Cleaners · Getting paid

Bill regular cleaning clients and collect by Direct Debit, hands-off

Set-up time30–45 min
DifficultyEasy
AppsFreeAgent GoCardless

The problem

Weekly or monthly clients, the same invoice every time, and the same chasing every time.

The result

FreeAgent raises and emails each recurring invoice, and GoCardless collects it by Direct Debit, with automatic reconciliation available.

How to set it up: FreeAgent + GoCardless

In FreeAgent, set up the GoCardless integration.
From each client's contact record, request a Direct Debit mandate. Allow up to 3 working days for it to become active.
Create a recurring invoice profile for each client (weekly, monthly and so on) and turn on automatic emailing.
Choose when GoCardless collects: on the invoice date, on the due date, or manually.
Turn on automatic reconciliation so collected payments match their invoices.

Get AI to help you build it

Paste this into ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini or Claude:

I run a small UK domestic cleaning business on FreeAgent. Draft a friendly email asking regular clients to switch to Direct Debit through GoCardless. Explain what a Direct Debit mandate is, that they're protected by the Direct Debit Guarantee, and when they'll be charged. Keep it under 150 words.

AI tools can get menu names wrong. Check against the sources below.

Before you start

The client needs a UK postcode.
FreeAgent's GoCardless integration has a £5,000 per month limit.
Not available for partnerships or non-UK FreeAgent accounts.

Integrations used

FreeAgent + GoCardless

Built-in integration

Yes. FreeAgent can request a Direct Debit mandate from a contact and collect invoices via GoCardless.

Sources

Last checked 22 October 2026. Software changes; check the vendor's docs before you rely on this.