How-to Guides

Store payment methods on file

When clients save a payment method in Mallow, you can use it for future payments and subscriptions without needing to send an invoice first.

On mobile, the Vault and Clients tables reflow into stacked cards, and you can reach the Vault through the Pages drawer in the bottom navigation bar. You can also tap New in the footer to start a stored payment method request from the client profile.

Storing a client's payment method

There are two ways to request that a client store their payment method on file.

1

Access the request module

Option 1

Option 2

Go to the Clients page and view the details of the client you wish to work with. In the Payment Methods on File section, click Add new.

Go to the Merchant Hub page and select the Vault tab. Click on the Add New button to send a request to your client.

2

Prepare your request

In the Request Module, complete the request form:

  1. Select a client: Prefilled when opened from client detail. You can change it if needed.

  2. Select payment method type: Select which payment method the client can store in your vault. This field defaults to Bank Transfer or Card (client can choose), but you can also limit the request to Card only or Bank Transfer only.

  3. Remove access to this Pay Method on: Set an optional expiration date, or leave No end date checked to keep the payment method active indefinitely.

  4. Acknowledgment of Payment Method Authorization: Required checkbox confirming authorization.

3

Send the request

Click Send Request. Mallow notifies the client via email and prompts them to store their payment method securely. Once they complete it, their payment method appears in your payment methods list.

What your client sees

Your client receives an email with a link to a secure payment request page. The page shows your company name and explains that you are requesting authorization to store a payment method for future transactions. If they proceed, they enter their payment details on a secure form and submit.

Managing saved payment methods

The Vault table shows columns for Client, Name on account, Last 4, Method, Status, and Date added.

Status indicators

  • Active: A green check icon. The method is ready for use.

  • Inactive: A gray X icon. The method may be expired, canceled, rejected, or still pending the client's response.

Account details

Card payment methods show the payment method (card or bank account), last four digits, and expiration date.

Deleting a stored payment method

To remove a stored payment method:

  1. Go to the Vault tab on the Merchant Hub page

  2. Click on the 3 dots next to the payment method

  3. Select Delete payment method

  4. Confirm your selection

If the payment method is tied to an active subscription, deleting it will cancel that subscription.


Related articles:

Common Questions

Can I create a subscription from a stored payment method?

Yes. You have two options for starting a subscription:

  • Send a subscription invoice: Create an invoice with the Subscription cadence and send it to your client. Once they pay the first invoice, Mallow saves the payment method and automatically charges it for future billing cycles.

  • Use a stored payment method: If your client already has a payment method saved in the Vault, and they've granted you permission to use it for subscription payments, you can set up a subscription that charges that method directly—no invoice needed to start.

What emails are sent when I charge a stored payment method?

When you charge a saved payment method, Mallow sends a vault-specific set of transactional emails to the client and to all company users on your account. See Access stored payment methods for details.

Was this helpful?