> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://learn.withessential.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://learn.withessential.com/customers-and-work/customers/saving-a-customers-payment-methods.md). # Saving a customer's payment methods Saved payment methods let you charge a customer's card or bank account without re-entering details each time. On the customer page, expand **Billing**, then find the Payment methods area in Customer Billing. Click Add, then choose Add Card or Add Bank Account. (The bank account option isn't offered for businesses located in Canada.) A secure setup window opens where the card or bank details are entered through Stripe, our payment processor, so the sensitive numbers are handled by Stripe rather than stored by Essential directly. Once the details are confirmed, the new method appears in the list, though it may take a moment while we verify it. Each saved method shows its brand and the last digits, and the one marked Default is used for automatic charges. To choose which method is the default, click Edit in Customer Billing and select the default payment method there. To remove a method, use its delete control in the list; you'll be asked to confirm, since removing a payment method can't be undone. Keep in mind that viewing or managing payment methods needs invoicing turned on for your business, the Create Invoice permission, and a verified Stripe connected account — if you don't see this section, one of those is missing. If you need the permission, contact your business's administrator to review your role. Adding or removing a method is also recorded in the customer's timeline. > **Where to find it:** Customer page, Billing panel, Customer Billing section, Payment methods ## Related guides * [Set customer billing (payment terms, tax exempt, autopay)](/customers-and-work/customers/set-a-customers-billing-profile-payment-terms-tax-exempt-autopay.md) * [What the customer page shows](/customers-and-work/customers/what-the-customer-page-shows.md) * [Create a customer](/customers-and-work/customers/create-a-customer.md) * [Making a customer active or inactive](/customers-and-work/customers/making-a-customer-active-or-inactive.md) * [Merge or split customer accounts](/customers-and-work/customers/merge-or-split-customer-accounts.md) --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters: ``` GET https://learn.withessential.com/customers-and-work/customers/saving-a-customers-payment-methods.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.