When someone owes you money, one angry message rarely works. A short ladder does: each step a little firmer than the last, each one polite. Use the steps in order, and stop climbing the moment you are paid.
Written 8 October 2026. The wording is ours: use it as it is or change it. We give no legal advice. Nothing you type here leaves your phone.
Fill this in once and every message below is filled in. Then tap Copy, or Send on WhatsApp and choose the person.
Hello [name]. I hope you are well. Just a reminder that [amount] ([what it is for]) is due today. Thank you.
Hi [name]. Following up on the [amount] for [what it is for]. Could you let me know when you will send it? Thank you.
Hello [name]. The [amount] for [what it is for] is still open. I need to close it this week. Please tell me what you can pay and when.
Hello [name]. I have asked a few times about the [amount] for [what it is for]. I would like us to agree a clear plan today: an amount and a date. What works for you?
Three weeks, or when patience is gone
Hello [name]. This is my final reminder about [amount] for [what it is for]. I need it by [date]. If that is not possible, please call me today so we can agree something. I do not want this to hurt our relationship.
No reply after step 3
Hello [name]. I have not heard back and I am a little worried. Is everything alright? I still need to settle the [amount] for [what it is for], so please just reply with when you can.
Thank you [name], I understand. Let us check it together. My record says [amount] for [what it is for]. Can you tell me the figure you have, and what is different? We can sort it quickly.
After you agree one
Thank you [name]. To confirm what we agreed on the [amount] for [what it is for]: you will pay [amount] on [date] and [amount] on [date]. Please reply "agreed" so we both have it in writing.
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A good one is short, names the amount and what it was for, asks for a payment or a date, and stays polite. Step 1 and step 2 above are the simplest examples.
The same content as the messages: who you are, the amount and what it was for, when it was due, what you want (a payment or a date) and a thank-you. Put it in a letter only if the person has no WhatsApp; a message is faster and easier to answer.
Ask a question instead of making a statement: "When can you send it?" gets an answer, "You owe me" gets a quarrel. Steps 2 and 4 do this.
Send message "When they go silent" once, then try a phone call. If the amount is large, think about asking someone you both respect to speak to them. We give no legal advice here.
Yes. A date turns a vague hope into something they can act on. Step 5 has a place for it.
Messages written 8 October 2026. General wording, not legal advice. Questions: message us on WhatsApp.