Free invoice chaser: payment reminder messages in seconds
Enter your client, invoice number, amount and due date and get a polite reminder, a firm chaser and a final demand, each as a short text or WhatsApp message and a full email. You can add statutory interest and the fixed fee for business customers. It runs in your browser and stores nothing.
3. Pick a tone and copy the message
You can edit either box before copying. Changing the form again rewrites the boxes, so make your edits last. Attach the invoice to your email, keep a copy, and only say you'll take further action if you're prepared to.
How to use the invoice chaser
- Fill in the invoice details. The days overdue work themselves out from the due date, or you can type your own number.
- Say who owes you. If it's a business, you can add statutory interest and the fixed fee. If it's a private customer, they're left out.
- Pick a tone and read both versions. Edit anything you like.
- Copy the text version for WhatsApp, SMS or a messaging app, or the email version (with subject line) for email. Attach the invoice to the email.
Which message to send, and when
- Polite reminder: the day after the due date. Most late invoices are oversights, so assume that first.
- Firm chaser: 7 to 14 days later if you've had no answer. State the days overdue, give a date to pay by and mention interest if the customer is a business.
- Final demand: another 7 to 14 days later. Itemise exactly what's owed, set a last date and say what you'll do next. Only say you'll start a court claim if you're prepared to.
Our guides go through the process in more detail: how to chase an unpaid invoice, payment reminder and final demand letter templates, chasing a homeowner for payment and Money Claim Online for an unpaid invoice.
Statutory interest and the fixed fee
GOV.UK says that if another business is late paying you, you can claim interest and debt recovery costs. Unless your contract sets a different rate, statutory interest is 8% plus the Bank of England base rate, and you can also claim a fixed sum depending on the size of the debt:
| Size of debt | Fixed sum you can claim |
|---|---|
| Up to £999.99 | £40 |
| £1,000 to £9,999.99 | £70 |
| £10,000 or more | £100 |
The tool works interest out as amount × (8% + base rate) ÷ 365 for each day overdue, rounded to the penny, using the base rate you enter. The Bank of England base rate was 3.75% when this page was checked on 18 October 2026. Strictly, the law uses the base rate in force on 30 June or 31 December before interest starts, and the "Use that rate" button sets it for you. See the late payment interest calculator for the full workings, late payment fees and late payment interest for subcontractors.
The scheme covers business-to-business contracts only. It doesn't apply to consumers, and it may not apply if your contract has a different, substantial late payment remedy. GOV.UK says to send a new invoice if you add interest and costs, so do that if you decide to claim them.
Tips for getting paid
- Attach the invoice every time and quote the invoice number in the subject line.
- Give a date, not "soon", and keep to one clear request per message.
- Keep the tone calm. A polite message gets answered more often than an angry one.
- Keep copies of everything. If it ever reaches a court claim, the paper trail matters.
- If they dispute the invoice, ask for the reason in writing and answer that before you send a final demand.
- Agree payment terms before work starts, so you're not arguing about them later. See payment terms and late payment.
Frequently asked questions
Is the invoice chaser free?
Yes. It's free, needs no sign-up and runs entirely in your browser, so nothing you type is sent to us or stored.
When should I send a payment reminder?
Send a polite reminder the day after the due date, a firmer chaser 7 to 14 days later if there's been no reply, and a final demand another 7 to 14 days after that.
Can I charge interest on a late invoice?
If the customer is another business and your contract doesn't set a different, substantial late payment remedy, GOV.UK says you can claim statutory interest of 8% plus the Bank of England base rate, plus a fixed sum. It doesn't apply to private customers unless you agreed it in writing.
How much is the fixed late payment fee?
£40 for debts under £1,000, £70 for debts from £1,000 to £9,999.99, and £100 for debts of £10,000 or more.
What base rate does the chaser use?
It starts at 3.75%, the Bank of England rate when this page was checked on 18 October 2026. You can change it, or use the button that sets the rate the law uses for your due date.
Does a chase message have to be sent in writing?
A written message, such as an email or text, gives you a record. Keep copies of everything you send and any replies in case you need to take things further.
Is this legal advice?
No. It's a message generator based on GOV.UK guidance. For a large or disputed debt, get advice from a solicitor, Citizens Advice or your trade body.
Sources
- Late commercial payments: charging interest and debt recovery – GOV.UK
- Interest on late commercial payments – GOV.UK
- Bank Rate – Bank of England
- Make a court claim for money – GOV.UK
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and rates change, so check the linked GOV.UK pages for the current position.