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Add a Backup Payment Method

Learn how to add a backup payment method to prevent billing interruptions

Written by Kelly
Updated over a week ago

To reduce the risk of service interruption due to payment failures, we recommend adding a backup payment method.

Common reasons payments fail include:

  • Insufficient funds

  • Bank blocks or declines

  • Expired or outdated card details

If your primary payment method fails, Hospitable will automatically attempt to charge your backup method for the full invoice amount.

If no valid backup payment method is available and your payment fails, your subscription may be canceled.


How to Add a Backup Payment Method

  1. Go to Settings ⚙️.

  2. Click Plans & billing.

  3. Select Payment Methods from the left-side menu.

  4. Add a new credit card and click Save, or click PayPal to connect a PayPal account.

    Subscription Payment Methods page showing multiple saved payment methods and the three-dot menu option next to primary and backup payment methods
  5. Click the three dots (⋯) next to the payment method.

    Zoomed in menu option for selecting a primary or backup payment method, as well as deletion option.
  6. Select Set as backup.


How Backup Billing Works

  • Your primary payment method is always charged first.

  • If that charge fails, your backup payment method is automatically charged.

  • The backup is charged for the full invoice amount.

You can change which payment method is primary or backup at any time from the Payment Methods page.


FAQs

When will my backup payment method be charged?

Only if your primary payment method fails.


Will I be notified if my payment fails?

Yes. You will receive a payment failure notification if we're unable to collect payment.


Can I have more than one backup method?

You can store multiple payment methods, but only one can be set as the primary and one as the backup at a time.


Can I remove a backup payment method?

Yes. From Settings ⚙️ → Plans & billing → Payment Methods, use the three-dot menu next to the method and delete it.

You must have at least one valid payment method at all times.


Why do I see a pending charge after adding a backup card?

When you add a backup payment method, your bank may place a small temporary authorization hold on your card. This is a standard card verification step — it is not an actual charge, and it will automatically disappear within a few business days.


Can I add a backup payment method from the mobile app?

No. Payment method management, including adding backup cards, is only available through the Hospitable web app. Open a browser and visit app.hospitable.com → Settings → Payment Methods to add a backup method.


A note about PayPal as a payment method

If you use PayPal, please keep the following in mind:

  • PayPal payments are processed in the currency of your Hospitable subscription. Make sure your PayPal account supports this currency.

  • If you experience connection issues with PayPal, try disconnecting and reconnecting it, or consider adding a credit card as your primary or backup method.

  • Some users find it helpful to have a credit card on file as a backup, even when using PayPal as the primary method, in case of any PayPal processing issues.

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