Can I set up a recurring credit charge, where the first month is $0 and each month after is $49

[rpalmquist]

I want to give customers the option of a free 30-day trial. After the 30 days have passed, then I'll charge them $49 per month.

[#2]

Charging $0 would be best, but charging $1 also has the upside that this way I'll know if the card is valid right at the start of their trial. So, can I set up an automatically recurring charge where the first month is $1 and subsequent months are $49, or would I have to edit each initial charge to increase the amount to the $49 level?

[kellyj · Accepted solution]

@rpalmquist

We would only have the option for you to set-up a $1 for the first month and recurring at $49 past that. You could always refund the first payment as a work around.

Definitely happy to pass that feedback to the team though. I can see where that $0 invoice for the first month would be handy.

[rpalmquist]

Charging $0 would be best, but charging $1 also has the upside that this way I'll know if the card is valid right at the start of their trial. So, can I set up an automatically recurring charge where the first month is $1 and subsequent months are $49, or would I have to edit each initial charge to increase the amount to the $49 level?

[GlassJudy]

How about setting up the first month's payment as some other method than charge/debit?  Then Square's $1 minimum charge wouldn't apply.

[rpalmquist]

Can you give me a more detailed example of your idea? Thanks.

[GlassJudy]

That was just an idea I had to work around Square's minimum $1 charge.  I don't use invoicing, so I'm not sure how it works, but I was thinking if you entered an invoice for the 1st month (at full price), then discounted the amount to zero, you could process it as a cash, check, or other method of payment.  Since Square only gets involved in charged/debited transactions, they wouldn't object to processing a zero amount payment.  Hope this helps.

[kellyj]

@rpalmquist

I would suggest making a single invoices for the first month. Charge $49.00 with a 100% discount and resolve the sale to Cash. Then Set up a Recurring Invoice for monthly charges, at $49.00 and have your Customer add their card on file for automatic payment.

[BestStripClub]

I set up a button with the code that was generated for a subscription service on my website, but we offer first month free.  Is there a way to add this so payments start the following month?

[AshleyK]

Hi! I've merged your post to an existing thread that should help answer your question. Thanks!!