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Save a Card for Later

Saving a payment method lets you charge customers without them re-entering card details — useful for subscriptions, one-click checkout, and off-session charges.

Save during a payment​

The simplest approach: save the card while the customer completes their first payment.

// Server: create a PaymentIntent with setup_future_usage
const paymentIntent = await meridian.paymentIntents.create({
  amount: 2000,
  currency: 'usd',
  customer: 'cus_Nk3mHXq7ViGwMz',
  setup_future_usage: 'off_session',  // signals intent to save
});

After the customer pays, the PaymentMethod is automatically attached to the Customer.

Save without charging (SetupIntent)​

To save a card without charging — for example, on a free trial signup — use a SetupIntent:

// Server
const setupIntent = await meridian.setupIntents.create({
  customer: 'cus_Nk3mHXq7ViGwMz',
  usage: 'off_session',
});

// Return setupIntent.client_secret to the browser
// Client (Meridian.js)
const { error } = await meridian.confirmSetup({
  elements,
  confirmParams: { return_url: 'https://yoursite.com/setup-complete' },
});

Charge a saved card later​

Once a PaymentMethod is attached to a Customer, charge it off-session:

const paymentIntent = await meridian.paymentIntents.create({
  amount: 5000,
  currency: 'usd',
  customer: 'cus_Nk3mHXq7ViGwMz',
  payment_method: 'pm_CardId',
  off_session: true,
  confirm: true,
});
warning

Off-session charges can fail with authentication_required if the card's bank requires 3D Secure. Handle this by notifying the customer and creating an on-session PaymentIntent for them to authenticate.

List saved payment methods​

const paymentMethods = await meridian.customers.listPaymentMethods(
  'cus_Nk3mHXq7ViGwMz',
  { type: 'card' }
);

paymentMethods.data.forEach(pm => {
  console.log(pm.id, pm.card.brand, pm.card.last4);
});

Set a default payment method​

await meridian.customers.update('cus_Nk3mHXq7ViGwMz', {
  invoice_settings: { default_payment_method: 'pm_CardId' },
});