15 payment reminder text message templates

Payment reminder text messages have become a convenient and direct way to communicate with customers and gently remind them about outstanding invoices.

Here are 15 payment reminder SMS templates you can copy, paste, and customize for every stage of the invoicing cycle.

15 payment reminder SMS templates

Here are 15 ready-to-use payment reminder text message templates covering every stage of the chasing process, from gentle early nudges to firm final notices. Each template is kept to SMS length where possible and can be personalized using Chaser's automatic placeholder fields.

Before the due date

SMS template 1: Friendly pre-due reminder

Use this a few days before the invoice is due. Tone: warm and non-pressuring.

Hi [Customer Name], a quick heads-up that invoice [Invoice Number] for

[Amount Due] is due on [Due Date]. To pay now, visit [Payment Link].

Thanks, [Your Business Name]

SMS template 2: Due-date reminder

Use this on the actual due date. Tone: neutral and matter-of-fact.

Hi [Customer Name], invoice [Invoice Number] for [Amount Due] is due

today. Please pay at [Payment Link] or call us on [Phone Number].

[Your Business Name]

Overdue payment reminder text message templates

SMS template 3: First overdue reminder (gentle)

Use this immediately after the due date passes. Tone: polite and understanding.

Dear [Customer Name], I am writing to gently remind you about

outstanding invoice [Invoice Number] for [Amount Due], now [X] days

overdue. To pay, please visit [Website URL] or call [Phone Number].

Sincerely, [Your Name]

SMS template 4: Second overdue reminder (friendly)

Use this if the first reminder goes unanswered. Tone: friendly but direct.

Hi [Customer Name], a friendly reminder about outstanding invoice

[Invoice Number] for [Amount Due]. Timely payment helps us keep

our services running smoothly. Pay via [Website URL] or call

[Phone Number]. Thank you, [Your Name]

SMS template 5: Third overdue reminder (direct)

Use this one week after your first reminder. Tone: direct and clear.

Hi [Customer Name], invoice [Invoice Number] for [Amount Due] remains

outstanding. The due date was [Due Date]. Please pay at [Website URL]

or contact us at [Phone Number]. Thank you, [Your Name]

SMS template 6: Simple short overdue reminder

Use this when a concise, no-frills message is appropriate. Tone: brief and professional.

Hi [Customer Name], invoice [Invoice Number] for [Amount Due] is

[Overdue Days] days overdue. Please pay at [Payment Link] or call

[Phone Number]. Thanks, [Your Business Name]

Gentle and polite payment reminder SMS templates

SMS template 7: Gentle reminder for a long-standing customer

Use this for customers you have a strong relationship with. Tone: warm and discreet.

Hi [Customer Name], hope you're well. Just a gentle reminder that

invoice [Invoice Number] for [Amount Due] is now overdue. If there's

anything we can help with, please reply or call [Phone Number].

[Your Business Name]

SMS template 8: Polite reminder with payment link

Use this when you want to make paying as easy as possible. Tone: considerate and efficient.

Dear [Customer Name], a polite reminder that invoice [Invoice Number]

for [Amount Due] is outstanding. You can settle this in seconds at

[Payment Link]. Thank you for your continued custom. [Your Business Name]

Payment reminder message templates for WhatsApp

WhatsApp reminders follow the same principles as SMS but allow slightly more context. These templates work well via WhatsApp Business. Always ensure you have customer consent before messaging via WhatsApp.

SMS template 9: WhatsApp payment reminder (polite)

Hi [Customer Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I'm reaching out regarding invoice

[Invoice Number] for [Amount Due], which was due on [Due Date].

If you have already arranged payment, please disregard this message.

Otherwise, you can pay securely here: [Payment Link]

Do let us know if you have any questions.

Many thanks,

[Your Name], [Your Business Name]

SMS template 10: WhatsApp payment reminder (direct)

Hi [Customer Name],

Quick reminder that invoice [Invoice Number] for [Amount Due] is now

[Overdue Days] days overdue.

To pay now: [Payment Link]

To speak to us: [Phone Number]

Thanks,

[Your Business Name]

Final notice and escalation SMS templates

These templates are for accounts that have not responded to earlier reminders. The tone is firm but professional throughout. Avoid aggressive or threatening language, as this can damage the customer relationship and reduce the chance of payment.

SMS template 11: Final reminder before escalation

Dear [Customer Name], this is a final reminder regarding invoice

[Invoice Number] for [Amount Due], now [Overdue Days] days overdue.

Please pay by [Final Date] at [Payment Link] to avoid further action.

[Your Business Name]

SMS template 12: Notice of late payment charges

Use this if your payment terms include late fees. Tone: factual and professional.

Hi [Customer Name], invoice [Invoice Number] for [Amount Due] remains

unpaid. As per our payment terms, a late payment charge of [Fee/Rate]

will apply from [Date]. To avoid additional costs, please pay at

[Payment Link]. [Your Business Name]

Payment reminder SMS templates for specific situations

SMS template 13: EMI or instalment reminder

Use this for customers on a payment plan. Tone: clear and helpful.

