Price update effective on [date], what to expect next
Type: Professional, Transactional, Pricing
Use this subject line to calm customers. It works best when trust already exists.
The message signals respect for planning cycles and budgets.
In the email body, explain the new price, the reason behind the change, and the support that stays in place.
Price update example email:
Hello [name],
A pricing update will take effect on [date].
The new rate reflects the additional product maintenance and support coverage that many teams requested. All existing features will remain available.
…
If you have any questions, just reply.
Thanks,
The Billing Team
Action required: review [topic] by [deadline]
Type: Compliance, Billing, HR, Policy
Tone: Professional, time-sensitive, direct
This one subject line signals that the reader needs to do something. But it doesn’t exaggerate. It just frames the task clearly.
Use it for anything tied to compliance, billing, or legal requirements. And if the deadline is real, anchor it in the subject.
Reminder, [x] days remain, confirm [action] today
Type: Billing, Compliance, Account
Tone: Formal, direct, accountable
Compliance and billing require precise language. This countdown email subject line clearly states the remaining days, the required action, and creates a sense of urgency.
Card declined on [product name], choose a new payment method
Type: Billing, Technical payment error
Tone: Straightforward, solution focused
Payment gateways such as Stripe or Braintree often display cryptic error codes that customers don’t understand. This one translates that moment into plain language and a simple decision.
Your [billing period] payment failed, keep your access active
Type: Subscription, Renewal, Retention
Tone: Motivating, clear
For subscriptions, the most useful payment-failed subject line ties the failed charge directly to access.
Customers see that the recent renewal did not work and also see the reason to fix the problem: access to courses, features, or services that matter every day.
Action needed, payment for [invoice number] did not go through
Type: Billing, B2B payment, Invoice
Tone: Formal, urgent, respectful
Many finance teams prefer a direct payment failed email subject lines like this one. It feels like a clear invoice status update rather than a marketing campaign.
Payment failed for your [product name] subscription, update details
Type: Billing, Payment issue, Transactional
Tone: Clear, reassuring, professional
The wording here connects the failed payment and the next step in one short line, helping busy customers understand the situation before opening the message.
Quick question on last week’s invoice #1234
Type: Finance / Billing
Tone: Direct, courteous
This subject line links the email to a specific document, such as invoice #1234, so the accounts payable department can quickly process it.
Use it when you spot a mismatch, such as a missing PO number, and require a quick response to maintain smooth cash flow.
Billing Error Alert, Our Sorry and Refund Plan
Type: Billing
Tone: corrective, reassuring
Here’s a simple formula for apology email subject lines: Admit your mistake and apologize for it.
Spell out the mistake and offer a solution. Avoid jargon—technical explanations can undermine trust.
Payment due today for invoice #[invoice number]
Type
Financial, Billing, B2B
Tone
Clear and concise
Why this line works
Numbers leap off cluttered inboxes, and adding the invoice ID provides instant context. Avoid jargon, keep verbs quick, “due today”, and reference the invoice only once to limit cognitive load.
Hidden pitfalls to avoid
- Skip vague wording like “outstanding balance.” Specificity feels transparent.
- Include the payment link inside the email so recipients need one click, not three.
Example email
Hello [First Name],
I’m sending this gentle reminder that invoice #[invoice number] reaches its due date today.
If you already handled it, please disregard. Otherwise, you can settle securely through the button below.
Thanks for keeping our books tidy.
Best,
Sam
