--- title: Payment Plans - Using Direct Debit (GoCardless) description: Set up and manage payment plans using GoCardless in Class Manager. Learn how direct debit installments are collected and how to configure payment settings. --- [Skip to content](https://help.classmanager.com/en/payment-plans-using-direct-debit-gocardless#main-content) English Show submenu for translations ![classmanager-logo-1.png\]](https://help.classmanager.com/hs-fs/hubfs/classmanager-logo-1.png?width=196&height=35&name=classmanager-logo-1.png) Open main navigation Close main navigation - English Show submenu for translations - Go to Class Manager Go to Class Manager Hello. How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Classic Class Manager Knowledge Base](https://help.classmanager.com/en?hsLang=en) 2. [Payments](https://help.classmanager.com/en/payments?hsLang=en) # 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](https://help.classmanager.com/en/gocardless-getting-started-class-manager-help-center?hsLang=en) ➡️ [Direct debit settings](https://help.classmanager.com/en/payment-plans-using-direct-debit-gocardless#direct-debit-settings) --- ### 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** 5. Click `Update` to apply the settings for the customer, or `Apply to all customers` if you want all customers to have the same settings. This ensures payments are collected in installments rather than as a full upfront charge. 💡 Applying the same direct debit settings:  It’s usually best to do this in batches - so if most customers are on payment plans, you can apply it to all customers first, then adjust individually for those paying in full (and vice versa). --- ### 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)**. --- ### 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)](https://help.classmanager.com/en/retrying-failed-payment-plan-installments-stripe-gocardless?hsLang=en) - [Getting Started](https://help.classmanager.com/en/getting-started?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Onboarding](https://help.classmanager.com/en/getting-started?hsLang=en#onboarding) - [Features](https://help.classmanager.com/en/features?hsLang=en) - [Staff](https://help.classmanager.com/en/staff?hsLang=en) - [Students](https://help.classmanager.com/en/students?hsLang=en) - [Customers](https://help.classmanager.com/en/customers?hsLang=en) - [Classes](https://help.classmanager.com/en/classes?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Register and Attendance](https://help.classmanager.com/en/classes?hsLang=en#register-and-attendance) - [Class Trials](https://help.classmanager.com/en/classes?hsLang=en#class-trials) - [Online Registration](https://help.classmanager.com/en/online-registration?hsLang=en) - [Invoices](https://help.classmanager.com/en/invoices?hsLang=en) - [Payments](https://help.classmanager.com/en/payments?hsLang=en) - [Point of Sale](https://help.classmanager.com/en/point-of-sale?hsLang=en) - [Parent Portal](https://help.classmanager.com/en/parent-portal?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Admin Portal Management](https://help.classmanager.com/en/parent-portal?hsLang=en#admin-portal-management) - [Customer Portal Guide](https://help.classmanager.com/en/parent-portal?hsLang=en#customer-portal-guide) - [Online Class Enrolment](https://help.classmanager.com/en/online-class-enrolment?hsLang=en) - [Messaging](https://help.classmanager.com/en/messaging?hsLang=en) - [Discounts](https://help.classmanager.com/en/discounts?hsLang=en) - [Growth Plan](https://help.classmanager.com/en/growth-plan?hsLang=en) - [Settings](https://help.classmanager.com/en/settings?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Custom Attributes](https://help.classmanager.com/en/settings?hsLang=en#custom-attributes) - [Account](https://help.classmanager.com/en/settings?hsLang=en#account) - [Release Notes](https://help.classmanager.com/en/release-notes?hsLang=en) - [Website](https://help.classmanager.com/en/website?hsLang=en) [![](https://help.classmanager.com/hs-fs/hubfs/class-manager-logo-1.png?width=262&height=40&name=class-manager-logo-1.png)](http://classmanager.io) Class Manager Help Center Copyright © 2025, Class Manager and Stage Stubs