How To Set Up Payment Methods on Airlocum
⚡ At a glance ✔ Payment setup is the final step of Airlocum registration — you cannot send booking requests without it ✔ Two options: debit/credit card (via Stripe) or invoicing ✔ Takes under 10 seconds for either method ✔ You are never charged upfront — payment only processes after you approve the locum's timesheet ✔ Most common error: forgetting the billing postcode when adding a card |
Payment setup is the final step of your Airlocum practice registration. Until it is complete, your account is active but you cannot send booking requests to dental locums. The setup itself takes under 10 seconds — choose either card or invoicing, enter your details, and you're ready to book.
Card or Invoicing — Which Should You Choose?
💳 Card | 🧾 Invoicing | |
Setup time | Under 30 seconds | Under 10 seconds |
When charged | After timesheet approval (auto) | After timesheet approval (bank transfer) |
Admin required | None — fully automated | Manual bank transfer, payment link or debit/credit card |
Locum paid within | 5 days of approval | 18 days of approval |
Best for | Independent practices — fast, zero admin | Corporate groups or practices with a separate finance function |
Processor | Stripe (Apple, Google, Amazon, Spotify) | Stripe (Apple, Google, Amazon, Spotify) |
💡 Not sure which to choose? Card payment is recommended for most practices. It is fully automated — once you approve the timesheet, the payment processes itself. No invoices to track, no bank transfers to arrange. Choose invoicing if your practice uses a purchase order system, has a dedicated finance team, or needs formal invoices for accounting purposes. |
How to Add a Payment Card
Follow these four steps to add a debit or credit card to your Airlocum account.
Step | Detail | |
1 | Go to Payment Methods | Log in to your Airlocum account and navigate to the Payment Methods section in your account settings. |
2 | Click 'Add a card' | Click the green Add a card button to open the card entry form. |
3 | Enter your card details | You will need to enter: |
1. Card number (16-digit number on the front of the card) 2. Expiry date (MM/YY format) 3. 3-digit CVC code (on the back of the card) 4. Billing postcode — the postcode registered to the card. This is the most commonly missed field. | ||
4 | Click 'Continue' | Your card is saved securely via Stripe. You are now ready to send booking requests. |
⚠️ Most common setup error: missing postcode The billing postcode is required to verify your card — it is the postcode registered to the card at your bank, not necessarily your practice postcode. If your card is declined during setup, check that the postcode field is filled in correctly. If you continue to have trouble, contact the support team via live chat. |
How to Activate Invoicing
Invoicing takes three steps and is available instantly — there is no approval process or waiting period.
Step | Detail | |
1 | Go to Payment Methods | Navigate to the Payment Methods section in your Airlocum account settings. |
2 | Click 'Activate Invoicing' | Click the green Activate Invoicing button. |
3 | Done | Invoicing is now active on your account. Airlocum will issue an invoice after each completed and approved shift, payable by bank transfer. |
Payment Security and Practice Protection
Protection | How it works | |
✅ | Pay only for verified work | Your card is only charged after the locum completes their shift AND you approve their timesheet. You are never charged upfront. |
✅ | 24-hour review window | After the locum submits their timesheet, you have 24 hours to approve it or raise a dispute. If no action is taken, the timesheet auto-approves and payment processes automatically. |
🔒 | Stripe-secured payments | All card payments are processed by Stripe — certified to PCI DSS Level 1. Stripe is the same payment platform used by Apple, Google, Amazon, and Spotify. Your card details are encrypted and never stored on Airlocum's servers. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to set up a payment method before booking?
A payment method is required to complete your Airlocum practice registration. Without it, you can browse the platform but cannot send booking requests to dental locums. Setup takes under 10 seconds and you will never be charged upfront — payment only processes after a shift is completed and you approve the timesheet.
How do I add a payment card to my Airlocum account?
Go to Payment Methods in your account settings and click 'Add a card'. Enter your 16-digit card number, expiry date, 3-digit CVC, and — importantly — the billing postcode registered to the card. Click Continue. Your card is saved instantly via Stripe.
Why won't my card save — what am I doing wrong?
The most common cause is a missing or incorrect billing postcode. This is the postcode registered to the card at your bank — it may differ from your practice postcode. Double-check the postcode field and try again. If the problem persists, contact the support team via live chat.
How do I activate invoicing on Airlocum?
Go to Payment Methods in your account settings and click 'Activate Invoicing'. Invoicing is available instantly — there is no waiting period or approval required. Invoices are issued automatically after each completed and approved shift.
Is my card information secure on Airlocum?
Yes. All card payments are handled by Stripe, which is certified to PCI DSS Level 1 — the highest standard in payment security. Your card details are encrypted and never stored on Airlocum's own servers. Stripe is trusted by Apple, Google, Amazon, and Spotify.
Can I use both card and invoicing on the same account?
Contact the Airlocum support team via live chat to discuss your specific requirements. For most practices, one method is set as the primary payment option.
Can I update or remove my payment card after adding it?
Yes. Go to Payment Methods in your account settings at any time to add, update, or remove a payment card.
When will my card actually be charged?
Your card is charged only after the locum's shift is completed and you have approved their timesheet. If you take no action within 24 hours of receiving the timesheet, payment processes automatically. You are never charged before a shift takes place.
Need help with your payment setup? Our support team responds in under 2 minutes via live chat — ask to speak to a person for direct help. Email: [email protected] | Phone: 07716 580305 |
Register for free at airlocum.co.uk. Support is available via live chat — ask to speak to a person at any time.
