How Smart Retries Work for Failed Payments
When a customer’s subscription payment fails, Stripe’s Smart Retry system automatically attempts to collect the payment again using machine learning. This improves the chances of recovering failed payments without requiring manual follow-up.
Current Configuration Example
Exercise.com platforms use Stripe’s Smart Retry functionality to manage failed subscription payments. Here is how it works:
- Retry policy: Smart Retries
- Retry attempts: Up to 4 times
- Retry window: Within 2 weeks
Understanding Smart Retry
Smart Retry does not follow fixed intervals for retrying payments (e.g., day 3, 5, or 7). Instead, Stripe uses real-time behavioral signals to determine the best time to retry:
- How many different devices have used the payment method recently
- The optimal local time for successful payments (e.g., some regions show higher success just after midnight)
- Behavioral trends from Stripe’s global transaction data
This machine learning approach increases success rates compared to traditional rule-based retry systems.
Bank Debit Exceptions
Stripe does not apply Smart Retry to invoice payments made via bank debit methods such as BECS Direct Debit, Bacs Direct Debit, or SEPA Direct Debit. This is to avoid unnecessary bank fees associated with those methods.
Can I Modify the Retry Settings?
No. You cannot change the Smart Retry settings for your platform at this time.
Additional Notes
Stripe does not retry payments made using bank debit methods like BECS, Bacs, or SEPA, to avoid bank fees.
If all retry attempts fail, the system automatically revokes access to the membership (based on platform logic).
Please contact our Support Team if you have additional questions about Smart Retries!
