Payment Guide
How to Remind a Client to Pay (Message Templates UK)
Professional, polite and effective payment reminder messages for UK freelancers and small businesses. Includes templates for text, WhatsApp and email — plus how to automate reminders.
Chasing payments is awkward. You don't want to sound rude, desperate or aggressive — but you also can't afford to wait weeks for money that should have arrived days ago.
The key is using clear, polite, professional wording that gets the job done… without damaging the relationship. This guide gives you copy-and-paste UK payment reminder templates for text, WhatsApp and email — along with proven strategies that work.
In this guide, you'll get:
- Payment reminder templates (gentle → firm)
- How to remind a client to pay politely
- When to send reminders (Day 1, 3, 7, 14)
- How to automate reminders with Simply Link
Want a full guide on automated reminders? Read the automation guide.
Why Payment Reminders Are Necessary
Most late payments are not malicious. People forget. They lose the link. They mean to pay, but life gets in the way.
- Clients get busy and forget
- The payment link gets buried in messages
- Waiting weeks hurts your cashflow
- Automated reminders solve all of these instantly
How to Remind a Client to Pay Politely
The best approach is to stay calm, friendly and matter-of-fact. Your reminder should:
- Avoid blame or emotion
- Include the amount owed & service
- Include a new payment link
- Offer a friendly nudge, not pressure
The templates below follow the exact tone that works best in the UK.
Payment Reminder Message Templates (Copy & Paste)
1. Gentle Reminder (Day 1–3)
Hi! Just a quick reminder about the payment for [service] . Here's the link again to make it easy: [Simply Link payment URL] Let me know if you need anything!
2. Friendly Nudge (Day 3–7)
Hi! Hope you're well. It looks like the payment for [service] is still outstanding. When you get a moment, please use this link to pay: [payment link] Thanks so much!
3. Professional Reminder (Day 7–14)
Hi, just following up regarding the payment for [service] . Here is the link again for convenience: [payment link] Please complete this when you can. Thank you!
4. Firm but Polite Final Reminder
Hi, this is a final reminder regarding the outstanding payment for [service] . Please complete payment today using the link below: [payment link] If you've already paid, please ignore this message.
Want to avoid sending reminders manually? Learn how to automate reminders.
A Better Way: Automate Reminders with Simply Link
Simply Link automatically sends friendly reminders on:
Day 0
Initial reminder
Day 3
Friendly nudge
Day 7
Professional follow-up
Day 14
Final reminder
This removes uncomfortable conversations and gets you paid faster.
Need to learn how to create your first payment link? See the full guide here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I remind a client to pay politely?
Be clear, friendly and factual. Provide the payment link and avoid sounding accusatory.
How soon should I send a payment reminder?
A gentle reminder after 1–3 days is standard in the UK.
How often should I chase a late payment?
Day 1 → Day 3 → Day 7 → Day 14 is the ideal schedule.
What if the client still doesn't pay?
A firm reminder is appropriate. If needed, follow your cancellation policy.
Can reminders be automated?
Yes — Simply Link sends automatic reminders for you.
Related Guides
Continue learning with these related guides:
How to Chase Late Payments Automatically
Automate payment reminders and reduce late payments.
Read guideHow to Request a Deposit Professionally
Learn how to ask clients for a deposit professionally, with UK-specific examples.
Read guideCreate a Payment Link in Seconds
Learn how to create payment links manually and with Simply Link.
Read guideStop Chasing Payments Manually
Create a payment link in seconds and let Simply Link send reminders automatically.
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