> 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, find the Payment methods area inside the Customer Billing panel. 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 depends on your role's permissions, so if you don't see this section you may not have access. If you need this access, 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, Customer Billing panel, Payment methods section ## 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 dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` 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 optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. 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.