Skip to main content

Handle a failed or returned payment

What to do when a bank debit, QuickPay charge, or card fails, or a check bounces or a payment is reversed.

When a payment fails before it clears, the invoice stays open and your customer needs to pay again. When money is taken back after it cleared, such as a bounced check or a reversed bank payment, email the Streamlined team. They'll record it on the invoice.

When a bank debit fails

A bank debit takes a few business days to clear. Meanwhile, the invoice shows PROCESSING. If your customer's bank rejects it in that time (not enough funds, a closed account, or wrong details):

  • the invoice goes back to its usual badge, open for the full amount;

  • the failed payment shows in the invoice's activity;

  • anyone on your team subscribed to Payment failed gets an email.

Ask your customer to pay again. If their bank details were the problem, they can use another method.

Tip: To choose who's told, go to Settings > Account > Notifications. See your notifications.

When a QuickPay charge fails

When QuickPay can't charge a customer's saved card or bank account, the customer's Billing tab shows Invalid payment method. QuickPay tries again a limited number of times. It stops after a definite failure, such as an expired card or a closed account.

To get it charging again, your customer updates their payment method with Update QuickPay on their statement page. See how QuickPay charges.

When a card is declined

A declined card never becomes a payment. Your customer sees the error at checkout and can try another card or method.

When a check bounces or a payment is taken back

Sometimes money is taken back after an invoice was paid. A check bounces, a bank payment is returned after it cleared, or a customer disputes a card payment with their bank. Email help@streamlinedpayments.com with:

  • the customer's name and the invoice number;

  • the amount and date of the original payment;

  • the check number, if it was a check;

  • any notice you got from your customer or their bank.

The Streamlined team records it. That reopens the invoice for the amount taken back.

Did this answer your question?