Discover the five top recurring payment plugins for WordPress to help you easily manage your site's subscriptions, donations, and other forms of repeat payments.
Approximate read time: 6 minutes
So, you're on the hunt for the perfect recurring payment plugin for your WordPress site?
It’s not just about installing any old WordPress plugin for monthly payments or subscriptions. You also need to consider your tech know-how, budget, and required functionalities.
For some, a stripped-down solution for accepting recurring payments does the trick. For others who crave features like coupon codes, trial periods, and content dripping, the struggle to find the perfect payment plugin is real. 😩
In this article, we'll first cover the key features to look for in recurring payment plugins for WordPress. Then, we'll round up the five best options on the market.
Let's go!
Picking the right recurring payment plugin
Choosing the right recurring payments plugin for your site isn't only a technical decision but a strategic one as well. 🧠 This tool will essentially determine your platform's payment processing power and transaction efficiency. Not to mention its impact on the user experience!
Prioritizing supported payment methods, compatibility, customer support, and cost can make all the difference. After all, a smooth and value-adding experience for your users translates to a better experience for you!
Supported payment methods
Not all plugins work with every payment processor, so you'll want to make sure your choice supports your go-to gateway.
While most accept credit cards, PayPal, Authorize.net, and Stripe payments, far fewer offer Square, Braintree, or Mollie integrations.
Compatibility
Compatibility is crucial. Will the recurring payments WordPress plugin you've got your eye on play nicely with your WordPress setup?
You'll want to check that the plugin is compatible with your version of WordPress, your website's theme, and any other essential plugins you use, such as page builders like Elementor or Divi.
Plugins for speeding up WordPress sites including cache plugins and image optimizers, also often cause conflicts. So keep an eye out!
Customer support
Good customer support is priceless, especially if you aren't a WordPress whiz. It can save you lots of time and money by helping you quickly fix any problems that arise. The best plugins provide active developer forums, regular updates, and detailed documentation.
Cost
While you can end up paying top-dollar for advanced features, you can also uncover some gems that offer powerful essentials for free. Also, don't forget to read the fine print! Many payment plugins charge additional transaction fees on top of your payment processor, especially free plugins.
Alright, feeling ready to choose the best recurring payment plugin for WordPress? Let's dive into the top five options available.
5 Best recurring payment plugins for WordPress
1. Formidable Forms - Best free recurring payment plugin for WordPress
If you're looking for the most bang for your buck, you can't beat Formidable Forms!
Whether you're running a subscription-based site or want to accept recurring donations, this WordPress form builder makes it extremely easy and affordable.
In Formidable, it literally takes one click to switch from a one-time payment to a recurring billing or subscription product. And you can do it right from your WordPress dashboard.
Plus, it's the only plugin on our list that lets you collect recurring payments for free!
As if that isn't reason enough to declare it the best recurring payment plugin, Formidable does so much more! Its user-friendly drag-and-drop builder lets you quickly create all kinds of forms, surveys, interactive calculators, and quizzes. All without any coding.
Surely this plugin can't also have amazing customer service, right? Wrong! With 900+ 5-star reviews on WordPress.org, it's clear the support is top-notch too. ⭐
Price:
Formidable's free plugin accepts repeat payments through Stripe. For other payment gateways, premium plans start at $149.50 per year.
2. WooCommerce Subscriptions
Already using WooCommerce for your online business? 🛍️ Then the paid WooCommerce Subscriptions extension may be the best way for you to start selling subscription products ASAP.
Working seamlessly with the free WooCommerce plugin, Woo Subscriptions offers integrations with over 25 online payment gateways, automatic renewal notifications, and rebilling on failed transactions.
And it's super simple to change your WooCommerce product subscription periods right from the plugin's settings page. ⚙️
But there is a downside to this plugin; the price. 💰 WooCommerce already tacks on transaction fees, and then you'll have to pay on top of that to take recurring payments.
Price:
The core WooCommerce plugin is free, but the subscription extension starts at $19.92 monthly, billed annually.
3. WP Simple Pay
If you're all about simplicity and minimalism, WP Simple Pay will make your day!
With this straightforward payment plugin, setting up recurring payments is a cinch. And it offers no-fuss, no-frills, along with seamless Stripe integration.
While this is one of the best payment plugins for WordPress, it does lack some features and integrations. ⚠️ Most notably, WP Simple Pay doesn't support PayPal or Authorize.net. So it may not be the solution for you if you want to stick with these payment gateways.
Price:
While WP Simple Pay does offer a free WordPress plugin, you'll need a premium WP Simple Pay plan starting at $199 per year to receive automatic payments for products or services.
4. Paymattic
Paymattic is a streamlined payment plugin that focuses on facilitating online payments without hurting your WordPress site's performance.
The free version of this plugin lets you accept all major credit cards and other Stripe payment methods. 💳 But recurring payments are reserved for premium Paymattic users, as are additional payment gateways, including PayPal, Paystack, Square, and Mollie.
Price:
Paymattic offers a free plugin. Paymattic Pro, with support for repeat payments and subscriptions, starts at $9.99 per month.
5. Easy Digital Downloads
For those of you selling digital products on your site, Easy Digital Downloads is the recurring payments plugin for you!
While the free core plugin makes it simple to offer one-off digital downloads, the paid version extends its power to provide flexible subscription models. ? In a few clicks, you can set up highly customized subscription payment options with a wide range of time intervals spanning from daily billing to annual subscriptions.
The Extended Pass also gives you access to multiple payment methods, including Authorize.net and Payfast.
The only drawback is the relatively high price tag for the premium plugin. 💸
Price:
Easy Digital Downloads offers a free plugin, but automatic payments are only available with premium plans starting at $399 per year.
How do I add a recurring payment in WordPress?
The first step in adding a recurring payment in WordPress is to choose your payment plugin. And now that you've read this article, you should be well on your way!
Once you pick your plugin, you're then ready to install it on your site and set up monthly payments in WordPress (or whatever interval you choose!).
👉 Check out this article for a step-by-step guide on how to set up WordPress recurring payments.
Ready to pick up the best recurring payment plugin for WordPress?
So, are you ready to simplify recurring payments and turn your WordPress site into a well-oiled money-making machine? Give Formidable Forms a try today. Along with making your life easier, it'll also keep your wallet happy!
For more on membership plugins, subscription sites, and more ways to make money from your WordPress site, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
How To Set Up WordPress Recurring Payments [Stripe & PayPal]
How To Set Up Recurring Donations in WordPress
How to Accept PayPal Payments in Your WordPress Forms
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