In this article, you'll learn how to keep a client's card on file so you can charge it later. Your regulars don't have to type their card in every time, and it's what lets recurring jobs bill themselves.
A card can get saved three ways: you type it in yourself, the client ticks a box when they pay online, or a recurring job asks them for one. Each client keeps one card, so saving a new one replaces the old one.
Adding a card yourself
Use this when the client reads you their card over the phone or hands it to you.
To add a card from the client page:
- Open the client's page.
- Find Payment methods (0) on the client card. With no card saved, it reads No card on file.
- Click the + next to Payment methods.
- Type the card details into the form that opens.
- Click Save card.
Once it's saved, the section reads Payment methods (1) and shows the card brand, the last four digits and the expiry date. If the client already had a card, the form tells you which one is on file and that the new one replaces it. Click Cancel if you change your mind before saving.
Letting the client save it when they pay online
When a client pays an invoice or a deposit from the link you send them, the payment form has a Save this card for future charges checkbox. If they tick it and the payment goes through, that card becomes their card on file. If they already have one saved, the box reads Replace my card on file with this one instead.
Asking for a card on a recurring job
When you set up a recurring job, choose Charge the card on file under Billing. If the client doesn't have a card saved yet, they get a text (and an email, if you have their address) with a link to add one. The link opens an Add a card on file page in their customer portal, where they enter the card and tap Save card.
If a visit is marked Done and there's still no card, the CRM sends them the invoice link for that visit and asks for a card again.
You can change the wording of that request in Settings › Templates, under Payments, as Card on file request. See How to create recurring jobs.
Charging the card on file
Once a client has a card saved, Collect payment on their job shows a Card on file section with a Charge card ending 4242 button (with their real last four). Click it and the balance is charged right away, with no form to fill in. The phone app's Collect payment screen has the same Charge card ending … button.