--- 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/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/?hsLang=en) 2. [Payments](https://help.classmanager.com/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. See ➡️ [GoCardless - Introduction](https://help.classmanager.com/en/gocardless-getting-started-class-manager-help-center?hsLang=en) - The customer has an **active mandate** set up. You could invite your customer or import their existing mandate. See ➡️ [Importing GoCardless Customers](https://help.classmanager.com/gocardless-imports-class-manager-help-center?hsLang=en) 📝 Your Class Manager subscription must be active for payment plan payments to trigger. Make sure your subscription and payment details are up to date. To update your subscription payment method, go to **Settings \> Account \> Payment Details** and update your card details. --- ### 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/getting-started?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Onboarding](https://help.classmanager.com/getting-started?hsLang=en#onboarding) - [Features](https://help.classmanager.com/features?hsLang=en) - [Staff](https://help.classmanager.com/staff?hsLang=en) - [Students](https://help.classmanager.com/students?hsLang=en) - [Customers](https://help.classmanager.com/customers?hsLang=en) - [Classes](https://help.classmanager.com/classes?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Register and Attendance](https://help.classmanager.com/classes?hsLang=en#register-and-attendance) - [Class Trials](https://help.classmanager.com/classes?hsLang=en#class-trials) - [Online Registration](https://help.classmanager.com/online-registration?hsLang=en) - [Invoices](https://help.classmanager.com/invoices?hsLang=en) - [Payments](https://help.classmanager.com/payments?hsLang=en) - [Point of Sale](https://help.classmanager.com/point-of-sale?hsLang=en) - [Parent Portal](https://help.classmanager.com/parent-portal?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Admin Portal Management](https://help.classmanager.com/parent-portal?hsLang=en#admin-portal-management) - [Customer Portal Guide](https://help.classmanager.com/parent-portal?hsLang=en#customer-portal-guide) - [Online Class Enrolment](https://help.classmanager.com/online-class-enrolment?hsLang=en) - [Messaging](https://help.classmanager.com/messaging?hsLang=en) - [Discounts](https://help.classmanager.com/discounts?hsLang=en) - [Growth Plan](https://help.classmanager.com/growth-plan?hsLang=en) - [Settings](https://help.classmanager.com/settings?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Custom Attributes](https://help.classmanager.com/settings?hsLang=en#custom-attributes) - [Account](https://help.classmanager.com/settings?hsLang=en#account) - [Release Notes](https://help.classmanager.com/release-notes?hsLang=en) - [Website](https://help.classmanager.com/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