Card on file – FAQs

It’s here! The hotly awaited “card on file” payment option. Known as “Merchant Initiated Transactions” in the industry, or “MIT”, Tuft now has the ability to save a client card on file, to make checkout even simpler!

Let’s discuss some frequently asked questions below.

What is “Card on File” payment?

Card on file allows you to charge a client’s saved card directly from their booking.

If a client has saved their card in Tuft, you’ll see the option to “Use card on file” when completing the appointment.

This means you can take payment without needing the client’s card at checkout.

I can’t see that option on my finance page?

This likely means none of your clients has saved their cards yet. Your client authorises MIT payments via the app. If you would like to use this payment method, let your clients know that this option is now available at checkout.

Will my client have to do this for every booking?

Nope! That’s the beauty: save it once and use it to pay deposits and balances seamlessly. A card will remain on file as long as your client has one attached to their Tuft account.

Why use card on file?

Card on file helps you:

• Get paid quickly — no waiting for clients to find their card
• Avoid awkward checkout moments — especially if clients are in a rush
• Keep your records accurate — payments are automatically linked to bookings
• Reduce missed payments — no need to chase balances after the appointment

How it works

1. A client saves their card when booking
2. You complete the appointment in Tuft
3. Select “Use card on file” as the payment method
4. The card is charged and the payment is recorded automatically

When should I use it?

Card on file is useful when:

• The client forgets their wallet
• The client leaves before paying
• You want to speed up checkout
• You prefer to keep payments recorded in Tuft

Do I have to use it?

No, it’s completely optional.

You can still take payment as you normally would:

• Cash
• Card machines
• Other methods

Card on file simply gives you another option.

Will the client know they’ve been charged?

Yes. Clients are aware that their card can be used for payments related to their bookings, and they will receive confirmation when a payment is taken.

Can I charge any amount?

No, you will only be able to charge the amount of the service. You should only charge for:

• The agreed service
• Any additional services provided during the appointment
• All charges should relate to a valid booking in Tuft.

What happens if the payment fails?

If a card payment doesn’t go through:

• You’ll be notified immediately
• You can take payment another way (e.g. cash or card machine or app)

What if the price changes during the appointment?

No problem.

You can adjust the final amount and then charge the updated total using the saved card.

How is this different from deposits?

• Deposits secure the booking before the appointment
• Card on file allows you to take the remaining balance after the appointment

Together, they help ensure you are paid for your time.

Will this affect my reports?

Yes, in a good way.

Payments taken through Tuft (including card on file) are:

• Automatically recorded
• Linked to bookings
• Reflected in your reports

Payments taken outside Tuft may not be recorded automatically.

Can clients remove their card?

Yes.

Clients can remove or update their saved card at any time.

Summary

Card on file gives you a simple, flexible way to take payment directly from a booking.

You stay in control, it just makes checkout easier and keeps your records up to date.