Late Payment Reminder Email Templates
Five ready-to-use templates that follow a clear escalation: friendly reminder, follow-up, statutory interest notice, final notice, and pre-action. All UK-specific, polite, and effective.
A reliable UK chase sequence: send a friendly reminder on the due date, a firmer follow-up at 7 days overdue, a statutory interest notice at 14 days, a final notice at 21 days, and a pre-action letter at 30 days if there's still no payment or response. Most overdue invoices clear at the 7- or 14-day stage when the language stays professional but firm.
The escalation approach that actually works
Three principles behind the templates below:
- Consistency beats intensity. A reliable, calm sequence trains clients to pay you on time. One angry email at day 60 doesn't.
- Make payment effortless. Every reminder includes the invoice attached, the amount, the due date and a one-click payment link.
- Don't apologise for chasing. Asking for what you're owed is professional, not rude.
1. Day-of-due / day-after reminder (friendly)
Subject: Quick reminder — invoice #INV-001 (£[amount]) due today Hi [Name], Just a friendly nudge that invoice #INV-001 for £[amount] is due today / was due yesterday. I've reattached it here for ease. You can pay by bank transfer to the details on the invoice, or click below to pay by card: [Payment link] If you've already paid in the last day or two, please ignore this with my apologies — and thanks! Best, [Your name] [Phone]
2. 7-day follow-up (firmer)
Subject: Overdue: invoice #INV-001 (£[amount]) Hi [Name], Invoice #INV-001 for £[amount] is now 7 days overdue. I haven't seen confirmation of payment yet — could you let me know when you expect to settle it? Invoice attached for reference. Payment link: [Payment link] If there's an issue with the invoice or anything I should know, please reply and we can sort it. Thanks, [Your name] [Phone]
3. 14-day statutory interest notice
Subject: 14 days overdue — invoice #INV-001 — statutory interest now applies Hi [Name], Invoice #INV-001 for £[amount] is now 14 days overdue. Under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, I am entitled to charge statutory interest at the Bank of England base rate plus 8%, together with a fixed compensation charge depending on the invoice value. I would much rather not apply these charges. Please could you confirm payment by [date] to keep things straightforward? Invoice attached. Payment link: [Payment link] Best, [Your name] [Phone]
The Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 gives UK businesses an automatic statutory right to interest and fixed compensation on commercial invoices paid late. You don't need it written into the contract. Mentioning it professionally often unblocks payment.
4. Final notice (21+ days)
Subject: Final notice — invoice #INV-001 Hi [Name], Invoice #INV-001 for £[amount] is now [X] days overdue. Despite previous reminders, I have not received payment or a response. This is a final notice. Please arrange payment by [date — 7 days from today]. If payment is not received I will: - Apply statutory interest and compensation under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 - Pass the debt to a collection service or pursue it through the courts I would much prefer to resolve this directly. Please reply today. Regards, [Your name] [Phone]
5. Pre-action letter (30+ days, last step before formal action)
Subject: Pre-action notice — invoice #INV-001 — payment required within 7 days [Date] [Their name and address] Dear [Name], INVOICE #INV-001 — £[principal] PRINCIPAL, £[interest] STATUTORY INTEREST, £[comp] COMPENSATION This invoice was due on [date]. Despite reminders dated [dates], it remains unpaid. The total now owed is £[total], comprising the principal sum of £[principal], statutory interest of £[interest] calculated under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, and fixed compensation of £[40 / £70 / £100 depending on invoice value]. This letter is sent in accordance with the Practice Direction on Pre-Action Conduct. If payment in full is not received within 7 days of the date of this letter, I will issue a claim through the Money Claim Online service without further notice. You will also be liable for court fees and any further interest. I attach the original invoice and a statement of account. Please make payment to the bank details on the invoice or use the link below: [Payment link] Yours sincerely, [Your name] [Your business / company name]
Tone and tips
- Use the same email thread for each escalation so the recipient sees the history.
- Send mid-morning Tuesday–Thursday; these tend to get the highest open and reply rates for B2B.
- Pick up the phone alongside the 14-day email. A two-minute call often unblocks payment faster than five emails.
- Address it to the person who actually pays bills, copying the original contact. Accounts teams often pay the moment they're directly asked.
- Don't threaten what you won't follow through on. If you say court action at day 30, mean it.
Frequently asked questions
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