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Emergency

A payment reminder even though you paid long ago? How to fend it off

You have paid, and yet a reminder arrives, perhaps even with fees? That is annoying, but usually quickly resolved: with your proof of payment the claim is settled, and you do not owe reminder fees for a wrongly issued reminder.

Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:

Reject the payment reminder →

Your chances of getting your money back

If you can prove you paid (on time), the claim is fulfilled. You can simply reject an unjustified reminder with your payment receipt.
Reminder fees require that you were in default of payment. If there was no default (because you had already paid or the payment crossed in the mail), you do not have to bear the fees.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Document the payment

    Find the proof of payment (bank statement, transfer receipt) with the date and reference.

  2. 2

    2. Object in writing

    Inform the sender that the claim has already been settled, and enclose a copy of the proof of payment.

  3. 3

    3. Refuse reminder fees

    Reject any reminder or debt-collection fees, since you were not in default.

  4. 4

    4. If payments crossed

    If your payment crossed with the reminder, usually a short note with the payment date is enough. Do not worry, it will sort itself out.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to pay the reminder fees?

No, if the reminder was unjustified, for example because you paid on time or the payment and reminder crossed. Reminder costs require an actual default of payment.

What if the reminder comes from a debt-collection agency?

Even then the rule applies: with your proof of payment the main claim is settled. Reject the claim including collection costs in writing and enclose the receipt. Do not acknowledge anything and do not pay twice.

Take action now

We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.

Reject the payment reminderCheck a suspicious message
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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.