templates Failed Payment Email Templates
Failed-payment email should be plain, specific, and tied to a secure billing action. These templates avoid promotional copy and keep the account state clear.
last updated 2026-05-07 4 templates
implementation note
Replace variables before sending, keep one primary action per email, and connect each template to a specific trigger rather than a generic drip schedule.
01 First failed charge
Send after the first failed invoice payment. subject
Payment failed for {{product_name}}
preview
Update the payment method to keep {{account_name}} active.
body
Hi {{first_name}},
The latest payment for {{account_name}} did not go through.
Plan: {{plan_name}}
Amount: {{invoice_amount}}
Update the payment method here: {{billing_update_url}}
Access stays active during the grace period. If this looks wrong, reply to this email and billing support will check it.
{{product_name}} billing variables
{{first_name}}{{product_name}}{{account_name}}{{plan_name}}{{invoice_amount}}{{billing_update_url}}
mistakes to avoid
- ›Do not include a discount or upgrade pitch.
- ›Do not expose sensitive card details.
- ›Do not send without a secure billing URL.
02 Expired card
Send when the payment processor returns an expired-card code. subject
Card update needed for {{product_name}}
preview
The card on file appears to be expired.
body
Hi {{first_name}},
The card on file for {{account_name}} could not be charged and may be expired.
Update the payment method here: {{billing_update_url}}
The account remains active until {{grace_period_end}}. No product settings will change before then.
{{product_name}} billing variables
{{first_name}}{{product_name}}{{account_name}}{{billing_update_url}}{{grace_period_end}}
mistakes to avoid
- ›Do not guess at processor details beyond the returned code.
- ›Do not hide the grace-period date.
- ›Do not link to a generic account page when a billing link exists.
03 Grace period reminder
Send midway through the grace period if payment is still unpaid. subject
{{account_name}} billing needs attention
preview
Access stays active until {{grace_period_end}}.
body
Hi {{first_name}},
Payment for {{account_name}} is still unresolved.
Access stays active until {{grace_period_end}}. After that, the account may be paused until payment is updated.
Secure billing link: {{billing_update_url}}
Questions can be sent by replying here.
{{product_name}} billing variables
{{first_name}}{{product_name}}{{account_name}}{{grace_period_end}}{{billing_update_url}}
mistakes to avoid
- ›Do not send every day by default.
- ›Do not threaten data deletion unless that policy is accurate.
- ›Do not route replies to an unmonitored inbox.
04 Account paused
Send when the billing system pauses access after the grace period. subject
{{account_name}} is paused
preview
Update payment to restore access.
body
Hi {{first_name}},
{{account_name}} is paused because payment could not be completed before {{grace_period_end}}.
Access can be restored after the payment method is updated: {{billing_update_url}}
If payment has already been updated, reply with the invoice number {{invoice_id}} and support will check the account.
{{product_name}} billing variables
{{first_name}}{{account_name}}{{grace_period_end}}{{billing_update_url}}{{invoice_id}}{{product_name}}
mistakes to avoid
- ›Do not imply cancellation if the account is only paused.
- ›Do not omit the restoration path.
- ›Do not use marketing language in an account-status email.