Payment Methods
Set up credit cards for automatic billing or authorize cash and check payments for a renter.
Overview
The Payment Methods tab controls how a renter pays for their rentals. You can store credit cards for automatic billing through Stripe, or authorize manual payments (cash and check).
To get here: Go to Renters → click a Renter-ID → click the Payment Methods tab.
A renter must have at least one payment method (either a card or manual payment authorization) before they can rent a space. You’ll see a reminder on their Renter Profile until this is done.
Payment types
| Type | How it works |
|---|---|
| Credit Card | Stored securely via Stripe. Invoices can be charged automatically when due. |
| Manual Payments | Cash or check. Staff records each payment by hand. |
Authorizing manual payments (cash/check)
The Authorize Cash/Check Payment toggle is at the top of the page.
- On (green): Cash and check payments are accepted. A “Manual Payments” row appears in the table.
- Off: Only credit card payments are available.
Tip: Many facilities turn this on for all renters by default, then add a card if the renter wants auto-pay. That way you always have a way to collect.
Adding a credit card
- Click Add Payment Method
- Enter card details in the secure Stripe-powered form
- Optionally set a nickname (like “Business Visa” or “Personal Amex”)
- Save
Full card numbers are never stored in LeaseLlama — they go directly to Stripe’s secure vault. You’ll only see the brand and last 4 digits.
Stripe must be connected in Administration → Integrations before you can add cards.
Managing cards
Set a default card: Click the radio button next to the card you want to use for automatic charges. The default card is charged when invoices come due.
Delete a card: Click the trash icon. If you delete the default card, another card (if any) becomes the new default automatically.
The payment methods table
| Column | Shows |
|---|---|
| Type | Card brand + last 4 digits, or “Manual Payments” |
| Details | Nickname, expiration date, or “Cash & Check Authorized” |
| Default | Radio button to set the default card |
| Added | Date the method was added |
| Actions | Delete button |
Auto-pay vs. manual charging
| Feature | Auto-Pay (default card) | Manual recording |
|---|---|---|
| When it happens | Automatically when invoice is due | Staff records payment |
| What’s needed | Default credit card on file | Manual payments authorized |
| Staff effort | None — it just runs | Need to record each payment |
| Best for | Renters who prefer hands-off | Cash/check payers |
Common questions
What if Stripe isn’t connected? You can still enable manual payments (cash/check) without Stripe. You just can’t add credit cards.
Can a renter have multiple cards? Yes. One is marked as the default for auto-pay. Others can be selected when manually processing payments.
Is card info secure? Yes. Card numbers go directly to Stripe and never touch LeaseLlama’s servers. Only the brand and last 4 digits are stored for display.
What happens if I delete the only card? If manual payments are enabled, the renter can still pay cash/check. If not, no payments can be processed until a new card is added.
Can renters manage their own payment methods? Not currently — all payment method management is done by staff.
Tips
- Enable manual payments early — gives you flexibility even when a card isn’t ready yet
- Use card nicknames — makes it easy to tell “Personal” from “Business” when a renter has multiple cards
- Watch expiration dates — expired cards cause failed auto-charges and overdue invoices
- Always have a fallback — enable manual payments so you can still collect if a card fails