Ready-to-Use Templates
Copy these templates and customize them for your needs. Each includes HTML and plain text versions.
Your payment didn't go through - action needed
Quick update about your {{productName}} subscription.
Your {{productName}} payment is still failing
We've retried and it still didn't work.
Final notice: your {{productName}} account will be suspended
Update your payment in the next {{daysLeft}} days.
Your card ending in {{lastFour}} expires next month
Update it now to avoid service interruption.
Your {{productName}} account has been suspended
Your data is safe. Update your payment to restore access.
You're all set - payment received
Your {{productName}} subscription is back on track.
Quick note about your account
Wanted to reach out personally about your {{productName}} billing.
Your {{planName}} features will be removed on {{downgradeDate}}
You'll be moved to the free plan if we can't collect payment.
Issue with your annual {{productName}} renewal
Your annual subscription payment of {{amount}} didn't go through.
Action needed: {{companyName}}'s {{productName}} payment failed
The payment for your team's {{planName}} plan didn't go through.
Still having payment trouble? We have options
If the {{planName}} plan doesn't fit your budget right now, we can help.
Your {{productName}} data will be deleted on {{deletionDate}}
This is a final reminder before we permanently remove your account data.
Best Practices
Send the first email immediately - every hour of delay reduces recovery rates.
Include the specific card details and amount so customers know exactly what to fix.
Provide a direct link to update payment - don't make them navigate through settings.
Send a proactive card-expiring email before the payment even fails.
Keep access active during the grace period - don't lock out customers who intend to pay.
Common Mistakes
Using threatening language - these customers didn't choose to stop paying.
Not including the card details - 'your payment failed' without specifics is confusing.
Sending dunning emails from a no-reply address - customers may need to ask questions.
Too few emails - one notification isn't enough. Send 3-4 over your grace period.
Subject Line Examples
Timing & Performance
Personalization Tips
Prevention Beats Recovery
The most effective dunning email is the one you never have to send. A proactive card-expiring notification 30 days before expiration prevents the failure entirely and has higher action rates than any post-failure email.
Be Helpful, Not Threatening
Failed payment customers didn't choose to stop paying. They forgot to update a card. Treat them with the same respect as any other customer - provide clear information, a direct update link, and a grace period.
The Direct Link Is Everything
Every dunning email must include a one-click link to update payment. Making customers log in, navigate to settings, find billing, then update their card is a 50% drop-off at each step. One link. One action.
Build Beautiful Email Sequences for Your SaaS
Sequenzy helps SaaS founders create automated email sequences that convert. From onboarding to retention - all in one platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
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