> This is Payabli documentation. For a complete page index, fetch https://docs.payabli.com/llms.txt — append .md to any page URL for lightweight markdown. For section-level indexes, query parameters, and other AI-optimized access methods, see https://docs.payabli.com/ai-agents.md # Create an autopay > Schedule automatic recurring charges for customers directly from their record in the Payabli Portal Autopays are recurring payments that charge a customer at a scheduled interval. Payabli supports two types: schedule-driven and balance-driven. A schedule-driven autopay runs on a defined interval until it reaches its end date or you cancel it. A balance-driven autopay charges the customer's open balance at execution time on a set monthly schedule — the 1st, 15th, or last day of the month. If the balance is zero, Payabli skips the cycle. Before enrolling customers in autopays, make sure you have clear terms and conditions that cover cancellation policies, refund rules, billing frequency, and payment amounts. Work with your legal team to draft these. Displaying terms and capturing customer consent protects you in the event of a [chargeback dispute](/guides/pay-ops-disputes-chargebacks-returns-overview#baseline-documentation-requirements). ## Create a schedule-driven autopay To create a schedule-driven autopay, start from the customer record: If you're at the paypoint level, you can also create autopays from the *Autopays* report by clicking **Create** at the top of the screen. Navigate to **Pay In > Customers**, locate the customer record, and click the three-dot icon. Select **Create autopay** to open the *Create Autopay* modal. Three-dot action menu on a customer record with Create autopay highlighted Choose **Sale** to capture funds immediately, or **Authorize** to hold the funds and capture manually. The operation type can't be changed after the autopay is created. If you select the wrong type, cancel the autopay and create a new one. Enter the payment **amount** — for example, `425.00` for monthly HOA dues. Then search for a line item in your catalog, such as **HOA Monthly Assessment**. If Payabli can't find the item, select **Add a One-Time Item** or **Add Item to Catalog**. Optionally, enter an **invoice number** to associate with the recurring charge. Create Autopay modal showing amount set to 425.00, description set to HOA Monthly Assessment, and an optional invoice number field Enter the **start date**, **end date**, and **frequency**. For example, a one-year HOA dues schedule might run from August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027 on a monthly basis. Create Autopay modal showing start date August 1, 2026, end date July 31, 2027, and Monthly frequency selected Select a stored payment method or enter new payment information. Create Autopay modal showing payment method selection with a stored checking account selected Add any notes you want attached to each payment record in this autopay series. Click **Review** to see a summary of the autopay, then click **Create Autopay** to confirm and create the autopay. ## Create a balance-driven autopay A balance-driven autopay charges the customer's open balance at execution time. Payabli reads the balance on the scheduled date and charges whatever is owed. If the balance is zero, Payabli skips the cycle with no charge. A customer can have only one active balance-driven autopay at a time. If one is already active, you can't create another until the existing one is canceled. To create a balance-driven autopay: If you're at the paypoint level, you can also create autopays from the *Autopays* report by clicking **Create** at the top of the screen. Navigate to **Pay In > Customers**, locate the customer record, and click the three-dot icon. Select **Create autopay** to open the *Create Autopay* modal. Choose **Sale** to capture funds immediately, or **Authorize** to hold the funds and capture manually. Enter the **amount** and search for or add a line item description. Optionally, enter an **invoice number**. Select **1st of month**, **15th of month**, or **End of month**. Balance-driven autopays don't use a start date, end date, or custom interval — they run on the chosen calendar position each month until canceled. Create Autopay modal showing frequency options: 1st of month, 15th of month, and End of month Select a stored payment method or enter new payment information. Add any notes you want attached to each payment record in this autopay series. Click **Review** to see a summary of the autopay, then click **Create Autopay** to confirm and create the autopay. ## Related resources See these related resources to help you get the most out of Payabli. * **[Manage autopays](/guides/pay-in-portal-autopays-manage)** - View, edit, pause, resume, and cancel scheduled autopays from the Payabli Portal * **[Manage subscriptions with the API](/guides/pay-in-developer-subscriptions-manage)** - Learn how to create, update, and delete your scheduled, subscription, and autopay transactions with the Payabli API