AffiliateSync™ uses Stripe to manage subscriptions, process payments, handle invoicing, and ensure secure recurring billing. This page explains everything you need to know about how billing works and what Stripe does in the background.

1. Overview of the Billing System #

Stripe is a secure, industry-leading payment processor that powers all subscription and one-time payments for AffiliateSync.

Using Stripe provides:

• Automatic subscription renewals
• Secure card storage
• EU/UK SCA compliance
• VAT invoice generation
• Fraud protection
• Real-time webhook updates

AffiliateSync never stores your payment details. All sensitive data is securely processed by Stripe.

2. How Subscription Payments Work #

When you choose a subscription plan:

1. You are redirected to a secure Stripe Checkout page.
2. You enter your payment details.
3. Stripe verifies the payment.
4. Stripe creates a subscription linked to your AffiliateSync account.
5. Your feeds and features are instantly activated.

3. Payment Methods Supported #

Stripe supports:

• Debit cards
• Credit cards
• Apple Pay
• Google Pay
• Some bank payments depending on region

Support varies by country.

4. How Subscription Renewals Work #

Subscriptions renew automatically every billing cycle (Monthly).

On your renewal date:

1. Stripe attempts to charge your saved payment method.
2. If successful, your subscription continues.
3. If unsuccessful, Stripe retries twice.
4. AffiliateSync receives updates for each attempt.

If all retry attempts fail, your subscription will enter a Cancelled state, and feeds will not be accessible.

5. Invoice Generation & VAT Handling #

Every subscription payment generates a Stripe invoice.

Your invoice includes:

• Service description
• Billing period
• VAT amount (if applicable)
• Payment status

Invoices are emailed automatically and can be viewed in your customer billing portal.

6. What Happens After Payment #

Once Stripe confirms the payment:

• AffiliateSync updates your subscription tier
• Feed URLs update with new refresh rate
• API rate limits adjust
• Your dashboard shows the current plan

Activation is normally instant (1–5 seconds). If delays occur, it may take up to 10–20 minutes.

7. Failed Payments & Grace Periods #

If Stripe cannot process a renewal payment:

• Your subscription enters a grace period
• Stripe retries the payment at scheduled intervals
• You will receive email notifications

During this time, AffiliateSync may:

• Keep your subscription active for a limited window
• Reduce access depending on your plan rules

If payment ultimately fails, your subscription will expire.

8. Upgrading Your Subscription #

You can upgrade at any time.

How upgrades work: #

• Stripe immediately charges the prorated difference
• Your new plan becomes active instantly
• Your feed refresh rate or network access updates in seconds

Example: You upgrade from Pulse (30 minutes) to Ultra (10 minutes):

• Stripe calculates the unused portion
• You pay only the cost difference
• Feed refresh rate becomes 10 minutes instantly

Currently, you can only upgrade to other plans within the same feed, such as Main feed or Amazon. If you’re looking to swap feeds, please get in touch with support, and they can assist.

9. Downgrading Your Subscription #

When downgrading:

• You continue on your current plan until the cycle ends
• The new lower-tier plan activates at renewal
• No immediate charge or refund occurs

This ensures smooth billing transitions.

Currently, you can only upgrade to other plans within the same feed, such as Main feed or Amazon. If you’re looking to swap feeds, please get in touch with support, and they can assist.

10. Cancelling Your Subscription #

You can cancel anytime via your dashboard.

After cancellation:

• Your subscription remains active until the end of the billing period
• Access ends when the billing cycle closes
• Your feeds will be then be disabled

No further charges occur unless you re-subscribe.

11. Billing Security #

Stripe is PCI-DSS Level 1 compliant. This means:

• AffiliateSync never stores card data
• All payments are encrypted
• SCA (Strong Customer Authentication) is supported
• Fraud protection is built in

Your payment details are always handled securely.

12. Summary #

Stripe provides a seamless, secure, automated billing system for AffiliateSync users. With real-time subscription updates, reliable renewals, and instant activation, you can trust that your subscription will remain active and accurate without manual intervention.