> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.memberply.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.memberply.com/membership-applications/collect-payment-after-approval.md).

# Collect payment after approval

Connect an application program to a paid membership tier when applicants must qualify before they can purchase access.

Supported paid tiers include monthly, annual, and one-time payment memberships. The tier controls the price, billing frequency, and benefits. The application program controls who can apply and who is authorized to purchase.

## How the paid approval flow works

1. The customer submits the application without paying.
2. Your team reviews and approves the application.
3. Memberply authorizes that Shopify customer to purchase the exact connected membership tier.
4. The applicant receives a private purchase link when the paid approval email is enabled.
5. The applicant signs in to the approved Shopify customer account.
6. The applicant opens either the private purchase link or the normal membership product page, chooses an available payment option, and adds the membership to the cart.
7. Shopify checkout validates the approval.
8. Membership access and benefits begin after Shopify confirms payment.

The approval is connected to the exact application, Shopify customer, and membership tier. It cannot be reused for a different tier or another customer.

## Checkout protection

Paid applications require Memberply's checkout validation rule. This prevents shared purchase links and blocks carts that do not match an active approval.

Memberply automatically creates or updates **Memberply checkout protection** when a program is published. The rule is enabled and configured to block checkout when validation encounters an error. Existing stores only need to reconnect Memberply and approve the latest Shopify permissions. After approval, Memberply automatically creates or repairs the rule for published paid application programs.

At checkout, Memberply confirms that:

* The buyer is signed in.
* The approval belongs to that Shopify customer.
* The cart contains the exact approved membership tier.
* The application approval has not expired.
* The approval has not already been used.

If the tier has an active [scheduled open enrollment](/membership-applications/schedule-open-enrollment.md), customers can purchase it without an application approval during that period. Normal approval protection resumes automatically after the end date.

When the **Subscription Details** app block is present on the membership product page, Memberply disables the purchase buttons for customers who still need approval and explains that they must submit an application first. Signed-in customers with a pending application see **Application pending**. Approved customers can use the normal purchase buttons, and Memberply securely includes their application approval with the cart line.

## Optional approval expiry

Set an approval expiry when an approved applicant should complete payment within a defined period.

When an unused approval expires, Memberply:

* Removes its Shopify purchase authorization.
* Changes the application to **Approval expired**.
* Sends the expiry email when enabled.
* Preserves any other valid approvals the customer may have.

Leave the expiry setting blank when the approval should remain available until it is used or manually changed.

## Test the flow before launch

Use a Shopify development or staging store with test payments:

1. Submit a paid application.
2. Approve it in Memberply.
3. Open the purchase link while signed out and confirm access is blocked.
4. Sign in as a different customer and confirm access is blocked.
5. Sign in as the approved customer and complete a test payment.
6. Confirm the application becomes active.
7. Confirm the expected customer tags and membership benefits are present.
8. Confirm the same approval cannot be purchased again.