Subject: Payment received — thank you!
Hi [Client name],
Just confirming I've received payment for invoice #[number]. Thank you!
Looking forward to working with you again. Don't hesitate to get in touch if you need anything.
Best,
[Your name]
Waiting 2 weeks to follow up signals that you're not monitoring your invoices. A 3-day reminder shows you're on top of it — and the invoice is still fresh in the client's mind.
Each email should feel slightly more formal than the last. Moving from “Hey just a reminder” to “Dear [name], this is a formal notice” communicates the seriousness of the situation without being aggressive.
Don't make the client search for the details. State the invoice number, amount, and due date in every email. Friction is the enemy of payment.
Include a payment link in every email. A Stripe link, PayPal link, or bank transfer details — whatever you use. If the client has to reply to ask how to pay, they'll do it later (and later means never).
Chaser sends all of these automatically. Add the invoice once, and it handles the sequence. You're notified when each fires, and the emails go from your domain — not a generic tool address.
Add an overdue invoice, and Chaser automatically sends escalating reminders at day 3, 7, 14, and 30 — professional templates, from your domain, zero effort.
Try free — 3 invoices →Free forever · No credit card · 2 minutes to start