Looking for the best recurring payment plugins for WordPress? Learn about top plugins to simplify subscription management and automate payment processing.
Approximate read time: 6 minutes
So, you're searching 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 must also consider your tech know-how, budget, and required functionalities.
For some, a stripped-down solution for accepting recurring payments does the trick. But if you need features like coupon codes and free trial periods, 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 and then round up the five best options on the market.
Let's go!
How to pick the right recurring payment plugin for WordPress
Picking the right recurring payments plugin for your WordPress website isn't just about the tech side of things. It's a strategic business decision, too. This tool will essentially determine your platform's payment processing power and transaction efficiency. Not to mention its impact on the user experience!
The right combination of supported payment methods, compatibility, customer support, and cost can make all the difference. After all, a smooth user checkout experience means more success for you!
Supported payment methods
Not all plugins work with every payment processor, so you must ensure your choice supports your go-to gateway.
While most accept credit cards, PayPal, Authorize.net, and Stripe payments, few have Square, Braintree, or Mollie integrations.
🤔 Aren't sure which payment gateway is right for your site? These comparisons of Authorize.net vs Stripe, Stripe vs PayPal, and Authorize.net vs PayPal may help.
Compatibility
This is one of the most important factors to consider. Will the recurring payments WordPress plugin you want to use 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.
Tools for speeding up WordPress sites like 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 a lot for advanced features, you can also find 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, are you ready to find the best WordPress recurring payment plugin for you? Let's dive into our top five.
5 Best recurring payment plugins for WordPress
1. Formidable Forms - Best free recurring payments plugin
If you're looking for the most bang for your buck, you can't beat Formidable Forms!
Whether you're running a subscription site or want to accept recurring donations, this WordPress form builder makes it easy and affordable.
In Formidable, switching from a one-time payment to a recurring billing or subscription product only takes one click. 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!
And if that's not a good enough reason to declare it the best recurring payment plugin, Formidable does so much more! Its drag and drop builder lets you quickly create forms, surveys, interactive calculators, and quizzes. All without any coding.
Surely this plugin can't also have amazing customer service, right? Wrong! With nearly 1,000 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 to start selling subscription products or services ASAP.
It works seamlessly with WooCommerce and 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 a fan of sleek and simple, 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.
Although this is one of the best payment plugins for WordPress, it is missing some important features and integrations. ⚠️ WP Simple Pay doesn't support PayPal or Authorize.net. So keep this in mind if you want to use these payment gateways.
Price:
There is a free WP Simple Pay plugin, but automatic payments are a premium feature. Premium plans start at $199 per year
4. Paymattic
Paymattic is a streamlined payment plugin focused on making online payments easy 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 a premium feature, 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
If you sell digital products or services, Easy Digital Downloads is the recurring payments plugin for you!
While the free plugin makes it simple to sell one-time digital downloads, the paid version comes with flexible subscription models. It only takes a few clicks to set up custom subscription payment options. And then you can offer everything 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 to EDD is the relatively high price tag for the premium plugin. 💸
Price:
Easy Digital Downloads has a free plugin, but only premium plans offer automatic payments. Paid plans start at $399 per year.
How do I add a recurring payment in WordPress?
The first step to add recurring payments in WordPress is to pick a payment plugin. And now that you've read this article, you should be well on your way!
Once you pick your plugin, you're ready to install it on your site and set up monthly payments in WordPress. Or whatever billing interval you choose.
👉 Check out this article for a step-by-step guide on how to set up WordPress recurring payments.
Get one of the best recurring payment plugins 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.
Curious to test all of Formidable's form building features for yourself? Try the premium version of the best WordPress form maker risk-free with our 14-day money-back guarantee.
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