That’s exactly what Card Account Updater (CAU) can do.
One out of three membership cancellations are a result of a credit card processing issue. The majority of those stem from expired cards or outdated billing info.
Card Account Updater is a must-have for any recurring payments environment—and a no-brainer for any gym or studio looking to improve retention and streamline operations.
What is a card account updater?
CAU is a behind-the-scenes service that automatically updates expired or reissued card details before a transaction is attempted. This avoids declines, keeps payment schedules intact, and ensures cash keeps flowing.
The risk of not using CAU
If a payment fails, members are more likely to walk away. It introduces friction. It leads to phone calls, awkward conversations, and time-consuming admin work.
When we don’t have CAU, staff end up spending their time chasing payments instead of engaging members. That’s not where you want your team’s energy to go.
Real-world results
YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region is a great example of CAU’s power in practice. Alongside Flex Fees, they saved more than $300,000 in a single year:
Enabling Card Account Updater meant far fewer failed payments and far less manual intervention from staff.
And at YMCA of McDonough County, CAU helped streamline the entire billing cycle:
Quote: “It’s predictable, keeps cash flowing, and gives our team time to focus on members, not chasing expired cards,” said Nick Knowles, CEO of YMCA of McDonough County.
What’s next: Real-time CAU
Daxko is already investing in the next evolution of CAU: real-time card updates.
The future of this experience is real-time. That means higher first-time acceptance rates, fewer member interactions about billing, and more stability for operators.
Why it matters for retention
A smooth billing experience is a retention tool. When payments process seamlessly, members stay focused on their health goals—not on whether their card worked.
Plus, with CAU in place, your staff can have better conversations: not about missed payments, but about new programs and wellness opportunities.
Quick to activate, big on impact
It’s simple. It’s easy to activate. And every membership and program-based facility should be using it.
So if you’re serious about improving member retention, reducing failed transactions, and reclaiming staff time—CAU isn’t optional. It’s essential.
Ready to turn your billing process into a strategic advantage? Let’s talk about getting CAU set up today.