If you’re a small business owner who processes payments online, you’ve probably come across GoCardless.
But what exactly is it, and why should you care?
GoCardless is a payment platform that helps businesses collect payments directly from their customers’ bank accounts. Whether you’re a freelancer, a service provider, or running a subscription-based business, GoCardless allows you to easily manage both one-off payments and automated recurring payments via Direct Debit.
It’s designed to make payment processing simple, removing the hassle of manually chasing payments and dealing with complicated billing systems – meaning you can focus more on growing your business and less on the complexities of managing your finances.
Now, as with any evolving system, GoCardless is making some changes that could affect your payout schedule. But before you panic, I’m going to walk you through what’s changing, so that you can make the best decision for your business and avoid any surprises down the line.
The New Payout Schedule: What’s Changing?
Currently, many businesses using GoCardless have been receiving payouts daily. Starting from June 2025, GoCardless is rolling out a new payout schedule that will switch your payments from daily to weekly.
This isn’t just a change for the sake of it. GoCardless is introducing Scheduled Payouts to give you more flexibility and control over your cash flow. You’ll be able to choose between weekly or monthly payouts, with your payouts landing in your account every Monday (unless there’s a weekend or bank holiday).
This change reflects the values we hold at Right Click Accounting – making the process of managing your finances easier to understand and more predictable. With this new system, you’ll have a clearer picture of when your funds are arriving, giving you more confidence in planning your business expenses.
Why These Changes Matter to You: The Benefits
We understand that the world of business finances can feel overwhelming at times, but GoCardless’s shift to scheduled payouts is designed with small business owners like you in mind. Here’s why it’s worth considering:
1. Simplified Cash Flow Management:
Weekly payouts will give you a more predictable cash flow, so you won’t be left scrambling to manage your finances on a daily basis. Knowing exactly when your funds are coming in each week means less stress and better planning.
2. Flexibility for Your Business:
Whether you prefer daily, weekly, or even monthly payouts, you have the option to choose what works best for your business needs. And if your business circumstances change, you can easily adjust your payout schedule right from your GoCardless dashboard.
3. More Time for What Matters
By automating your payments and reducing the time spent on chasing overdue invoices or manually processing transactions, GoCardless frees you up to focus on running your business.
Things to Keep in Mind: Managing the Transition
If you’re used to receiving daily payouts, the switch to weekly payments could create a temporary cash flow gap if you’re not prepared. While the total amount you receive over time won’t change, the timing of these funds can impact your business in several ways, including;
Supplier Payments:
You may find that the gap between when you need to pay for goods or services and when the funds land in your account is a bit wider.
This could delay payments to your suppliers unless you adjust your cash flow management.
Payroll Considerations:
If you pay your team regularly, the shift to weekly payouts might make it tricky to align cash availability with payroll dates.
You may need to adjust your payment schedule or maintain a buffer to keep things running smoothly.
Tax and Unexpected Expenses:
Whether it’s a tax bill or a one-off business expense, the timing of this change could leave you scrambling for funds if you’re not prepared.
It’s important to consider how these changes in payout timing could affect your ability to meet your financial obligations on time.
While this change might feel like a small shift, it can have a ripple effect if you haven’t planned ahead. So, taking some time now to review your cash flow and make any necessary adjustments can help you navigate the transition without added stress.
So, What are Your Next Steps?
If you’re happy with the upcoming changes, there’s nothing you need to do. Your account will automatically switch to weekly payouts in June 2025.
However, if you prefer daily payouts, then you need to make sure to opt-out before the deadline (or you can switch to weekly payouts sooner, by visiting your dashboard)
These changes are designed to streamline your finances and take the guesswork out of when your payments will arrive, ultimately saving you time, reducing stress, and giving you more control over your business’s financial health.
Speaking of business finance health…
Whether you’re navigating these changes or just looking to get a better handle on your finances, working with the right team of experts can make all the difference. At Right Click Accounting, we’re here to simplify the complexities of business finances, ensuring you’re always on top of your cash flow, tax obligations, and overall financial strategy.
Get in touch today to learn more about how we can support your business through the changes and beyond!