> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pluvel.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Per-Client Billing

> Bill your clients through Pluvel.

Optionally use Pluvel to bill your clients directly. We handle invoicing and payment collection, then pay you.

## How it works

<Steps>
  <Step title="Set up billing for a client">
    Go to **Client → Settings → Billing** and configure their fee.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Client adds payment method">
    Client enters their credit card or bank account in their portal.
  </Step>

  <Step title="We charge them monthly">
    On their billing date, we charge the configured amount.
  </Step>

  <Step title="We pay you">
    Collected amounts are deposited to your bank account.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Setting client fees

For each client, configure:

| Setting        | Description                   |
| -------------- | ----------------------------- |
| Monthly fee    | Fixed amount charged monthly  |
| Billing day    | Day of month to charge (1-28) |
| Start date     | When billing should begin     |
| Payment method | Card or bank account required |

### Variable billing

For non-fixed fees:

1. Enable **Variable Billing**
2. Each month, set the amount before billing day
3. Or connect to time tracking for automatic calculation

## Fee structures

Support for multiple fee types:

| Type              | Example                                        |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| Flat monthly      | \$500/month                                    |
| Flat + variable   | \$300 base + hourly overage                    |
| Percentage        | 1% of revenue (set manually or connect data)   |
| Transaction-based | \$X per transaction (calculated automatically) |

## Payment methods

Clients can pay via:

* **Credit card** — Visa, Mastercard, American Express
* **ACH bank transfer** — Lower fees, longer processing

### Payment method on file

Clients enter their payment method in:

* Their portal → Settings → Payment Method
* Or you can enter it for them (with their permission)

## Collecting payments

### Automatic charging

With a payment method on file:

* We charge on the billing day
* Client receives a receipt
* You receive a payment notification

### Manual invoicing

Prefer to send invoices instead?

1. Disable auto-billing for the client
2. Create invoices manually in **Client → Invoices**
3. Send to client
4. They pay online

## Payouts to you

Collected payments are deposited to your bank:

| Payout frequency | Description                          |
| ---------------- | ------------------------------------ |
| Daily            | Payments deposited next business day |
| Weekly           | All payments deposited on Friday     |
| Monthly          | All payments deposited on 1st        |

Set your preference in **Firm Settings → Billing → Payouts**.

### Payout details

Each payout shows:

* Client breakdown
* Gross collected
* Processing fees
* Net deposited

## Processing fees

Fees are deducted from client payments:

| Method      | Fee            |
| ----------- | -------------- |
| Credit card | 2.9% + \$0.30  |
| ACH         | 0.8% (max \$5) |

Example: \$500 charge via credit card

* Gross: \$500.00
* Fee: \$14.80
* Net to you: \$485.20

<Tip>
  Encourage clients to use ACH for lower fees on larger payments.
</Tip>

## Failed payments

When a client payment fails:

1. We retry after 3 days
2. Client receives notification
3. You receive an alert
4. After 3 failures, marked as failed

### Handling failures

Options:

* Contact client to update payment method
* Manually create invoice for the amount
* Pause service until paid

## Billing portal

Clients can manage their billing:

* View invoices and payment history
* Update payment method
* Download receipts
* See upcoming charges

Access via their portal → Settings → Billing.

## Reporting

Track client billing:

* **Revenue by client** — What each client pays
* **Collection rate** — Successful vs. failed payments
* **Outstanding** — Unpaid invoices
* **Trends** — Revenue over time

View in **Firm Dashboard → Billing → Reports**.

<Card title="Invoice clients" icon="file-invoice" href="/accountants/billing/invoicing">
  Create and send invoices to clients.
</Card>