After the due date

Send a polite reminder immediately after the payment due date to prompt customers to complete their transactions. Include all the necessary details, such as the amount due, invoice reference, and a payment link for easy processing.

One week after the initial payment reminder message

If the payment is still pending, send a follow-up payment reminder message one week later. Include a direct payment link to make the process easier.

Two weeks after the initial payment reminder message

If the payment remains unpaid after two weeks, send a firm but still professional final reminder emphasizing urgency. Mention any late fees, account suspension risks, or potential service interruptions to encourage prompt payment.

To help ensure your SMS billing reminders are as effective as possible, it’s not just about when you send them but how you create them. 

The content and tone of your payment reminder messages will ultimately determine whether or not your customer takes action. 

1. Personalize your payment reminders

Use the customer’s name or account details to make the message feel more personal. If possible, refer to past interactions or payment history. 

Personalized messages are not only more likely to be read, but 31% of consumers sign up for SMS to receive personalized messages, making them more likely to act.

Example: “Hi [Name], your $50 payment for [Service/Product] is overdue. Settle it today to avoid late fees: [link].”

2. Choose the right time

Timing plays a crucial role in getting a quick response. Send SMS reminders when customers are most likely to engage, such as mid-afternoon or early evening. 

Be mindful of regulations, like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) in the US, which restricts messages before 8 AM or after 9 PM in the recipient’s time zone.

The best window is typically between 10 AM and 8 PM, but testing different times will help you find what works best for your audience.

3. Provide key payment details

Be clear and specific about the payment details. Include the exact amount due, the due date, and any other relevant details (e.g., order number) to make it easy for the customer to act on the reminder.

Example: “Reminder: Your $75 invoice for [Product/Service] was due on [Date]. Pay now to avoid a $10 late fee: [link].”

4. Include a clear call-to-action

Always end your SMS billing reminder with a clear CTA. Whether it’s a payment link, instructions to resolve the issue, or a contact number for support, make it easy for the customer to take the next step.

Use direct and action-oriented language like “Pay Now,” “Settle Your Balance,” or “Avoid Late Fees.”

Example: "Your payment of [Amount] is due. To avoid late fees and service disruption, please pay now by clicking the link: [Payment Link].”

5. Maintain a respectful tone

Avoid harsh language that might frustrate customers. Maintain a polite, professional tone in every reminder, even if the payment is overdue. Customers are more likely to respond to friendly reminders.

Example: “We understand things get busy. If you need help with your payment, reach out to us at [support info].”

The next step is creating clear, engaging messages that encourage prompt action. 

1. SMS payment reminder template: Before the due date

📅 When to send: 3-5 days before the due date.

Purpose: A soft and friendly reminder to keep the customer informed and prevent late payments.

Some customers forget about their upcoming payments. Sending a courteous and professional reminder ensures they are aware before the due date arrives. This message is especially useful for businesses with recurring invoices, service fees, or product payments.

Hi [Customer Name], just a reminder that your payment of [Amount] is due on [Due Date]. Let us know if you need any help. Thanks for choosing [Company Name]!

2. SMS payment reminder template: Follow-up on due date

📅 When to send: On the due date.

Purpose: A professional and polite reminder to encourage payment before it becomes overdue.

This message is for customers needing a gentle nudge on the due date. Some people wait until the last moment to pay, so this reminder ensures they don’t miss the deadline.

Hello [Customer Name], your payment of [Amount] is due today. Please visit [Payment Link] to make your payment. Feel free to contact us for assistance.

3. SMS payment reminder template: Overdue payment reminder (3 days after due date)

📅 When to send: 1-5 days after the due date.

Purpose: A reminder for customers who may have forgotten or overlooked the due date.

At this stage, customers have already missed their due date, but they may not realize it. This message remains polite and professional while creating urgency. If your business has late fees, this is a good time to mention them.

Hi [Customer Name], we noticed your payment of [Amount] was due on [Due Date] but hasn’t been received. Please make the payment at your earliest convenience here: [Payment Link].

4. SMS payment reminder template: Final notice of overdue payment

📅 When to send: 7-14 days after the due date.

Purpose: A firm but professional warning before escalating the issue (e.g., additional fees, service suspension, collections).

If a customer has ignored previous reminders, it’s time to increase urgency. This message serves as the final warning before taking further action. Use a direct and serious tone while maintaining professionalism.

Dear [Name], we’ve made several attempts to contact you about your outstanding payment of $[Amount], which was due on [Due Date]. If we don’t receive your payment by [Last Due Date], we may have to suspend [Services] and take further action. Please make the payment promptly: [Payment Link].

5. SMS payment reminder template: Subscription renewal reminder

Customers often overlook subscription renewals. A timely reminder helps them renew on time, reducing churn.

📅 When to send: 5-7 days before subscription renewal.

Purpose: Notify customers about upcoming subscription renewals to avoid surprises.For subscription-based businesses, sending a reminder before automatic billing helps reduce disputes and chargebacks. This message reassures customers about their renewal date and provides an option to update payment details.

Hi [Customer Name], your subscription to [Service Name] is about to renew on [Date]. Please ensure your payment of [Amount] is processed before [Due Date]. [Payment Link]

6. SMS payment reminder template: Installment payment reminder

📅 When to send: A few days before an installment payment is due.

Purpose: Helps customers keep track of their scheduled payments.

For subscription-based businesses, missed renewals can lead to churn and lost revenue. Sending a timely reminder ensures customers stay informed and take action before their subscription expires, preventing service disruptions.

[Business Name]: Hello [Customer Name], this is a reminder that your next installment payment of [Amount] for [Loan/Product Name] is due on [Due Date]. Please ensure timely payment to keep your plan active. [Payment Link]

7. SMS payment acknowledgment template: Thank you message after payment

📅 When to send: Immediately after payment is received.

Purpose: A courteous message to acknowledge receipt of payment and build customer trust.

Sending a thank-you message after payment reassures customers that their transaction was successful. It also reinforces positive customer relationships and professionalism.

Thank you, [Name]! We’ve received your payment of $[Amount] for [Product/Service]. Your order/subscription is now confirmed. Need a receipt? Access it here: [Link].

Ensuring timely payments doesn’t have to be a manual, time-consuming task. The right tools can help automate reminders, personalize messages, and improve collection rates effortlessly.

Plivo CX, a leading omnichannel customer engagement platform, simplifies SMS billing reminders with automated scheduling, personalized messaging, and real-time tracking. With intelligent segmentation and AI-driven insights, you can reduce late payments and improve customer retention effortlessly.