Hi [Customer Name], a reminder that your instalment of [Amount Due]

for account [Account/Invoice Reference] is due on [Due Date].

Please pay at [Payment Link] or call [Phone Number]. Thank you,

[Your Business Name]

SMS template 14: Pending or outstanding balance reminder

Use this for customers with a running balance rather than a single invoice. Tone: informative.

Hi [Customer Name], your outstanding balance with us is currently

[Amount Due]. Please pay at [Payment Link] or contact us at

[Phone Number] to discuss. Thanks, [Your Business Name]

SMS template 15: Debt collection SMS (for significantly overdue accounts)

Use this for accounts that are significantly overdue and have not responded to earlier messages. Tone: firm and factual.

Dear [Customer Name], despite previous reminders, invoice [Invoice Number]

for [Amount Due] remains unpaid and is now [Overdue Days] days overdue.

Please contact us urgently at [Phone Number] or pay at [Payment Link].

[Your Business Name]

Main benefits of sending a payment reminder SMS

There are several key benefits to sending a payment reminder SMS:

Convenience

SMS messages are a convenient and direct way to communicate with customers. They can be read on any mobile device, making them accessible to customers on the go. This convenience factor is particularly important in today's fast-paced world, where customers appreciate quick and easy ways to manage their finances.

Timely

SMS messages can be sent immediately, ensuring that customers receive a reminder about their overdue payment promptly. This timeliness is crucial in preventing late payments and ensuring a smooth cash flow for businesses. By sending payment reminders promptly, businesses can increase the chances of receiving payment on time.

Effective

Studies have shown that SMS messages have a high open rate, making them an effective way to reach customers. This high open rate is attributed to the fact that SMS messages are often perceived as personal and urgent, capturing the attention of customers more effectively than other forms of communication.

Personalized

SMS messages can be personalized with the customer's name and invoice details, making them more likely to be read and acted upon. Personalization is a powerful tool in marketing and customer engagement, and it can be used to create a more positive and memorable experience for customers when receiving payment reminders.

Affordable

SMS messages are a relatively affordable way to communicate with customers, especially when compared to other methods such as phone calls or letters. This cost-effectiveness makes SMS payment reminders a viable option for businesses of all sizes, allowing them to reach their customers without breaking the bank.

When to send a payment reminder via text message

Sending reminders at the right time can increase the chances of receiving payment on time and maintain a healthy cash flow. Here are some key considerations for when to send a payment reminder via text message:

Before the due date

Sending a polite payment reminder a few days before an invoice is due is one of the most effective ways to avoid late payments altogether. Customers who receive an early reminder are less likely to forget, and the message carries a friendly, professional tone that strengthens the business relationship.

On the due date

A brief, neutral reminder on the due date itself is a simple and professional touchpoint. Keep it short, include the invoice amount and a direct payment link, and let the facts do the work.

After the due date

Once the invoice's due date has passed, it's appropriate to send a gentle reminder to the customer. This initial message should be polite and professional, simply reminding the customer of the outstanding payment and providing the necessary invoice details with a payment link.

One week after the initial reminder

If the customer has not responded to the initial reminder, you can send a follow-up message. This message should be more direct, emphasising the importance of timely payment and the potential consequences of late payment, such as additional late payment fees or interest charges.

Two weeks after the initial reminder

If the customer still has not responded, you may consider sending a final reminder before taking more serious action. This message should be firm but professional, outlining the specific actions that will be taken if payment is not received promptly.

How to write an effective payment reminder SMS: 5 best practices

When sending SMS reminder messages, it's important to follow certain best practices to ensure they are effective and well-received by customers. Here are the key guidelines to keep in mind:

1. Be clear and concise

Your message should be short and to the point, ideally no longer than 160 characters. Avoid jargon or overly formal language that might confuse the customer. Get straight to the point and remind the customer about the outstanding payment.

2. Send a personalized message

Include the customer's name and the invoice number in your message. This will make the reminder more relevant and personal, increasing the chances that the customer will take action. For example, "Hi John, a reminder that invoice #12345 for $100 is past due. Please make a payment as soon as possible."

3. Provide clear instructions

Tell the customer how they can make a payment, whether it's through your website, mobile app, over the phone, or in person. Provide specific instructions for using your chosen payment methods, such as the website URL or phone number, to make it as easy as possible for the customer to pay.

4. Be polite and professional

Even when the payment is overdue, your message should remain polite and professional. Avoid aggressive or threatening language, as this could alienate the customer and make them less likely to pay. Instead, use a friendly and respectful tone, such as "We understand that things can get busy, but we would appreciate it if you could make a payment as soon as possible."

