Auto Payments in GoHighLevel Recurring Templates

ClickUp users who are moving to GoHighLevel or adding billing automation often need a clear, step-by-step guide to set up auto payments in recurring invoice templates. This tutorial walks you through enabling automatic charges so your subscriptions and retainer invoices get paid on time with minimal manual work.

The instructions below are based directly on the official documentation for auto payments in recurring templates and adapted into an easy how-to format for everyday use.

What Are Auto Payments in GoHighLevel?

Auto payments in GoHighLevel allow you to automatically charge a saved payment method whenever a recurring invoice is generated. This is especially useful for:

• Monthly retainers and service subscriptions
• Membership or coaching plans billed on a schedule
• Any repeating invoice where you have permission to store and charge a client’s card or bank account

Instead of manually collecting payments each billing cycle, the platform attempts to process the payment automatically as soon as the recurring invoice is created.

Prerequisites for Auto Payments in GoHighLevel

Before you enable auto payments on a recurring template in GoHighLevel, make sure these conditions are met:

• You have access to the Payments or Invoicing feature in your sub-account.
• Your preferred payment processor is integrated and active.
• The customer has an approved payment method on file.
• You understand and comply with any local or industry rules for storing and auto-charging payment methods.

Only after these items are in place should you proceed to turning on auto payments in your recurring template.

How to Create a Recurring Template in GoHighLevel

To use auto payments, you must first create a recurring invoice template in GoHighLevel. The general flow is:

1. Open the Payments or Invoices area.
   Locate the section where you manage invoices and templates inside your sub-account.
2. Create a new template.
   Choose the option to add a new invoice or recurring template.
3. Switch the template type to recurring.
   Look for a setting like “Recurring” or “Recurring template” and enable it so the invoice repeats on your preferred schedule.
4. Add customer information.
   Assign the template to the client you want to bill repeatedly.
5. Define line items and pricing.
   Add products, services, quantities, taxes, and discounts as needed.
6. Set the billing schedule.
   Configure the frequency (for example, weekly, monthly, or annually) and the start date for the recurring cycle.

Once your base recurring template is ready, you can move on to enabling auto payments.

Enable Auto Payments on a GoHighLevel Recurring Template

When editing a recurring template in GoHighLevel, you will see a specific control for automatic payment collection. Follow these steps to activate it:

1. Open the recurring template.
   Find the existing recurring template you want to edit and click to open it.
2. Locate the Auto Payment option.
   Inside the template settings, look for a checkbox or toggle labeled “Auto Payment” or similar.
3. Turn on Auto Payment.
   Enable this option to tell the system to automatically charge the client when each new recurring invoice is generated.
4. Select the payment method behavior.
   Depending on the configuration, the system will use the default saved payment method for that contact or allow you to specify which stored method should be charged.
5. Save the template.
   Click save or update so your auto payment settings apply to all future invoices created from this recurring template.

After you enable auto payments, any new invoice generated from that template will attempt to charge the stored payment method immediately or based on the configured timing.

How Auto Payments Work in GoHighLevel

Understanding what happens behind the scenes in GoHighLevel helps you troubleshoot and manage expectations with clients.

Invoice Generation and Charges in GoHighLevel

Each time the billing date arrives, the system:

1. Generates a new invoice based on the recurring template.
2. Attempts to charge the selected payment method automatically.
3. Updates the invoice status depending on whether the payment succeeded or failed.
4. Applies any relevant taxes, discounts, or line item changes you have made to the template.

You can then check the invoice status in your Payments or Invoices section to confirm that the charge was completed.

Handling Failed Auto Payments in GoHighLevel

If an auto payment attempt fails, typical next steps include:

• Invoice status changes to unpaid or past due, depending on your configuration.
• You may receive a notification about the failed transaction.
• You can manually retry the payment after updating the payment method.
• The client may need to provide a new card or update expiration details.

Because the process is template-based, you can quickly adjust the terms and attempt payment again after resolving the issue with the customer.

Best Practices for Auto Payments in GoHighLevel

To keep your automated billing smooth and predictable, use these practical tips:

• Get clear client consent. Always obtain explicit permission to store and auto-charge payment methods.
• Start with a test client. Run a simple recurring test invoice to confirm your GoHighLevel setup works as expected.
• Document your billing policy. Include your recurring billing terms in proposals, contracts, and onboarding materials.
• Monitor early billing cycles. For new templates, watch the first few auto payments closely to ensure invoices generate correctly.
• Keep contact details updated. Make sure customer email and payment method records are always current.

Troubleshooting Auto Payments in GoHighLevel

If your automatic charges are not working as expected, review the following common areas first:

1. Confirm the template is set to recurring.
   If the template is not truly recurring, no scheduled invoices will be generated.
2. Verify Auto Payment is enabled.
   Open the template and ensure the auto payment toggle or checkbox is turned on.
3. Check for a valid payment method.
   The customer must have an active payment method on file that can be charged.
4. Review payment processor status.
   Make sure your payment gateway integration is connected and functioning.
5. Inspect invoice logs and statuses.
   Look for error messages or decline codes that explain why a payment failed.

For deeper details and the most up-to-date product behavior, you can refer directly to the official documentation on auto payments in recurring templates: Auto Payments in Recurring Templates.

Next Steps and Additional GoHighLevel Resources

Once you have a working recurring template with auto payments, consider:

• Creating separate templates for different service tiers or packages.
• Combining recurring invoices with automated email reminders or workflows.
• Reviewing monthly reports to track successful auto payments and churn.

If you need expert help configuring, migrating, or optimizing your GoHighLevel setup for recurring revenue, you can learn more about implementation and consulting services at Consultevo.

By following the steps above, you will have a reliable, repeatable system for auto payments in recurring templates that saves time, reduces manual follow-up, and stabilizes your cash flow.

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