How to create a subscription with a higher first payment and lower subsequent payments?

Problem Statement

You want the first billing cycle to have a higher amount and later cycles to have a lower amount.

Solution

Option 1: Create the subscription at the higher price, then edit it and set the lower price to apply on next renewal. You can also add a coupon for the discount and apply it from the next renewal.

Option 2: Create the subscription with the plan plus a charge (non-recurring add-on). The first cycle includes both; later cycles include only the plan.

Steps to Set It Up

Option 1 (Edit subscription)

1. Create the subscription at the higher price.
2. Use Edit subscription and set the lower price.
3. Under Apply changes, choose On next renewal.

Option 2 (Charge)

Add a non-recurring charge to the first billing cycle. Later cycles charge only the plan.

Additional Information

• Video walkthrough
• API: Use Update subscription for items with the new price and end_of_term = true to apply the change from the next renewal. The same API can apply coupons.