5. Include a direct payment link

One of the most effective ways to increase the chance of payment is to include a direct, clickable payment link in every SMS. The easier you make it to pay, the faster customers will act. Chaser's Payment Portal generates a unique secure link for each customer, which can be inserted automatically into every reminder.

The complete SMS payment reminder sequence

Sending a single reminder is rarely enough. The most effective approach is a structured sequence that escalates gradually over time. Below is a recommended SMS chasing cadence for a standard B2B invoice:

Timing	Tone	Template
3 days before due date	Warm, no pressure	Template 1
Due date	Neutral, matter-of-fact	Template 2
1 day overdue	Polite and gentle	Template 3
7 days overdue	Friendly but direct	Template 4 or 7
14 days overdue	Direct, clear consequences	Template 5 or 11
21+ days overdue	Firm, escalation flagged	Template 12 or 15

Chaser's automated AR workflows let you set up this entire sequence once, and it runs automatically for every customer and invoice. Each message is personalized with the correct invoice details and payment link, without you having to lift a finger.

The legality of sending payment reminders via SMS

It is legal to send payment reminders via SMS, but there are important rules to follow depending on your location.

In the United States, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) requires businesses to obtain prior express written consent before sending automated commercial text messages.

Note that the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) applies specifically to third-party debt collection agencies, not to businesses chasing their own invoices. If you refer an account to an external collections agency at a later stage, that agency will need to comply with the FDCPA.

In the United Kingdom, the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), enforced by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), govern SMS marketing. PECR works alongside UK GDPR.

For existing customers, PECR's "soft opt-in" rule means you can send payment reminders without explicit consent, provided you gave the customer an opportunity to opt out when you first collected their details, and you include an opt-out in every message. For new contacts, explicit consent is required. You should always check your own legal position.

As a general rule:

Always ensure customers have opted in to receive SMS communications from your business
Include a clear way for customers to opt out of future messages
Do not send messages outside normal business hours
Keep records of consent in case it is ever questioned

When in doubt, consult a legal professional familiar with debt collection and communications law in your jurisdiction.

Automatically personalize your SMS payment reminder templates

The SMS payment reminder samples in this guide cover a variety of invoice-chasing situations whilst remaining polite and professional.

These templates were developed by Chaser, the market leader in accounts receivables automation, which has been supporting businesses with payment chasing since 2014 and has helped businesses worldwide chase and recover over USD 30 billion in late payments.

When you use Chaser's accounts receivables software, the above SMS reminder samples can be pre-loaded onto your account. Placeholder (i.e. [square bracket]) fields are automatically personalized for each recipient. This means every payment reminder looks like it has come directly from you.

You can customize SMS messages with automatic placeholder personalization fields (like business name, due date, invoice amount) and use fully editable SMS templates that reflect your normal language and style of communication with customers.

To get started, speak to an expert to see how you can save time on sending personalized messages to customers and recover debts faster.

FAQs

The AR experts at Chaser have collected and answered the most common questions on how to remind someone to pay you through text:

Is it legal to send payment reminders via SMS?

Yes, provided you have the customer's consent to receive text messages from your business. In the US, the TCPA requires prior express written consent for automated commercial texts. In the UK, PECR governs SMS marketing, and the soft opt-in rule may apply to existing customers. Always ensure customers can opt out and that you are not messaging outside business hours. See the compliance section above for more detail.

What if your payment reminder SMS goes unanswered?

If a customer does not respond to an initial SMS reminder, follow up with a second message a few days later using a slightly more direct tone. If multiple reminders go unanswered, consider following up by phone or email, or escalating to a formal letter before involving a debt collection agency. A multi-channel approach, combining SMS, email, and phone calls, is typically the most effective strategy for recovering overdue payments.

What are the most common reasons for late payments?

The most common reasons customers give for late payments include: forgetting the invoice, cash flow difficulties, internal approval delays, disputes over the goods or services provided, and not having a convenient way to pay. Sending timely reminders with a direct payment link addresses several of these causes at once.

How many payment reminder texts should I send?

As a guide, send up to five or six SMS reminders across the payment cycle: one before the due date, one on the due date, and further messages at one week, two weeks, and three to four weeks overdue. After that, a formal notice or phone call is usually more appropriate. The exact number will depend on the value of the invoice and your relationship with the customer.

What is the best time to send a payment reminder text?

Send payment reminder texts during standard business hours, typically between 9am and 5pm on weekdays. Avoid early mornings, evenings, and weekends. For B2B invoices, mid-week mornings (Tuesday to Thursday) are generally considered a good starting point, though the best timing will depend on your customers and industry, and is worth testing.

Should I use the same template for every customer?

Not necessarily. It is good practice to adjust your tone based on the customer relationship and the stage of the payment cycle. A long-standing customer who is occasionally late warrants a warmer, more discreet message. A new customer who has not responded to multiple reminders may need a firmer approach. Using a variety of templates, like the 15 provided in this guide, allows you to match the message to the situation.

15 payment reminder text message templates