Payment reminder letter: put the debtor in default
If no fixed payment date was agreed, the debtor is only in default after a reminder (Art. 102 CO); from then on 5 % default interest per year is owed (Art. 104 CO). Legally, one reminder is enough. Common practice is a first reminder and a second one with a final deadline before starting debt enforcement proceedings (Betreibung).
Create the letter – from CHF 11.50We print, envelope and hand your letter to the post. No account needed.
Key facts
| Default | By reminder or on the agreed due date (Art. 102 CO) |
|---|---|
| Default interest | 5 % per year (Art. 104 CO) |
| Reminders | Legally one; usually two |
| Reminder fees | Only if agreed in advance |
| Next step | Debt enforcement request at the debt enforcement office (Betreibungsamt) |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a reminder if the invoice says “payable by”?
A date set unilaterally on the invoice usually does not count as an agreed due date. A reminder keeps you on the safe side.
Can I charge reminder fees?
Only if agreed in advance, e.g. in your terms. The 5 % default interest can always be claimed.
Why registered mail?
Because in debt enforcement or court proceedings you must prove that the debtor was reminded, and when.
Free template
Copy the text and replace the details in [brackets]. Or fill in our form – we send the letter by registered mail for you.
The template is in German, which Swiss companies and authorities expect. You can fill in our form in English.
Zahlungserinnerung – Rechnung [Rechnungs-Nr.]
Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren Bei der Durchsicht unserer Buchhaltung haben wir festgestellt, dass die Rechnung Nr. [Rechnungs-Nr.] über CHF [Offener Betrag] noch offen ist. Vermutlich handelt es sich um ein Versehen. Wir bitten Sie, den Betrag innert 10 Tagen zu begleichen. Sollte sich Ihre Zahlung mit diesem Schreiben gekreuzt haben, betrachten Sie es bitte als gegenstandslos. Freundliche Grüsse