How to say “I want my money” professionally
Why it can fall flat
“I want my money”
Leaves out the amount, the date and what the other person should do, so “I want my money” reads as a hostile demand. Usually you just want to be paid what you're owed.
Say this instead
- 01
Hi Charlotte, invoice 1042 for $1,800 was due on March 3 and I haven't received payment yet. Could you confirm the payment date by Friday?
Client · Email
Fits a first reminder because it names the invoice, amount and due date, and asks for a specific reply.
- 02
Hi Charlie, checking on invoice 1042, which was due last week. Can you tell me when it will be paid?
Client · Chat
Friendly and low-pressure, so it suits a client you talk to regularly.
- 03
Hi Andre, invoice 1042 is now 30 days overdue. Please pay it in full by March 20. If there is a problem with the invoice, tell me today so we can sort it out.
Client · Email
Use it after earlier reminders were ignored, since it is firm, sets a date and leaves room for a genuine query.
- 04
Hi Gemma, my March salary hasn't reached my account yet. Could you check with payroll and let me know when I can expect it?
Boss · Email
Keeps a late pay issue factual and points your boss to the person who can fix it.
- 05
Hi Mark, my expense claim for the Leeds trip (£240) was approved on May 2 but I haven't been reimbursed. Could you help me chase it?
Boss · Chat
Helpful when money is owed internally and you need someone with authority to push it along.
- 06
Hey Wayne, you still owe me £15 for the team gift. Can you send it across today?
Coworker · SMS
Short and direct for a small debt between colleagues, and it keeps things from getting awkward.
- 07
Hi Mrs. Collins, a reminder that the $120 balance for your repair is due. Please pay by Friday using the link on your invoice. Thank you.
Customer · SMS
Suits a small business chasing a customer balance with a clear amount, deadline and way to pay.
- 08
Hi Sofia, I haven't received payment for the sourcing work I completed in April (invoice 207). Could you confirm when it will be paid?
Recruiter / HR · Email
Right for freelancers owed money by a recruiter or agency, because it points to the work and the invoice.
Examples
Hi Charlotte, Invoice 1042 for $1,800 was due on March 3 and I haven't received payment yet. Could you let me know by Friday when it will be paid? If anything is holding it up, tell me and I'll help sort it out. Thanks, Alex
Hi Charlie, quick check on invoice 1042 for $1,800. It was due on March 3 and hasn't come through yet. Can you tell me when it will be paid?
What to avoid
- Skip threats and ultimatums in a first reminder.
- Leaving out the amount, invoice number or due date makes the message harder to act on.
- Capital letters and strings of exclamation marks make you sound angry rather than clear.
- Accusing the person of avoiding you turns a payment question into a personal one.
- A vague message like “Any update?” never actually asks for payment.