Rykkerskrivelse

Rykkerskrivelse is a formal reminder letter issued by a creditor to a debtor when an invoice has not been paid by its due date. The purpose is to inform the debtor of the outstanding amount and to prompt payment, while outlining any consequences if the debt remains unpaid.

Typically, the dunning process consists of one or more rykkerskrivelser. The first rykkerskrivelse is usually sent after the original due date has passed by a short period (for example 7–14 days). If the debt remains unpaid, additional rykkerskrivelser are issued, often with increasingly firm language and a new payment deadline. In some cases, a final rykkerskrivelse is sent before the creditor proceeds with external collection.

Content commonly included: reference to the original invoice (invoice number, date, amount), the current outstanding balance, the due date and a new payment deadline, any interest or late fees charged according to contract or law, and instructions for how to pay (bank details, payment portal). The notice may also invite the debtor to contact the creditor to arrange a payment plan.

Legal and practical considerations: rykkerskrivelser must be factual and non-coercive. They are part of standard credit management and precede debt collection or legal action in many jurisdictions. In some contexts, sending a rykkerskrivelse inappropriately or with harassment can violate consumer protection rules.

Formats: rykkerskrivelse can be sent as a letter, email, or through an invoicing system, and modern practice often uses digital reminders and portals.