---
title: "Add your payment method"
description: "First-time setup — save a card or bank account from the Dashboard so you can pay invoices in one tap."
type: guide
updated: 2026-08-05
canonical_url: https://help.nestlicare.com/parents/payments/add-your-payment-method
roles: ["parent"]
platforms: [ios, android, web]
---
If you've never paid your daycare through NestliCare before, this is the one-minute setup. You save a card or bank account once, and every invoice after that is a single tap.

Nothing is charged during setup. You're only storing the method for future invoices.

<Callout kind="info" title="Already have a method saved?">
This article is first-time setup. To swap a card, remove one, or turn on auto-pay, see [Update your payment method](/parents/payments/update-your-payment-method).
</Callout>

## Step 1 — Open the Dashboard

Open the NestliCare app and tap the **Dashboard** tab at the bottom of the screen. Scroll down to the **Payments** section and tap **Set Up Payment Method**.

<ScreenshotWithPointers
  src="/screenshots/parents/payments/dashboard-setup-prompt.png"
  alt="Dashboard tab scrolled to the Payments section, showing the Set Up Payment Method prompt"
  pointers={[
    { x: 25, y: 74, caption: "Payments section header — tap View All to see every invoice" },
    { x: 50, y: 80, caption: "Set Up Payment Method — the amber prompt with 'Add a card to pay your invoices' underneath. Tap it." },
    { x: 39, y: 94, caption: "Dashboard tab — where you start" },
  ]}
/>

This prompt only appears while you have no method saved. Once you finish setup it disappears, replaced by your amount due. The Dashboard prompt is the only place to start first-time setup — the **Me** tab shows your saved method but can't add one.

## Step 2 — Tap Add Payment Method

The **Payments** screen opens. Tap the **Add Payment Method** button.

<ScreenshotWithPointers
  src="/screenshots/parents/payments/payment-method-empty.png"
  alt="Payments screen with an empty Payment Method card and the Add Payment Method button"
  pointers={[
    { x: 38, y: 23, caption: "Payment Method card — empty until you add one" },
    { x: 50, y: 51, caption: "Add Payment Method button" },
    { x: 50, y: 57, caption: "'All payment data is encrypted and secure' — your details go to Stripe, not to your daycare" },
  ]}
/>

## Step 3 — Choose card or bank account

A secure Stripe sheet slides up. Pick **Card** or **US bank account**, enter your details, then tap **Set up**.

<ScreenshotWithPointers
  src="/screenshots/parents/payments/stripe-card-sheet.png"
  alt="Stripe payment sheet with Card and US bank account options, card number fields, and the Set up button"
  pointers={[
    { x: 26, y: 35, caption: "Card — instant, works immediately" },
    { x: 72, y: 35, caption: "US bank account — cheaper, takes a few business days to clear" },
    { x: 50, y: 93, caption: "Set up — saves the method. Nothing is charged now." },
  ]}
/>

That's it. Your invoices can now be paid in one tap. See [Pay an invoice](/parents/payments/pay-an-invoice) for what happens next, or turn on [auto-pay](/parents/payments/update-your-payment-method) so you never think about it again.

## Card or bank account?

| | Card | Bank account (ACH) |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Instant | 3 to 5 business days to clear |
| Fee | Higher | Lower |
| Best for | Getting it done now | Saving money over a year |

If your daycare passes the processing fee to families, the bank account option is meaningfully cheaper on every payment. The exact fee is always shown before you confirm a payment, so you'll never be surprised by it.

<Callout kind="info" title="Who sets the fee?">
Your daycare does, and they choose whether it's added to your invoice or absorbed by them. Fees commonly run around 2.9% plus a small fixed amount on card, and about 1% capped at a few dollars on bank account. Your daycare can tell you their exact rates.
</Callout>

## Troubleshooting

**I don't see "Set Up Payment Method" on my Dashboard.** Either your daycare hasn't turned on online payments yet (ask them, they pay their tuition another way in that case), or you already have a method saved. Check the **Me** tab → **Payment Method** to confirm.

**"This card was declined."** Your bank blocked the charge. Call them or try a different card. We can't override a decline.

**My bank account says "micro-deposits pending."** Normal. Stripe sends two tiny deposits to your account, and once they land in 1 to 2 business days you confirm the amounts to finish verification. Watch for an email with instructions.

**I'm a limited-access family member and don't see Payment Method.** Limited-access members (grandparents, sitters) can't manage payments. The primary parent handles billing.

**I saved a method on my phone but the web page still asks me to add one.** Refresh the page, or sign out and back in.