How to Chase Late Payment
Start with a friendly reminder as soon as an invoice is overdue, follow up with a firmer message if it stays unpaid, and keep a written record throughout. Most late payments are oversights and are settled after the first or second reminder.
Below is a simple timeline and two emails you can copy, adapt and send from your own email account.
Before you chase: check the basics
- Did the invoice go to the right person, and does it show a due date?
- Does it include full bank details and a reference?
- Has the customer raised any query or complaint you haven't answered?
A simple chasing timeline
A few days before the due date
Optional: a short, friendly note that the invoice is due soon.
1 to 3 days after the due date
Send the polite reminder below with the invoice attached again.
Around 2 weeks overdue
Phone or message the customer, then send the firmer final reminder with a clear deadline.
After the final deadline
Consider your options, such as claiming statutory interest from a business customer, a formal letter before action or a small claim. Get advice before taking legal steps.
Copy-paste reminder emails
Replace everything in square brackets. Invoice Today doesn't send emails or reminders, so send these from your own email.
Polite reminder
Subject: Friendly reminder: invoice [number] due [date] Hi [name], I hope you're well. This is a quick reminder that invoice [number] for [amount], dated [invoice date], was due on [due date]. I've attached a copy for convenience. If you've already paid, thank you, and please ignore this email. If not, you can pay by bank transfer to: [Account name] Sort code: [00-00-00] Account number: [00000000] Reference: [invoice number] Please let me know if there's anything you need from me. Many thanks, [Your name]
Firmer final reminder
Subject: Final reminder: invoice [number] now [X] days overdue Hi [name], Invoice [number] for [amount] was due on [due date] and remains unpaid, despite my reminder on [date]. A copy is attached. Please arrange payment in full by [deadline date, e.g. 7 days from today]. If there's a problem with the invoice, or you'd like to agree a payment plan, reply before then and I'll be happy to discuss it. If I don't receive payment or hear from you by that date, I may claim statutory interest and compensation for late payment, and consider further steps to recover the debt. Bank details: [Account name], sort code [00-00-00], account [00000000], reference [invoice number]. Regards, [Your name] [Business name]
Late payment interest in the UK
If your customer is a business, UK law gives you a statutory right to claim interest on late payments, and a fixed sum of compensation for each late invoice, unless your contract sets out a different arrangement. The rate is set relative to the Bank of England base rate.
Check GOV.UK's late commercial payments guidance for how to calculate it and the current figures before you claim. Different rules apply to consumers. This is general information, not legal advice.
Make the next invoice easier to get paid
- Agree payment terms before you start.
- Show a real due date and full payment details.
- Take a deposit on larger jobs.
- Keep copies of every invoice and every reminder.
Frequently asked questions
This is general information, not tax or legal advice. Check your own requirements with an accountant or HMRC.