5 Payment Reminder Email Templates That Actually Work
2026-01-28 · 8 min read · PaidMate Team
Not sure what to say when following up on an unpaid invoice? These five templates cover every stage of the collection process — from friendly reminder to final notice. Customise them for your business and start getting paid faster.
Template 1: First Gentle Reminder (Day 1-3)
Subject: Quick reminder: Invoice #[NUMBER] due [DATE]
Hi [CLIENT NAME],
Hope you're well! Just a friendly note that invoice #[NUMBER] for $[AMOUNT] was due on [DATE].
If you've already sent payment, please disregard this message — sometimes things cross in the mail (or the internet!).
If you need me to resend the invoice or have any questions about the work, just let me know.
Thanks,
[YOUR NAME]
[PAYMENT LINK]
Template 2: Second Follow-Up (Day 7-10)
Subject: Following up: Invoice #[NUMBER] now [X] days overdue
Hi [CLIENT NAME],
I'm following up on invoice #[NUMBER] for $[AMOUNT], which was due on [DATE] and is now [X] days past due.
I've attached a copy for your convenience. You can pay securely online here: [PAYMENT LINK]
If there's anything holding up payment — a question about the work, an issue with the invoice, or anything else — please let me know so we can sort it out.
Appreciate your attention to this.
Best,
[YOUR NAME]
Template 3: Third Request (Day 14-21)
Subject: Action needed: Invoice #[NUMBER] overdue
Hi [CLIENT NAME],
I'm reaching out regarding invoice #[NUMBER] for $[AMOUNT], which is now [X] days past the due date of [DATE].
I've sent a couple of reminders and haven't heard back. If there's an issue I'm not aware of, I'd really appreciate knowing so we can work through it together.
If cash flow is tight, I'm open to discussing a payment arrangement. Please get in touch so we can find a solution.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
[YOUR NAME]
[PHONE NUMBER]
Template 4: Firm Final Warning (Day 30)
Subject: URGENT: Invoice #[NUMBER] requires immediate attention
Hi [CLIENT NAME],
This is my final reminder regarding invoice #[NUMBER] for $[AMOUNT], which has been outstanding since [ORIGINAL DUE DATE] — now [X] days overdue.
Per our terms, late payments may incur [LATE FEE POLICY]. I'd prefer to avoid this, and I'm sure you would too.
Please arrange payment within the next 7 days, or contact me immediately to discuss. If I don't hear from you, I may need to consider other collection options.
I value our business relationship and hope we can resolve this promptly.
Regards,
[YOUR NAME]
Template 5: Payment Plan Offer
Subject: Let's work something out: Invoice #[NUMBER]
Hi [CLIENT NAME],
I understand that sometimes cash flow doesn't go as planned. Rather than let invoice #[NUMBER] continue to sit, I'd like to offer a payment arrangement.
Would splitting the $[AMOUNT] into [X] payments of $[AMOUNT EACH] over the next [TIMEFRAME] work for your situation?
Let me know what's feasible, and we can formalise a plan that works for both of us. The important thing is keeping the communication open.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Best,
[YOUR NAME]
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