Overview

Charge a parent's card instantly using Stripe — perfect for enrollment fees, security deposits, or activity charges. You can trigger this charge automatically through an automation or run it manually.

Important: The parent must have a default payment method saved in Stripe for this to work. If they don't have a card on file, the charge will fail.

Before You Start

Make sure Stripe is connected at the Enrollio level (not the individual client level). You can verify this in your Enrollio Dashboard under Settings → Integrations → Stripe.

[SCREENSHOT: Enrollio Dashboard showing Settings menu with Stripe integration option highlighted]

How to Set Up a One-Time Charge

Step 1: Create or Edit Your Automation

  1. Go to Automations in your Enrollio Dashboard
  2. Create a new automation or edit an existing one
  3. Add a trigger (for example: "Enrollment Form Submitted" or "Tag Added")
[SCREENSHOT: Automation builder showing trigger options relevant to childcare enrollment]

Step 2: Add the Stripe Charge Action

  1. Click Add Action
  2. Select Stripe → One-Time Charge
  3. Enter the charge amount (e.g., $150.00 for an enrollment fee)
  4. Add a description that will appear on the parent's statement (e.g., "Enrollment Fee - Little Explorers Preschool")
[SCREENSHOT: Stripe One-Time Charge action configuration showing amount and description fields]

Step 3: Save and Activate

Click Save and make sure your automation is turned on. The charge will process automatically when the trigger conditions are met.

Pro Tip: Send a confirmation text or email immediately after the charge processes. Parents appreciate knowing exactly what they were charged for and when.

Common Use Cases

  • Enrollment fees: Charge when a family completes enrollment paperwork
  • Security deposits: Automatically collect when a tour is converted to enrollment
  • Field trip fees: Charge families who opt in via a form
  • Supply fees: Process seasonal supply charges based on tags or enrollment status

Troubleshooting

"Charge Failed" Error

This usually means the parent doesn't have a default payment method saved. You can:

  • Send them a payment link to add their card
  • Manually add their card details in the parent's profile (if you have their permission)
  • Check if the card on file has expired

Wrong Amount Charged

Double-check your automation action. Make sure you're entering the amount in dollars (e.g., 150.00, not 15000).

Related Articles

  • Setting Up Recurring Invoices in Stripe
  • Connecting Your Stripe Account to Enrollio
  • Creating Payment Links for Parents