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Payment Plans - Using Direct Debit (GoCardless)

Set up and manage payment plans using direct debit payments through GoCardless

When using GoCardless (direct debit) for payment plans, installments are automatically collected from your customer’s bank account on their scheduled due dates.

This provides a reliable way to collect recurring payments without requiring manual action from the customer each time.

Before You Start

Make sure the following are set up:

  • GoCardless is enabled on your account
  • The customer has an active mandate set up
  • Direct debit payment settings are configured correctly

➡️ GoCardless - Introduction

➡️ Direct debit settings

Creating a Payment Plan with GoCardless

  1. Go to Billing → Payment Plans
  2. Click Create
  3. Select the customer
  4. Choose GoCardless as the payment method
  5. Select the invoice
  6. Enter:
    • Number of installments
    • Start date
    • Frequency (daily, weekly, fortnightly, or monthly)

The system will automatically calculate the installment amounts and schedule.

How Payments Are Collected

  • Installments are generated automatically on their due dates
  • Payments are collected via GoCardless using the customer’s mandate
  • Once processed, installments are marked as Paid

Customers can track their payment progress via the customer portal (Billing > Plans).

Required Direct Debit Settings

To ensure installments are collected correctly:

  1. Go to Customers → View All
  2. Select the customer
  3. Open the Settings tab
  4. Go to Direct Debit Settings section

Set the following:

  • Automatically create payment once invoice is approved → No
  • Automatically create payment for payment plans → Yes

This ensures payments are collected in installments rather than as a full upfront charge.

Important Notes

  • The customer must have an active GoCardless mandate before payments can be collected
  • If the mandate is not active, payments will not be processed
  • Payment collection may take a few days to fully process depending on GoCardless timelines
  • Payment plans cannot be edited once created with pending installments

If a payment fails, you can retrigger the installment:

➡️ Retrying Failed Payment Plan Installments (Stripe & GoCardless)