---
title: Payment Methods
description: >-
  Manage payment methods in Clear Ideas. Learn how to add and update payment
  methods, configure auto-recharge settings, and understand billing cycles.
ogTitle: Payment Methods Guide
ogDescription: >-
  Master payment method management in Clear Ideas. Add payment methods,
  configure auto-recharge, and manage billing
ogImage: /assets/images/og/guide-payment-methods.webp
navigation:
  icon: fasl fa-credit-card
---

# Payment Methods

Manage your payment methods to ensure uninterrupted service and automatic credit purchases. Configure payment methods, set up auto-recharge for AI credits, and understand how billing works. Access payment settings through Settings > Billing.

## Adding Payment Methods

To add a payment method:

1. Navigate to **Settings > Billing** or **Settings > Payment Method**
2. Locate the **Payment Methods** section
3. Click **Add Payment Method** button
4. You'll be redirected to a secure payment provider page to enter:
   - Credit or debit card details (card number, expiration date, CVV)
   - Billing address
   - Cardholder name
5. Complete the secure payment form
6. Your payment method is saved and available immediately

**Secure Storage**: Payment information is securely stored and processed through our payment provider (Stripe). Clear Ideas does not store full card numbers—only the last four digits and card brand are stored for identification.

**Payment Provider**: Clear Ideas uses Stripe for secure payment processing, ensuring PCI DSS compliance and industry-standard security.

## Updating Payment Methods

To update an existing payment method:

1. Navigate to **Settings > Billing**
2. Find your current payment method
3. Click **Edit** or **Update**
4. Modify the payment information
5. Save changes

**When to Update:**
- Card expiration date approaching
- Card number changed
- Billing address changed
- Switching to a different payment method

## Payment Method Management

### Multiple Payment Methods

**Primary Method**: Set a primary payment method that's used by default for charges.

**Backup Methods**: Add backup payment methods for redundancy.

**Method Selection**: Choose which payment method to use for specific transactions when multiple methods are available.

### Payment Method Details

Each payment method displays:

- **Card Brand**: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, etc. (shown with brand icon)
- **Last Four Digits**: Last four digits of the card number for identification (e.g., "Ending with 4242")
- **Expiration Date**: Card expiration date in MM/YYYY format
- **Default Status**: Indicates if this is your default payment method (shown with a "Default" badge)
- **Status**: Active, expired, or pending verification

**Default Payment Method**: One payment method can be set as default. This is automatically used for subscription charges and auto-recharge unless you specify otherwise.

## Auto-Recharge for AI Credits

Configure automatic credit purchases to ensure you never run out of AI credits.

### Setting Up Auto-Recharge

To enable auto-recharge:

1. Navigate to **Settings > Billing** or **Settings > AI Credits**
2. Locate **Auto-Recharge** settings
3. Configure auto-recharge parameters:
   - **Threshold**: Credit balance that triggers recharge
   - **Recharge Amount**: Amount to purchase when threshold is reached
   - **Payment Method**: Which payment method to use
4. Enable auto-recharge

**Automatic Purchases**: When your credit balance falls below the threshold, credits are automatically purchased using your configured payment method.

### Auto-Recharge Configuration

**Threshold Settings**: Set the credit balance that triggers automatic recharge.

**Example**: If threshold is 1,000,000 credits, recharge triggers when balance falls below this amount.

**Recharge Amount**: Specify how many credits to purchase during auto-recharge.

**Minimum/Maximum**: Auto-recharge typically has minimum ($10) and maximum ($100) purchase limits.

**Payment Method**: Select which payment method to use for auto-recharge transactions.

### Managing Auto-Recharge

**Enable/Disable**: Turn auto-recharge on or off as needed.

**Modify Settings**: Update threshold, amount, or payment method at any time.

**Monitor Activity**: Review auto-recharge transactions in your billing history.

## Billing Cycle and Charges

### Subscription Charges

**Billing Frequency**: Subscription charges occur based on your plan:

- **Monthly Plans**: Charged monthly on your billing date
- **Annual Plans**: Charged annually on your billing date
- **Billing Date**: Your billing date is set when you subscribe

### AI Credit Purchases

**On-Demand**: Manual credit purchases are charged immediately.

**Auto-Recharge**: Automatic credit purchases are charged when the threshold is reached.

**Transaction Timing**: Credit purchases appear in your billing history immediately.

### Charge Timing

**Immediate Processing**: Most charges are processed immediately.

**Payment Authorization**: Your payment method is authorized at the time of charge.

**Failed Payments**: If a charge fails, you'll be notified and service may be affected.

## Billing History

### Viewing Charges

Access your billing history through **Settings > Billing**:

- **Subscription Charges**: Monthly or annual plan charges
- **Credit Purchases**: AI credit purchase transactions
- **Transaction Dates**: When each charge occurred
- **Amounts**: Charge amounts and currency
- **Payment Methods**: Which payment method was used

### Receipts and Invoices

**Download Receipts**: Download receipts and invoices for all transactions.

**Email Receipts**: Receipts are automatically sent to your email address.

**Tax Information**: Receipts include tax information where applicable.

## Payment Security

### Secure Processing

**Encryption**: All payment information is encrypted during transmission.

**PCI Compliance**: Payment processing follows PCI DSS compliance standards.

**Tokenization**: Payment details are tokenized for secure storage.

### Payment Method Security

**No Full Storage**: Full card numbers are not stored by Clear Ideas.

**Secure Provider**: Payments are processed through secure, certified payment providers.

**Regular Updates**: Payment security is regularly updated and monitored.

## Best Practices

### Payment Method Management

**Keep Updated**: Regularly update payment methods before expiration.

**Verify Information**: Ensure billing addresses match your payment method.

**Monitor Charges**: Regularly review billing history for accuracy.

### Auto-Recharge Configuration

**Appropriate Threshold**: Set thresholds that give you time to review before recharge.

**Reasonable Amounts**: Configure recharge amounts that match your usage patterns.

**Monitor Activity**: Regularly check auto-recharge activity to ensure it's working as expected.

### Budget Management

**Track Spending**: Monitor your billing history to track spending.

**Plan Purchases**: Plan credit purchases based on usage patterns.

**Set Limits**: Consider setting personal limits for credit purchases.

## Troubleshooting

### Failed Payments

**Check Payment Method**: Verify your payment method is valid and has sufficient funds.

**Update Information**: Update expired cards or incorrect billing information.

**Contact Support**: If issues persist, contact support for assistance.

### Auto-Recharge Issues

**Verify Settings**: Check that auto-recharge is properly configured.

**Payment Method**: Ensure your payment method is valid and active.

**Threshold Check**: Verify your threshold settings are appropriate.

## Related Documentation

- [Billing and Plans](/billing-payments/billing-and-plans) - Understand plans and usage
- [AI Credits](/ai/ai-credits) - Learn about AI credits
- [AI Usage](/billing-payments/ai-usage) - Monitor credit usage