How do I politely ask a client to pay an overdue invoice?

Keep it short and factual: name the invoice, the amount and the due date, assume it was an oversight, and give a simple way to pay today. Send a friendly reminder first and get firmer only if it stays unpaid.

When should I send a payment reminder?

A common pattern is a friendly note a few days before the due date, a reminder on the day, a firmer one a week late, and a final notice after about two weeks.

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Payment reminder email templates

Four polite emails for an unpaid invoice, from a friendly nudge to a final notice. Fill in your details once and copy. Free, no sign-up, nothing leaves your browser.

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Client's nameYour nameInvoice numberAmountDue datePayment link (optional)

Friendly heads-up

A few days before it's due

Subject: Invoice INV-001 due on 1 October

Hi Sam,

Just a quick note that invoice INV-001 for £450.00 is due on 1 October.

Thanks very much,
Alex

Due today

On the due date

Subject: Invoice INV-001 is due today

Hi Sam,

A reminder that invoice INV-001 for £450.00 is due today, 1 October. If you've already paid, thank you and please ignore this.

Best wishes,
Alex

One week late

About 7 days overdue

Subject: Overdue: invoice INV-001

Hi Sam,

Invoice INV-001 for £450.00 was due on 1 October and I haven't received payment yet. I'm sure it's just slipped through, so could you let me know when I can expect it?

If there's a problem with the invoice, just reply and I'll sort it out.

Thanks,
Alex

Final notice

About 14 days overdue

Subject: Final notice: invoice INV-001

Hi Sam,

Invoice INV-001 for £450.00, due on 1 October, is still unpaid despite my earlier reminders. Please pay it within 7 days.

If it remains unpaid I will add statutory late payment interest and compensation, as business-to-business invoices allow under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.

Regards,
Alex

Smiling woman in a white shirt using a laptop

Tips that get invoices paid

Assume it was an oversight in the first two emails; most late payers simply forgot. Always repeat the invoice number, amount and due date so nobody has to dig. And give a way to pay in one tap: a card payment link gets paid far faster than bank details someone has to type in.

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