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.
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
Related Templates
Reminder Email Templates
Timely reminders for appointments, payments, events, and renewals
Transactional Email Templates
Essential transactional emails for orders, receipts, and account notifications
Cancellation Email Templates
Handle cancellations gracefully and win back customers with the right email at the right time.