Set Up Payment Plans for Events

Payment plans make big-ticket registrations (mission trips, camps, retreats) accessible by splitting the total into installments—automatically. With Connection Card Pro, the registrant pays the first amount at checkout and future installments are auto-charged on schedule. If they register after one or more installment dates, those installments are combined into the first payment at checkout.

Alternatively, use our Payment Plans feature to simply accept a deposit upon registration, requiring full payment later. Turning off automatic payments on the event will allow you to collect the remaining balance offline or in different schedules depending on what you've planned. 

Contents

• How payment plans work (at a glance)
• Configure a payment plan (step-by-step)
• Example schedule
• Managing plans
• Tips & best practices

How payment plans work (at a glance)

• Fully automated charges: Card or ACH is charged on each due date.
• Grace & retries: If an installment fails, Connection Card Pro retries the next day (up to 3 attempts). Both the registrant and an admin are notified.
• Late registrations: Any past-due installments are collected immediately with the first payment.
• Totals that match: Installment percentages are applied to the remaining balance after the deposit and must total 100%.
• What’s included: Add-ons, options, and discounts are all factored into the total that’s split.
• Registrant controls: If allowed, they can choose “Pay in full” instead of the plan and/or make extra early payments.
• Admin oversight: View each person’s schedule from the event’s Registrations page.

Configure a payment plan (step-by-step)

1. Open your event’s pricing
   • Go to Events → Create or Edit an event → Registration Settings (first step) → Pricing Information (section).
   • Click More Pricing Options.
2. Turn on the plan
   • Check Use a Payment Plan to reveal plan settings.
3. Set the deposit
   • Due at Registration: Enter the amount to collect immediately at checkout (e.g., 100.00).
4. Choose plan flexibility (optional)
   • Payment Plan is Optional: When enabled, registrants may select “Pay in full” at checkout.
   • Allow Registrant to pay ahead: Permits early/extra payments from the Personal Hub or their confirmation link.
5. Define the installment schedule
   • Under Split Remaining Balance, click + to add each installment.
   • For each row, set Percentage (of the total remaining balance) and a Due Date.
   • (Optional) Leave Charge payment automatically checked to auto-charge on the due date; uncheck to send a reminder email instead.
   • Ensure all percentages total 100%. (A warning displays until they do.)
   • Each subsequent payment is a percentage of the total amount remaining at time of registration, for five even payments, use 20% for each payment. 
6. Save
   • Save the event settings. Your plan is live immediately on the registration page (unless you've adjusted other settings to prevent this).

Example schedule

• Deposit at registration: $100
• Remaining balance splits:
  • 20% due Oct 10 (auto-charge)
  • 30% due Nov 20 (auto-charge)
  • 50% due Dec 20 (auto-charge)

If someone registers on Nov 25, their checkout collects: $100 + 20% + 30%. Only the final 50% auto-charges on Dec 20.

Managing plans

• View an individual’s plan: Events → open your event → Registrations → select the registrant.
• Update payment method (registrant): From the Personal Hub or the event confirmation link, they can manage the saved card/ACH and make early payments if permitted.
• Failed payments: Connection Card Pro retries once per day for up to 3 days, then cancels the plan if still unpaid. Admins and the registrant receive alerts.
• Refunds/edits: Editing the registration (add-ons, discounts, refunds) adjusts the remaining balance used by future installments, but may not recalculate individual installments. No installment will ever exceed the actual amount remaining, ensuring that registrants will not overpay if discounts or refunds have been applied.
• Canceled Registrations will automatically pause/cancel the payment plan. No payments will be collected on a payment plan for a canceled registration.

Tips & best practices

• Keep dates clear: Use calendar reminders around due dates for visibility (even with auto-charge enabled).
• Deposit with intention: Set a deposit that covers fixed costs (non-refundable items, reservations).
• Communicate upfront: At the time of registration, the registrant will see the details of the payment plan with complete schedule and estimated payment amounts based on their registration prior to making payment. Registrants are agreeing to the payment schedule upfront. We also recommend adding a short line to your event description with the deposit amount, future dates, and that charges are automatic.
• Optional plan + pay-ahead: Great combination—most will auto-pay on schedule, while motivated families can finish early.