If your local authority pays your funded-hours money directly into your bank account (rather than your tiney Wallet), you can now opt in to having your tiney charges collected automatically. This works the same way it already does for CMs whose LA payments land in their Wallet.
Who is this for?
Autopay is available to childminders in provider-led local authorities who receive their LA funding payments into their own bank account. If your LA payments already go into your tiney Wallet, your charges are collected automatically as standard — nothing changes for you.
How autopay works
Once you've opted in, here's what happens:
Charges appear in the app at the start of term or when a new funded enrolment begins. Your first due date is always at least 14 days after the charge is created.
We'll remind you by in-app notification and email 7 days before and 1 day before the due date.
On the due date, we collect the charge automatically — first from your tiney Wallet balance, then from a stored debit or credit card if Wallet balance doesn't cover it
You can request a different due date via the app — for example, to align with when your LA typically pays you. Please allow 3 working days for us to review the request.
Disputing a charge before its due date pauses collection until the dispute is resolved.
Autopay only applies to charges created after you opt in — it won't affect anything you already owe.
How to opt in
You'll be prompted to opt in in the app. You can also opt in manually by contacting the team. When you opt in, you'll be asked to authorise automatic payment and to add a backup debit/credit card or Direct Debit so that charges don't go overdue if your Wallet doesn't cover them.
If you'd rather stay on manual payments, you can choose to do so, however this means you will have to continue paying charges yourself by their due dates, as before. Failure to meet the due date can result in escalation.
Frequently asked questions
Which charges does autopay cover?
Which charges does autopay cover?
It mainly covers funded-hours membership fees where your LA pays you directly. It can also apply to other charges, for example, if tiney has advanced a refund to a parent on your behalf. It only ever applies to charges created after you opt in.
What if I don't opt in?
What if I don't opt in?
You stay on manual payments and take responsibility for paying charges by their due dates. The process is the same as it's always been. As a reminder, overdue charges can escalate, so it's important to keep on top of them.
My LA pays me late — what if I haven't been paid when the due date arrives?
My LA pays me late — what if I haven't been paid when the due date arrives?
You can request a change to your due dates via the app. We'd recommend aligning them with your LA's typical payment schedule so you're not caught out. Please allow 3 working days for us to review the request.
Do I need to provide a backup card or Direct Debit?
Do I need to provide a backup card or Direct Debit?
Yes — if you opt in, we'll ask you to add a backup payment method. This means that if your Wallet balance doesn't cover a charge, we have a fallback so charges don't build up.
What if my Wallet, card, and Direct Debit all don't cover the charge?
What if my Wallet, card, and Direct Debit all don't cover the charge?
Try to keep your Wallet topped up ahead of due dates where you can. If you're struggling, please reach out to the team — we're here to help. As per our terms, an overdue charge can be escalated.
Does autopay apply to my existing charges?
Does autopay apply to my existing charges?
No, autopay only applies to new charges created from the date you opt in. Anything already outstanding stays as is.
Can I change my mind after opting in?
Can I change my mind after opting in?
Yes. You can request to change your autopay preference via the app and we'll update it accordingly.
Still have questions? Send us a message in the app and we'll be happy to help.