Polite Payment Reminder Email Templates
A gentle first reminder is the most effective way to collect overdue payments without straining your client relationships. These templates assume the best, keep the tone warm, and make it easy for your client to take action. Copy any template below and personalize it in seconds.
1. Standard First Reminder
Subject: Friendly Reminder - Invoice [Invoice Number]
Hi [Client Name],
I hope you're doing well. I wanted to reach out regarding Invoice [Invoice Number] for [Amount], which was due on [Due Date]. I understand things can get busy, so this is just a friendly reminder in case it slipped through.
If you've already processed the payment, please disregard this message. Otherwise, I'd appreciate it if you could let me know when I might expect it.
Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about the invoice.
Thank you so much,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Info]
2. Friendly Check-In
Subject: Quick Check-In on Invoice [Invoice Number]
Hi [Client Name],
I hope everything is going great on your end! I'm just checking in on Invoice [Invoice Number] for [Amount]. The due date was [Due Date], and I wanted to make sure everything is on track for payment.
If there's anything you need from me, like a copy of the invoice or updated payment details, I'm happy to send those over right away.
Thanks so much for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Info]
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Subject: Just in Case - Invoice [Invoice Number]
Hi [Client Name],
I wanted to send a quick note in case Invoice [Invoice Number] for [Amount] may have been overlooked. The due date was [Due Date], and I completely understand how easy it is for things to get lost in a busy inbox.
If this is already being taken care of, feel free to ignore this message entirely. If not, I'd appreciate any update you can share on the expected payment timeline.
Thanks for your understanding,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Info]
4. Reminder with Payment Options
Subject: Payment Reminder - Invoice [Invoice Number]
Hi [Client Name],
I hope you're having a wonderful week. I'm writing to follow up on Invoice [Invoice Number] for [Amount], which had a due date of [Due Date].
For your convenience, I accept payment via bank transfer, credit card, and online payment platforms. If you need updated payment details or would prefer an alternative method, just let me know and I'll be happy to accommodate.
If the payment is already on its way, please disregard this note. Thank you so much for your continued partnership.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Info]
5. Quick Nudge After a Few Days
Subject: Quick Nudge - Invoice [Invoice Number]
Hi [Client Name],
Just a short note to follow up on Invoice [Invoice Number] for [Amount]. It was due on [Due Date], and I wanted to gently bring it back to your attention.
No rush on a detailed reply. A quick confirmation that it's in the queue would be great so I can update my records on this end.
If you've already sent it along, thank you! Please feel free to ignore this email.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Info]
6. Gentle Reminder Framing
Subject: Gentle Reminder - Invoice [Invoice Number]
Hi [Client Name],
I hope this message finds you well. Consider this a gentle reminder that Invoice [Invoice Number] for [Amount] was due on [Due Date] and appears to still be outstanding on my end.
I truly value our working relationship and want to make sure there are no issues with the invoice itself. If anything needs to be adjusted or if you have questions, I'm more than happy to help sort it out.
Thank you for your attention to this, and I appreciate your time.
Kindly,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Info]
7. Warm Reminder Assuming Good Intent
Subject: Following Up - Invoice [Invoice Number]
Hi [Client Name],
I know how hectic things can get, so I wanted to drop a brief note about Invoice [Invoice Number] for [Amount]. The due date was [Due Date], and I'm sure it's just a matter of timing.
There's absolutely no urgency on my side beyond keeping my records tidy. Whenever you have a moment to confirm the payment status or let me know if there's anything I can help with, I'd really appreciate it.
Thank you so much, and I hope things are going well with you.
All the best,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Info]
8. Brief and Concise Version
Subject: Invoice [Invoice Number] - Friendly Follow-Up
Hi [Client Name],
Hope you're well. Quick reminder that Invoice [Invoice Number] for [Amount] was due on [Due Date]. Could you let me know the status when you get a chance?
Happy to resend the invoice or answer any questions. If this has already been taken care of, please ignore this note.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Info]
9. Friendly Reminder Mentioning Busy Schedules
Subject: When You Have a Moment - Invoice [Invoice Number]
Hi [Client Name],
I completely understand how busy things can get, especially this time of year, so I wanted to send a low-pressure reminder about Invoice [Invoice Number] for [Amount]. The due date was [Due Date].
Whenever your schedule allows, I'd be grateful if you could take a look. There's no rush for a detailed response. Even a quick note confirming it's on your radar would be wonderful.
If you need me to resend the invoice or provide any additional details, just say the word.
Thank you so much,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Info]
10. Professional but Warm First Follow-Up
Subject: Follow-Up on Invoice [Invoice Number]
Hi [Client Name],
I hope you're having a great day. I'm reaching out to follow up on Invoice [Invoice Number] for [Amount], which was due on [Due Date]. I wanted to bring this to your attention in case it was missed during a busy period.
I've attached a copy of the original invoice for your reference. If there are any discrepancies or if you need to discuss the payment timeline, I'm very happy to work with you on that.
Thank you for your time and for the opportunity to work together. I truly value our professional relationship.
Best wishes,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Info]
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Generate Your ReminderFrequently Asked Questions
The best time to send a first polite payment reminder is one to three business days after the invoice due date has passed. This gives enough time for processing delays while still showing that you track your receivables. For larger invoices, some freelancers send a brief heads-up the day before the due date as a courtesy.
Focus on collaborative language such as "just checking in" or "wanted to make sure this didn't slip through." Assume good intent, avoid words like "demand" or "failure," and always include a friendly sign-off. Offering to help with any questions about the invoice also softens the tone considerably.
Yes. Including the invoice number, amount, and due date makes it easy for your client to locate the invoice quickly and process payment without extra back-and-forth. It also shows professionalism and helps clients with multiple vendors keep their records organized.
If the client has already sent payment, your polite reminder should be easy to respond to without awkwardness. Including a line like "If you've already sent this, please disregard" shows consideration and prevents any embarrassment on either side. Always check your accounts before sending a reminder.
After your first polite reminder, wait five to seven business days before following up again. This gives clients reasonable time to process the payment. If there is still no response, your second reminder can be slightly more direct while still remaining professional and courteous.
Email is the most common and widely accepted method for payment reminders. It creates a written record, is non-intrusive, and gives your client time to respond at their convenience. For overdue amounts, you may eventually want to follow up by phone, but email is the ideal starting point.