Card Registration
What is Card Registration?
Card registration saves a patient’s payment method securely without processing a payment:
- Card details stored securely by OutSmart Pay
- No immediate charge
- Card available for future use
- Used for no-show policies
When Card Registration Occurs
Card-Only Requirement
If a service requires a card but no payment:
- Patient enters card details
- Card is validated (small hold may appear temporarily)
- Card is saved to their account
- No charge processed
Automatic Scenarios
Card-only registration happens when:
- Service has “get card” requirement but no deposit
- Service price is $0
- Deposit is configured but service price is $0
Patient Experience
What Patients See
- Payment step in booking flow
- Credit card form
- Message: “Your card will be securely saved for future billing”
- Authorization checkbox
- Submit button
Authorization Message
“I authorize saving my card on file. Your card details will be securely encrypted and saved to your account.”
Why Require Card Registration
No-Show Protection
- Card on file deters no-shows
- Allows charging cancellation fees
- Professional accountability
Streamlined Future Visits
- Patient doesn’t need to re-enter card
- Faster checkout experience
- Enables quick rebooking
Billing Convenience
- Bill for services after appointment
- Process additional charges easily
- Handle insurance copays
Behind the Scenes
Card-Only Registration Flow
When the patient submits the card form:
- The card details go straight to OutSmart Pay — they don’t touch the OutSmart server.
- The card is validated. A small temporary authorization hold may appear on the patient’s statement; this drops off automatically.
- The card is saved to the patient’s account for future billing.
- No charge is processed.
Duplicate Prevention
OutSmart prevents duplicate cards on the same account:
- Checks last 4 digits
- Checks expiry date
- Reuses the existing card if a match is found
Card Security
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Storage | OutSmart Pay stores the card data — it never touches the OutSmart server |
| Display | Only last 4 digits visible |
| Access | Encrypted, PCI-compliant |
| Updates | Patients can manage their cards |
Configuring Card Requirements
Card registration is configured at the service level in OutSmart. Contact your administrator to:
- Enable card requirement for specific services
- Set up no-show policies
- Configure cancellation fee amounts
Common Questions
Does the patient get charged?
No - card registration only saves the card. A temporary authorization hold may appear but drops off automatically.
Can patients remove their saved card?
Yes - patients can manage saved cards through the booking interface.
What if registration fails?
The patient must try a different card or fix any errors. Common issues:
- Invalid card number
- Expired card
- Card issuer declined
Do cards expire?
Saved cards eventually expire. Patients will need to add a new card when their saved card passes its expiry date.
Troubleshooting
Card Not Saving
- Check card details are correct
- Ensure card isn’t expired
- Try a different card
- Check browser for JavaScript errors
Authorization Hold Showing
- This is normal for validation
- Should disappear within a few days
- No actual charge was made
Duplicate Card Message
- Card may already be on file
- System found matching card
- Uses existing card instead of adding duplicate
Next Steps
- Deposits - Collecting upfront payments
- Saved Cards - Managing saved payment methods