Handle Failed Payments

When a payment fails, Commet retries automatically while keeping the customer's access active during a grace period.

How the retry flow works

Commet uses Stripe's Smart Retries to attempt the charge multiple times over several days. During this period, the subscription moves to past_due status but the customer retains access.

If all retries fail after the grace period, the subscription is canceled automatically.

Check subscription status

const { data } = await commet.subscriptions.get('user_123')

if (data.status === 'past_due') {
  // Payment failed, retries in progress
}

Gate access based on status

Most apps should continue granting access during the past_due grace period to avoid disrupting customers who simply need to update a card.

const { data } = await commet.subscriptions.get('user_123')

const hasAccess = data.status === 'active'
  || data.status === 'trialing'
  || data.status === 'past_due'

Prompt payment update

Customers in past_due can update their payment method through the Customer Portal.

const portal = await commet.portal.getUrl({ customerId: 'user_123' })

redirect(portal.data.portalUrl)

Learn more

• What Happens When a Payment Fails

Related

• Invoices and Billing Cycles — Invoice types and charge timing
• Manage Subscriptions — Create and manage customer subscriptions
• Customer Portal — Self-service billing portal for customers