How do I get a client to pay a late invoice?

Send a clear reminder with the invoice number, amount due, original due date and a payment link. 65-70% of late invoices resolve at the first polite reminder. Escalate to a firm reminder, a late-fee notice, then a final demand if needed.

Can I charge a late fee on an unpaid invoice?

Yes, if your contract or invoice states a late-payment fee. A common structure is 1.5% per month (about 18% per year) on the outstanding balance, applied after a grace period. Always reference the agreed terms in your notice.

Invoice Rescue — Get Paid Faster: Reminder & Late-Fee Scripts

71%

of freelancers have been paid late. 65–70% of late invoices resolve at the first reminder — if it’s worded right.

The details

Client / contact name Your name / business

Invoice #

Amount due

Days overdue Payment link / method (optional)

Tone / stage

Friendly nudgeDue soon / just passed

Firm reminder1–3 weeks late

Late-fee noticeApply contract fee

Final demandBefore collections

Your script

Stop chasing — prevent it next time

TrialGuard →Never get surprise-charged by a free trial again. Set a cancel-by reminder. SubScan →Find subscriptions quietly draining your account. Cancel & Refund Helper →Scripts to claim refunds and reach a real human.

Common questions

What if they ignore the first reminder?: Escalate the tone, not the frequency. One firm reminder, then a late-fee notice citing your agreed terms, then a final demand giving a hard deadline before collections or small-claims. Spacing them ~7 days apart works best.
Can I really charge a late fee?: Only if your contract or original invoice stated it. A common, defensible structure is 1.5% per month (~18%/yr) on the balance after a short grace period. Use the late-fee calculator below to get the exact number.

Late-Fee Calculator →Work out the exact fee & new balance to put in your notice.