For most people, asking for money back is harder than lending it. Every week you put it off "to be polite" makes the subject harder to raise. The good news: a short message sent at the right time, in the right tone, usually solves the problem on its own.
Three rules for a good reminder
- Use the date and the amount. Say "the 200 I lent you on 15 October" rather than "that money". Precise facts prevent misunderstandings.
- Ask, don't accuse. Instead of "you didn't pay", ask "when would work for you?". Nobody gets defensive.
- Make it easy. Offer your bank details, an instalment plan or a new date up front.
When to remind
- 1–2 days before the due date: a gentle heads-up. Most delays are simple forgetfulness.
- On the due date: a short note.
- A week after: a clearer message asking for a new date.
- After that: a call or a face-to-face chat usually works better than another text.
If you recorded the due date in the first place, you don't have to keep this schedule in your head (due date tracking).
Message templates
To a friend — before the due date
Hey! Just a heads-up that the 200 we talked about last month is due on Friday. If that doesn't work, tell me and we'll pick another date.
To a friend — after the due date
Hi, the 200 from 15 October is past due now. No stress if things are tight, but if I know when you can pay I can plan around it. Would splitting it in two help?
To a relative
Hi! You've already paid back 300 of the 500 from the summer — when would suit you for the remaining 200? No rush, I just want to put it in my calendar.
To a customer
Hello Mrs. Smith, your account shows 85 due on 30 September. You can drop by the shop or pay by bank transfer whenever convenient. Thank you!
Thank-you after a partial payment
Got the 100, thanks! I'll expect the remaining 100 at the end of the month as we agreed.
Check your records before you send
The worst case is reminding someone about a debt they've already paid. Make sure every payment is recorded before you send anything, and read the remaining amount from your records, not from memory (tracking partial payments).
With Sudeb
Sudeb brings due and overdue records to the top of the Today screen and notifies you on the due date. Because the remaining balance updates with every payment, the number in your reminder is always right.