Card payments for invoices and booking reservation fees

We recommend card payments for invoices and booking reservation fees. They usually confirm promptly, making it easier to see what has been paid and what still needs attention.

Why delayed bank payments need care

Bacs Direct Debit and bank transfers through Stripe can take time to settle after a patient starts the payment. During that delay, the money has not yet arrived and the invoice can still show an amount owing.

If another payment is taken for the same amount before the first one settles, both payments can arrive later. The patient has then paid twice, leaving you to check the transactions, refund the extra payment and explain what happened.

Before chasing or asking for another payment

Check your clinic's Stripe dashboard for a payment that is still processing. Do not assume that a delay means the payment has failed, or ask the patient to pay the same amount again while the first payment is on its way. If it fails, check the final status before arranging another payment.

If the patient has paid twice

Check both transactions and refund the extra online payment from your own Stripe dashboard. Keep the patient informed and check that your invoice records reflect the refund. See Invoices and taking payment later for the existing invoice and refund workflow.

Choosing payment methods

Payment methods are managed in your clinic's Stripe Dashboard under Settings, Payment methods. Review the methods you offer and favour cards for invoices and booking reservation fees. This guidance does not change your Stripe settings. A successful card payment and a payout reaching your bank are separate events; Stripe manages the payout schedule.

If you need to connect your clinic's account, see Connecting Stripe to take payments.