Starlink Rolls Out Account-Based Billing Option for American Clients
Starlink, the satellite internet service provider by SpaceX, has announced the addition of ACH Direct Debit as a new payment method for its U.S. customers. This move comes a week after the longest-ever global outage of Starlink, attributed to a network upgrade by SpaceX.
With ACH Direct Debit, users can now enjoy the convenience of automatic monthly billing with their full Starlink subscription fee deducted directly from their bank account, without any added fees. The payment system works by deducting the full balance of the monthly subscription automatically from the user's bank account each billing cycle.
To set up ACH Direct Debit, users need to navigate to their account home page, select Billing, click Edit under Payment Method, and follow the steps provided. This new payment method is designed to eliminate the hassle of expired credit cards or missed payments, making the customer experience smoother, particularly for rural and remote users relying on the service as their primary internet connection.
ACH Direct Debit is a widely used electronic payment system in the U.S., often used for recurring expenses like utilities and subscription services. It facilitates secure, bank-to-bank transfers, avoiding extra surcharges that might come with credit card payments, allowing payments to clear without additional fees.
Starlink currently has over 2 million active subscribers in the U.S. and more than double that globally. The new payment method was announced in an email sent to Starlink users. SpaceX informed customers in the email that payments can come straight from their bank accounts.
It's worth noting that ACH Direct Debit is currently only available to U.S. customers, with no confirmation yet on whether it will be rolled out to other countries. However, the addition of this payment option to Starlink's service is a significant step towards providing a more seamless and efficient customer experience.
[1] Source: Starlink User Support [3] Source: Starlink Terms of Service
Personal-finance management for Starlink users has been streamlined with the introduction of ACH Direct Debit, enabling automatic monthly deductions from bank accounts, thereby eliminating the risk of missed payments or expired credit cards, particularly beneficial for rural and remote users. This advancement in technology, a cornerstone of Starlink's customer-centric approach, is poised to enhance the overall user experience.
