SMS auto top-up

Auto top-up keeps your texts flowing by buying a fresh pack automatically whenever your balance runs low, so you can keep a buffer for reminders.

Switching it on

1. Check that your account has a usable saved payment method. A manual credit purchase saves a card securely with Stripe; an existing subscription payment method may also be usable.
2. Go to Settings > Messaging, SMS credits card, and tick Auto top-up when I'm running low.
3. Set the When below threshold (the default is 50 credits) and press Save.

How it behaves

At an automatic check, if your balance is below your threshold and a usable payment method is available, your account is charged for a 1,000-credit pack (£70 + VAT) and the credits are added once payment has been confirmed. Each top-up appears in your credit ledger as Auto top-up, and you receive a proper VAT invoice for every charge, exactly like a manual purchase.

If a charge fails, for example a declined or expired card, the system backs off rather than hammering your card: it normally waits six hours before another charge attempt. If there are not enough credits, texts are skipped until you top up. Email sends are independent and still need an enabled channel, an email address and the patient's permission for automated emails. Check the SMS credits card for warnings about a missing usable payment method or a failed charge.

Choosing a threshold

Set it against your sending volume: the SMS credits card shows your texts sent in the last 30 days. A clinic sending 300 texts a month is comfortable at the default of 50; a heavy sender may prefer 150 or more so the top-up lands well before the balance empties.

Untick the box and save at any time to turn auto top-up off.

Auto top-up needs a usable payment method. It can use the card saved from a previous SMS purchase, your billing customer’s default payment method or the payment method on your clinic’s subscription. You do not have to buy a pack manually first if a usable subscription payment method is already available.