Past due invoice email templates (copy and send)

By Marissa · Founder of Dunn · Freelancer for 15+ years · Updated October 18, 2026

Most late invoices aren't refused. They're forgotten. A short, clear email at the right time gets most of them paid.

Short answer: send a friendly note just after the due date, a firmer one a week later, another at two weeks, and a final notice at 30 days that mentions the late fee you agreed on. Get firmer each time.

1 day past due: the friendly reminder

Subject: Invoice #[number] was due yesterday
Hi [name], just a quick note that invoice #[number] for $[amount] was due on [date]. You can pay it here: [link]. If you've already sent it, thank you, and please ignore this.

7 days past due: the nudge

Subject: Invoice #[number] is now a week past due
Hi [name], invoice #[number] for $[amount] is now a week past due. I've attached it again. Could you take care of it this week? Here's the link: [link]. If something's wrong with the invoice, just reply and we'll sort it out.

14 days past due: the direct ask

Subject: Invoice #[number] is two weeks past due
Hi [name], invoice #[number] for $[amount] is now two weeks overdue. If you've already paid, please send me the confirmation so I can update my records. Otherwise, please pay by [date] here: [link].

30 days past due: the final notice

Subject: Final notice: invoice #[number]
Hi [name], invoice #[number] is now 30 days past due. As agreed, a late fee of $[fee] has been added, making the total $[total]. Please pay by [date] here: [link]. If I don't hear from you, I'll have to pause any new work.

Tips that make these work

Always include the invoice number, the amount, and a pay link. Attach the invoice again so they don't have to search.
Give them an easy out: "If you've already paid, please ignore this." It keeps things friendly.
Keep it short and polite. You want the money, not an argument.
Only mention a late fee or pausing work if you agreed to it before the work, and you'll really do it.

How Dunn helps

This whole page is what Dunn does for you, without you writing a word. Dunn sends the invoice in your name, one friendly reminder 4 days before the due date, and, if it goes late, a clear notice: either a warning before the late fee lands or a past-due note. When the late fee is due, Dunn gives you a heads-up the day before, so you can lower or waive it. Then it adds the fee you agreed on and emails your customer the new total. At 14 days late, Dunn asks you whether to send a final notice or call them yourself. Every email has the invoice number, the amount, and a pay button for card or bank. If your customer replies, the reminders pause and the reply comes to you. The moment they pay, the reminders stop, Stripe emails them a receipt, and you get a "paid" email. You stop writing chase emails, and the late fees can cover what Dunn costs.

Quick answers

How many reminders should I send?
Two or three after the due date is usually enough. Dunn keeps it to a few on purpose, so your customers never feel nagged.

Should I call instead?
If two emails go unanswered, a short phone call often works.

Is it rude to remind a client?
No. Reminders are normal business, and most people appreciate them.

What if they say they already paid?
Ask for the confirmation and check your records. With Dunn, invoices paid by card or bank are marked paid on their own, so there's no guessing.

About the author

Marissa is the founder of Dunn. She freelanced for more than 15 years, and getting paid on time was always the hardest part, so she built Dunn to handle it.

Send your first invoice with Dunn

Create it in minutes, send it with a pay button, and Dunn reminds your customer and adds the late fee you agreed on. New to Stripe? Set it up while you sign up. From $39 a month, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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