Bank Transfers

Here’s how to set up bank withdrawals to allow your clients to pay their invoices through their Canadian bank accounts. Here are the steps to activate this payment option, use Stripe to manage transactions, and track pending payments.

# Activating the bank transfers 

Make sure your Stripe account is connected to Activity Messenger.

Go to the payment options of the form you want to configure.

Enable the Bank Withdrawal option. This will allow your clients to pay directly from their bank account. Note that this payment method is only available for Canadian bank accounts, and transactions may take up to 5 business days.

# Use cases for bank withdrawls

This payment method is particularly suited for large invoices or installment payments, such as monthly payments for activities like competitive gymnastics. You can set up multiple automatic payments spread over a specified period (e.g., 10 payments of $350 each).

# Form simulation and testing 

Once the setup is complete, fill out the test form.

At the payment step, you will see several options, including credit card and bank withdrawal. Select the bank withdrawal option.

Stripe will prompt the customer to log into their bank account to authorize the withdrawal. The process is secure, and the customer will be informed of the terms of use.

# Payment processing and tracking 

After authorization, the bank withdrawal is initiated but may take up to 5 days to appear on the customer’s bank statement. Once the payment is completed, the customer will receive a confirmation email. You can also track the status of payments through the Invoices tab in Activity Messenger.

# Email templates and error notifications 

An email is sent when the bank withdrawal is initiated, and another is sent in case of a payment error (e.g., insufficient funds). The latter will include a link allowing the customer to settle the invoice manually.

# Tracking payment error

It’s advisable to add a user to your team who will receive notifications in case of issues with a bank withdrawal. Daily reports can be generated to track failed or delayed payments. You can also view this information directly in the Reports tab.