SubscriptionFlow documentation

Stripe Renewals

Renew Stripe-paid subscriptions by charging the customer's saved card off-session at renewal time — no re-entry of card details, no customer action.

Available onPro

Documents version1.5.5

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What this does

When a customer checks out with Stripe and their payment method is saved for future use, SubscriptionFlow can charge that saved method automatically when the subscription is due. Successful charges renew the subscription; failed charges move into the grace period.

Why it exists: to give stores that already use Stripe the same hands‑off recurring billing as PayPal — using the card the customer already trusts you with.

What you need first

  1. An active SubscriptionFlow Pro license.
  2. Stripe configured on your store, set up so that customer payment methods are saved/reusable (so they can be charged again later).
  3. Customers must check out with Stripe and have a reusable payment method stored.

How to set it up

Step 1 — Activate Pro under SubscriptionFlow → License.

Step 2 — Set up Stripe on your store and enable saving payment methods for customers (so a reusable card is stored at checkout).

Step 3 — Sell subscriptions as usual. When customers pay with Stripe and a reusable method is stored, SubscriptionFlow can charge it at renewal.

Step 4 — Let renewals run. SubscriptionFlow processes due renewals automatically on its recurring schedule.

What happens at renewal

  1. SubscriptionFlow finds subscriptions that are due.
  2. It charges the customer’s saved Stripe method off‑session.
  3. Success: the subscription renews and the license term extends.
  4. Failure (e.g. expired card): the subscription enters the grace period, giving the customer time to update payment. See Grace Period & Expiry.

Tips & Best Practices

  • Make sure Stripe saves payment methods. Only reusable (off‑session) cards can be charged automatically.

  • Test with Stripe test mode first. Confirm a renewal charges correctly before going live.

  • Keep a grace period so a declined or expired card can be recovered without immediately cutting access.

  • Watch for failed renewals on the dashboard’s Grace Period card and follow up with customers to update their card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this available on the Free plan?

No. Automatic Stripe renewals are a Pro feature.

Do I need a special Stripe plugin?

You need Stripe set up on your WooCommerce store in a way that stores reusable payment methods for customers. SubscriptionFlow then charges those saved methods at renewal.

What if the customer’s card is declined at renewal?

The subscription enters the grace period; the customer can update their card and be charged again before it expires.

Can I use both PayPal and Stripe?

Yes. Customers renew via whichever method they used at checkout, as long as it was saved for reuse.

Does SubscriptionFlow store card numbers?

No. Card details stay with Stripe; SubscriptionFlow only triggers the charge on the saved method.

What about one‑time products?

They don’t renew, so automatic charging doesn’t apply.

SubscriptionsAutomatic RenewalsAutomatic Renewals charges each customer's saved payment method when their subscription is due, so recurring revenue keeps flowing without manual work.PaymentsSubscriptionFlow PayPal GatewayThe PayPal gateway lets customers pay with PayPal and vaults their account securely, so SubscriptionFlow can charge renewals automatically and hands-free.PaymentsGateway Charges & WebhooksThis page explains, in plain language, how SubscriptionFlow charges renewals across payment gateways and why webhooks make the whole process reliable.SubscriptionsGrace Period & ExpiryThe grace period is a short window after a paid term ends where the customer keeps access — a safety net against a lockout caused by a late payment.