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.

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.

Prepare your request

In the Request Module, complete the request form:

Select a client: Prefilled when opened from client detail. You can change it if needed.
Select payment method type: Choose what the client can store:
- Bank Transfer or Card (client can choose): The client decides which option works best.
- Card only: Limits the request to a debit or credit card.
- Bank Transfer only: Limits the request to ACH (US) or EFT (Canada).
Remove access to this Pay Method on: Set an optional expiration date, or select No end date to keep the payment method active indefinitely.
How do you intend to use this Pay Method? Choose whether you wish to authorize the payment method for subscription renewals, ad hoc invoice payments, or both.
Acknowledgment of Payment Method Authorization: Required checkbox confirming authorization.

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.

Managing saved payment methods

In the merchant payment methods view, each saved method displays as a card with a status indicator and type details.

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:

Go to the Vault tab on the Merchant Hub page
Click on the 3 dots next to the payment method
Select Delete payment method
Confirm selection

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

Related articles:

Access stored payment methods — find and charge an existing stored payment method.
Payment rails available in Mallow — details on card types, ACH/EFT, and fee structures.
Recurring invoices — how saved payment methods power automatic subscription billing.
Creating an invoice in Mallow — choosing how you want to be paid on each invoice.

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?