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Card on file
Card on file means saving a client’s payment method (with consent) to charge later per your cancellation or no-show policy.
In practice
Solo providers use card on file to enforce policies without chasing invoices. Combined with prepaid packages, you reduce revenue leakage from empty slots. Payments still flow through Stripe on your connected account.
Related reading
FAQ
Is card storage PCI compliant?
Stripe handles card data—follow Stripe and your policy disclosures.
Do clients consent?
Your booking flow and terms should disclose when cards may be charged.
Can I use card on file without packages?
Yes—policies can apply to single appointments too.
Does Apple Pay count?
Where supported, wallets can be used in Stripe checkout flows.
Try NextSessio free for 14 days
New in 2026—built for prepaid session packages. No card required to start.