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How Do I Update My Payment Method?

Keeping your payment information up to date ensures seamless registration for paid events and group memberships. This guide shows you how to add, update, and remove payment methods on Homeschool Hive.

Quick Answer​

To update your payment method, go to Account > Payment Methods. From there, you can add a new card by clicking "Add Payment Method," or remove an existing card by clicking the trash icon. Your saved payment methods work across all groups on the platform through Stripe's secure payment system.

Understanding Payment Methods on Homeschool Hive​

How Payments Work​

  • Secure storage - All payment information is stored securely with Stripe, not on Homeschool Hive servers
  • Platform-wide - Saved cards work for any group you join on the platform
  • Multiple cards - You can save multiple payment methods and choose which to use at checkout
  • Stripe Link - Your cards work with Stripe Link for faster checkout across many websites

When You Need a Payment Method​

You will need a saved payment method for:

  • Paid event registrations
  • Group membership fees
  • Recurring membership subscriptions
  • Any transaction requiring payment

Step-by-Step Guide​

Adding a New Payment Method​

  1. Navigate to Payment Methods

    • Click your profile avatar in the top right
    • Select Account from the dropdown
    • Click Payment Methods in the sidebar

  2. Start Adding a Card

    • Click the Add Payment Method button
    • A secure payment form will appear

  3. Enter Card Details

    • Card Number - Enter your full card number
    • Expiration Date - Enter MM/YY format
    • CVC - Enter the 3-digit security code (4 digits for American Express)
    • Billing ZIP - Enter the ZIP code associated with your card

  4. Save the Card

    • Click Save Card or Add Card
    • Wait for verification (usually takes a few seconds)
    • Your new card appears in your payment methods list
tip

If your card is declined during setup, double-check the card number, expiration date, and billing ZIP code. Contact your bank if the problem persists.

Removing a Payment Method​

  1. Go to Account > Payment Methods
  2. Find the card you want to remove
  3. Click the trash icon next to the card
  4. Confirm the removal when prompted
warning

If you have active subscriptions (like recurring group memberships), removing your only payment method may cause those payments to fail. Add a new payment method before removing the old one.

Updating an Expired Card​

When your card expires:

  1. Add the new card first

    • Go to Account > Payment Methods
    • Click Add Payment Method
    • Enter your new card details

  2. Remove the expired card

    • Click the trash icon next to the expired card
    • Confirm removal

  3. Update active subscriptions (if applicable)

    • Go to Account > Subscriptions
    • For each subscription, select "Update Payment Method"
    • Choose your new card

Managing Multiple Payment Methods​

Why Use Multiple Cards​

  • Separate expenses - Use different cards for different purposes
  • Backup option - If one card is declined, you have another ready
  • Shared accounts - Different family members can use different cards

Choosing a Card at Checkout​

When you register for a paid event:

  1. The checkout page shows your saved payment methods
  2. Select the card you want to use
  3. Or choose "Use a different card" to enter new details
  4. Complete your registration

Setting a Default Card​

Currently, the most recently used card is typically suggested at checkout. You can always select a different card during the payment process.

Subscription Payment Updates​

If you have recurring memberships or subscriptions:

Updating Payment for a Specific Subscription​

  1. Go to Account > Subscriptions
  2. Find the subscription you want to update
  3. Click Manage or the three-dot menu
  4. Select Update Payment Method
  5. Choose from your saved cards or add a new one
  6. Confirm the change

What Happens When a Payment Fails​

If a subscription payment fails:

  1. You receive an email notification
  2. The system retries the payment after a few days
  3. Update your payment method to ensure the next attempt succeeds
  4. If payments continue to fail, your membership may be suspended

Security and Privacy​

How Your Data Is Protected​

  • PCI Compliance - Stripe maintains the highest level of payment security certification
  • No storage on our servers - Card numbers are never stored on Homeschool Hive
  • Encrypted transmission - All payment data is encrypted in transit
  • Tokenization - Your actual card number is replaced with a secure token

What Homeschool Hive Can See​

Group leaders and Homeschool Hive staff can see:

  • That a payment was made
  • The last 4 digits of your card
  • The card brand (Visa, Mastercard, etc.)
  • The payment amount and date

They cannot see:

  • Your full card number
  • Your CVC/security code
  • Your full billing address

Tips​

  • Update before expiration - Add new cards before old ones expire to avoid payment interruptions
  • Check card limits - Ensure your card has sufficient credit/funds for upcoming payments
  • Use a card you monitor - Choose a card where you regularly review statements
  • Enable card notifications - Turn on transaction alerts from your bank for extra security
  • Save multiple cards - Having a backup card prevents registration failures

Troubleshooting​

My card was declined when adding it

  • Verify the card number, expiration date, and CVC are correct
  • Ensure the billing ZIP matches what your bank has on file
  • Check if your card is activated and not blocked
  • Contact your bank to authorize the transaction

I cannot remove my payment method

  • Check if you have active subscriptions using this card
  • Update the subscription payment method first, then remove the old card

My saved card is not appearing at checkout

  • Refresh the page
  • Check that you are logged into the correct account
  • Go to Account > Payment Methods to verify the card is saved

A charge appeared that I do not recognize

  • Check your RSVP history and subscription list
  • Contact the group leader if the charge is from a specific group
  • Reach out to Homeschool Hive support if needed

Frequently Asked Questions​

Is it safe to save my card on Homeschool Hive? Yes. Your card information is stored securely by Stripe, a leading payment processor. Homeschool Hive never sees or stores your full card number.

Can group leaders see my payment details? No. Group leaders can only see that a payment was made, the amount, and the last 4 digits of your card.

How many cards can I save? You can save multiple payment methods. There is no strict limit.

What cards are accepted? Homeschool Hive accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover through Stripe.

Do I need to save a card to join free groups? No. Payment methods are only required for paid transactions.