“You promised me money”: how to say it politely

Say this instead

1. 01

   Hi Charlotte, invoice 1042 for £850 was due on March 14 and I haven't seen the payment yet. Could you confirm when it will be paid?

   Client · Email

   Stating the invoice, amount and due date makes this a fair first reminder that blames no one.

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2. 02

   Hi Jules, at my January review we agreed a £500 bonus to be paid with the March salary, and it wasn't in my payslip. Could you tell me when to expect it?

   Boss · Email

   A bonus agreed at a review gives you a solid reference point, so you can simply ask when it will be paid.

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3. 03

   Hi Ciaran, quick reminder about the £20 for the team lunch order. Could you send it over today? Thanks.

   Coworker · SMS

   Friendly and brief, this fits a small sum between peers who see each other daily.

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4. 04

   Hi Leo, the £30 taxi advance was due back on Friday. Could you settle it today so I can close the expenses?

   Someone you manage · Chat

   Linking the request to closing the expenses keeps the focus on the task and off anyone's trustworthiness.

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5. 05

   Hi, the £120 balance for the repair was due on May 5. Could you pay it by Friday? The payment link is in my last email.

   Customer · SMS

   A firm deadline and a payment link make it easy for the customer to act right away.

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6. 06

   Hi Nina, your email said travel costs for the June 12 interview would be reimbursed. I sent the £45 receipt on June 15. Could you tell me when to expect the payment?

   Recruiter / HR · Email

   Quoting their own written offer keeps the tone neutral and lets them verify the claim quickly.

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   Copy
7. 07

   Hi Pranav, checking on the second payment for the website project. It's due on July 1 in our agreement. Could you let me know when it will go out?

   Client · Chat

   As a light check-in, it leaves the client room to answer before you consider anything firmer.

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Examples

What to avoid

• Opening with “you promised” or “you said” puts the person on trial, so start with the date, the amount or the agreement.
• Hinting at consequences you won't enforce weakens you, so if a late fee is the real next step, name it plainly and calmly.
• Sarcasm such as “just a gentle reminder, again” adds heat without adding clarity.
• Vague asks like “soon” or “when you can” leave the date open, so name the amount and the day you need it.
• Chasing money in a group chat or in front of others embarrasses people, so send a private message.

Related phrases

• How to say “I'd like a promotion and a raise” professionally→
• Better ways to say “can I get an advance”→
• Saying “that's expensive” at work→
• Better ways to say “I need upfront payment”→
• What to say instead of “you owe me money”→
• A kinder way to say “you promised to do this”→