Payment reminder templates: what to send when an invoice is late

Most late invoices are not refused, they are forgotten. A short, polite reminder sent at the right time gets most of them paid. Below are free templates you can copy and paste for every stage, in English and in French, plus a phone script for the hard cases.

Modèles gratuits de relance de factures impayées, en anglais et en français : avant l'échéance, à 3, 7 et 14 jours de retard. Copiez, collez, envoyez.

The simple reminder schedule

2 to 3 days before the due date: friendly heads-up with the payment link.
1 to 3 days late: polite nudge. Assume it was forgotten.
7 days late: firmer follow-up. Ask for a date.
14+ days late: final written notice, then call.

Every reminder should include the invoice number, the amount, the due date and a payment link. Keep it short and write in your client's language.

Payment reminder templates (English)

Before the due date (friendly heads-up)

Subject: Invoice #[number] is due on [date] Hi [Name], Just a friendly heads-up that invoice #[number] for $[amount] is due on [date]. You can pay in seconds with this link: [payment link]. Thank you for your business! [Your name]

1 to 3 days late (polite nudge)

Subject: Quick reminder: invoice #[number] Hi [Name], I hope all is well. Invoice #[number] for $[amount] was due on [date] and still shows as open. It may have slipped through, so here is the payment link again: [payment link]. If you already paid, please ignore this message. Thank you! [Your name]

7 days late (firmer follow-up)

Subject: Invoice #[number] is now 7 days past due Hi [Name], I'm following up on invoice #[number] for $[amount], due on [date]. Could you let me know when I can expect payment? You can pay here: [payment link]. If something about the invoice needs to be corrected, just reply and I'll take care of it. Best regards, [Your name]

14+ days late (final written notice)

Subject: Final reminder: invoice #[number] past due Hi [Name], Invoice #[number] for $[amount] is now [X] days past due. Please send payment by [new date] using this link: [payment link], or reply today so we can agree on a payment plan. I value working with you and want to resolve this quickly. Sincerely, [Your name]

Phone or text script

Hi [Name], this is [Your name] from [Business]. I'm calling about invoice #[number] for $[amount] from [date]. I'm sending the payment link again by text right now. Can you take care of it today, or would a payment plan help?

Modèles de relance de paiement (français)

Avant l'échéance (rappel amical)

Objet : La facture n° [numéro] arrive à échéance le [date] Bonjour [Nom], Petit rappel amical : la facture n° [numéro] de [montant] $ arrive à échéance le [date]. Vous pouvez la régler en quelques secondes avec ce lien : [lien de paiement]. Merci pour votre confiance ! [Votre nom]

1 à 3 jours de retard (relance polie)

Objet : Petit rappel : facture n° [numéro] Bonjour [Nom], J'espère que vous allez bien. La facture n° [numéro] de [montant] $, échue le [date], apparaît toujours comme impayée. Voici de nouveau le lien de paiement : [lien de paiement]. Si le paiement est déjà parti, merci de ne pas tenir compte de ce message. [Votre nom]

7 jours de retard (relance ferme)

Objet : Facture n° [numéro] en retard de 7 jours Bonjour [Nom], Je reviens vers vous au sujet de la facture n° [numéro] de [montant] $, échue le [date]. Pouvez-vous m'indiquer quand le paiement sera effectué ? Lien de paiement : [lien de paiement]. Si la facture doit être corrigée, répondez simplement à ce message. Cordialement, [Votre nom]

14 jours et plus (dernier rappel écrit)

Objet : Dernier rappel : facture n° [numéro] impayée Bonjour [Nom], La facture n° [numéro] de [montant] $ a maintenant [X] jours de retard. Merci d'effectuer le paiement avant le [nouvelle date] avec ce lien : [lien de paiement], ou de me répondre aujourd'hui pour convenir d'un échéancier. Je tiens à notre collaboration et souhaite régler cela rapidement. Cordialement, [Votre nom]

Tips that get invoices paid faster

Always resend the payment link. Every extra step delays payment.
Stay friendly, even in the final notice. You want the client back.
Offer a payment plan before the relationship breaks.
Send reminders on a schedule, not when you remember. Consistency beats tone.

More habits that shorten the wait: How to get paid faster: 5 invoicing habits.

Let NovaTek AI send the reminders for you

NovaTek AI shows every unpaid invoice in one view, drafts a polite reminder in English, French, Haitian Creole or Spanish with the payment link included, and you just click send. It also handles your clients, quotes and invoices with payment links, online or offline.

Frequently asked questions

When should I send the first payment reminder?

Send a friendly heads-up 2 to 3 days before the due date, then a short reminder 1 to 3 days after it is missed. Most late invoices are simply forgotten, not refused.

How many reminders should I send?

Three written reminders over about two weeks usually works: a polite nudge, a firmer follow-up at 7 days and a final notice at 14 days or more. After that, call the client.

What should every payment reminder include?

The invoice number, the amount, the original due date, a payment link and a clear next step. Keep it short and friendly, and write in the client's language.

Can software send payment reminders automatically?

Yes. NovaTek AI shows every unpaid invoice in one view and drafts polite reminders in English, French, Haitian Creole or Spanish, with the payment link included. You review and click send. Try it free for 7 days, no card required.

Start your free 7-day trial

No card required. Questions? Call (866) 576-2808 or email info@novatekbusinesssolutions.com.

By Johnny Jean-Baptiste, Founder & CEO, NovaTek Business Solutions Inc. Published October 9, 2026.