Plans & Limits
When Is a Card Required?
Signing up and sending invoices is free with no card. A card is only required when you want to accept online payments or use Pro features.
2 min read
Short answer
Never to sign up. Never to send invoice emails. Only when you want to accept online payments on your invoices or use a Pro feature (SMS reminders, recurring invoices, removed branding, multi-user, API).
What is free, no card needed
Creating unlimited invoices, estimates, and clients.
Sending invoice emails (up to 25 per rolling 30-day window on the free plan).
Sharing a client portal link.
Recording manual payments (cash, check, bank transfer).
Downloading PDFs.
When you do need a card
Accepting online payments via Stripe Connect: a card on file is required before you can connect Stripe and receive payouts.
Pro plan ($19/month): a card pays the subscription.
Any Pro-only feature: SMS reminders, recurring invoices, removed WaffleInvoice branding, multi-user teams, API access. All bundled in Pro.
Why a card for accepting online payments
Once money can move through your account, having a card on file is a fraud-prevention signal that protects you and your customers. Sending an email is not a money-movement moment, so we don't gate it; turning on Stripe payouts is, so we do.
Will my card be charged for sending invoices?
No. Email sending on the free plan is always free regardless of card state. A card is only charged if you start a Pro subscription, and you'll always see a clear upgrade screen with the price before any charge.
You can review and update the card on file in Settings > Account > Payment method.
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