Invoice reminder wording, from gentle to firm

Gentle wording (up to two weeks late)

• "Just a quick reminder that invoice [number] was due on [date]."
• "I'm resending invoice [number] in case it got buried."
• "If this has already been paid, thank you — please ignore this note."
• "Could you let me know when it's scheduled for payment?"

Firm wording (two to four weeks late)

• "Invoice [number] for [amount] is now [X] days past due."
• "Please send payment this week, or reply with the date it will be sent."
• "I haven't received a response to my earlier reminders."
• "If anything on the invoice needs correcting, tell me today and I'll fix it."

Final wording (over 30 days late)

• "This is a final reminder about invoice [number]."
• "Please pay by [deadline date]."
• "Until this is settled, I'll pause further work on the account."
• "If I don't hear back by [date], I'll [next step, e.g. apply the late fee in our agreement]."

Phrases to avoid

• "Sorry to bother you" — you're not bothering anyone; you did the work.
• "Just checking in" — too vague. Name the invoice and the ask.
• "As per my last email" — reads as passive-aggressive.
• Threats you won't follow through on — they cost you credibility.

Putting it together: gentle

Hi [Client name],

Just a quick reminder that invoice [number] for [amount] was due on [date]. I've attached it again in case it got buried.

If it's already been paid, thank you. If not, could you let me know when it's scheduled?

Thanks,
[Your name]

Putting it together: firm

Hi [Client name],

Invoice [number] for [amount] is now [X] days past due, and I haven't had a response to my earlier reminder.

Please send payment this week, or reply with the date it will be sent. If anything on the invoice needs correcting, tell me today and I'll fix it.

Best,
[Your name]

Need the full sequence? See the overdue invoice email template, how to write a late invoice email, or how to chase an unpaid invoice.