Before you start
This setting must be enabled for your customers in the Skio dashboard under Customer Portal > Portal settings.
For CPv2, enable directly in the Portal Settings page.
For CPv3, enable in Portal Settings > Experience.
Why should I enable backup payment methods?
Enabling backup payment methods helps prevent failed charges from disrupting your customers’ subscriptions. If a subscriber’s primary payment method fails, Skio will automatically retry the charge using their backup card, reducing churn and ensuring uninterrupted service.
Backup payment methods must be enabled in your Skio dashboard. Customers can add and manage backup payment methods in two ways:
Through the Customer Portal, if this option is enabled in your portal settings (see the Before you start section).
Using a Quick Action link (explained below).
Make sure the correct settings are enabled to give subscribers access.
How to send Quick Action links for backup payment methods
The easiest and most effective way to collect backup payment methods is by using Quick Action links. You can send these links through any channel (email, SMS, or your ESP) to prompt subscribers to add a backup card.
In the lefthand menu of your Skio Dashboard, go to Features > Quick Actions.
Click Create new action > Modify existing subscription.
Select the action Set backup payment method.
Choose your link type: Universal, Klaviyo, Sendlane, or Skio.
(Optional) Attach a discount code to the link. Make sure the discount is set to “once per customer” to prevent reuse.
Note
To encourage completion, you can attach a discount code to the link as an incentive.
Best Practices for backup payment methods
Regularly remind customers to update their payment methods through email updates (you can even filter customers that already have a backup payment method using customers properties in Klaviyo for example).
Offer a small discount for customers who add a backup payment method to incentivize setup.
Monitor and adjust the communication based on customer feedback and usage patterns.
Utilize both the customer portal callout and quick actions both to give your customers the best experience adding, updating, and managing their backup payment methods
Backup payment method FAQ
What happens if both the primary and backup payment methods fail?
The subscription will enter a dunning process, during which further attempts will be made to collect payment utilizing both the primary and backup payment method.
Can customers remove their backup payment method at any time?
Yes, customers can manage their payment methods through their customer portal and can add or remove payment methods as needed.
How many backup payment methods can a customer have?
Customers can add one backup payment method to their account. This card will be used across all their subscriptions when the primary payment fails.
If the backup card is used during dunning, does it become the new primary?
No, even if the backup card is successfully charged during dunning, the primary payment method remains unchanged. The backup card is only used temporarily to recover payment when the primary fails. If the customer wants to make their backup card the default going forward, they will need to manually update this in the customer portal.