How to Run a Paid Discord Server Without Manual Payments

Learn about how to run a paid discord server without manual payments. Automate subscriptions with Suby for crypto and card payments on Discord & Telegram.

Gaspard Lézin
Gaspard Lézin
December 12, 2025
How to Run a Paid Discord Server Without Manual Payments

Running a Paid Discord Server with Monthly Subscription plans should feel clean, not chaotic.

But most paid servers still look like this:

  • Screenshots of "proof of payment"
  • Mods checking wallets by hand
  • People asking "did my crypto go through?" in support
  • Expired members still inside premium channels

That setup is fine when you have 10 members.

At 100, it becomes a headache.

At 1,000, it's not possible to manage.

This guide shows you how to run a real Paid Discord Server with automated server subscriptions, monthly subscription plans, automated paid access, instant role assignment, renewal reminders, analytics, and auto-removal for anyone who stops paying.

We will do this using Suby.

By the end, you will have:

  • A working subscription plan
  • A #subscribe channel with payment buttons
  • Renewal reminders set up
  • Automatic role removal when a member expires
  • Config and analytics for your team
  • A layout and system that scales

Your moderators stop chasing payments. Your members get instant access. Your revenue becomes predictable.

Why Manual Payments Break at Scale

Manual payments feel under control in the beginning. You recognize names. You know who renewed. You know who is late. You can "just handle it."

Then you grow.

Now you are dealing with:

  1. "Proof of payment" screenshots that do not match on-chain reality.
  2. People who missed renewal but still have the premium role.
  3. Confusion around where to pay or how to renew.
  4. No structured renewal flow, so paying members quietly churn.
  5. No data, so you guess what is working.

This is how churn starts. You lose paying members without even knowing when or why.

In an automated system, a member clicks a button, pays, and instantly gets the paid Discord role. Reminders handle renewals. If the renewal fails, access is removed. You get notifications. You see analytics.

This is the shift from group chat to membership business.

What Your Server Subscriptions System Will Have Running at the End

When your Paid Discord Server is correctly set up on Suby, you will have:

  • Subscription plans You can offer daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, biannual, and yearly plans.
  • Role mapping A plan unlocks a specific premium role. Payment assigns the role. Missed payment removes the role.
  • Subscribe channel A public channel in your server where members tap a button, choose a plan, and pay.
  • Renewal channel A channel where members get automated renewal reminders before expiry.
  • Config channel A staff-only channel that shows live mappings, plan IDs, prices, and roles.
  • Auto role removal If someone does not renew, their premium role is taken away. You can also kick expired users if you want to keep the group tight.
  • Analytics dashboard You can finally see new revenue, renewals, churn, and reactivations.

You are not "managing a chat" anymore. You are running a membership system with real server subscriptions logic.

Step 1: Create Your Monthly Subscription Plan for Server Subscriptions

Your subscription plan is the core of your Paid Discord Server. It defines what you sell and how members stay inside.

You set:

  • Plan name
  • Description
  • Billing interval (daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, yearly)
  • Accepted payment tokens
  • Price
  • Which role is unlocked after payment

In Suby, you create a plan by entering:

  • Group name and logo
  • Plan name
  • Price
  • Recurrence
  • Support contact (usually a Telegram handle or staff contact)
  • Blockchain and token
  • Wallet address where you receive payouts

You can price in USD or in crypto:

  • Example: 100 USD per month
  • Example: 0.02 ETH per 30 days

Suby supports payments through two methods:

  1. Wallet Connect Members connect any supported wallet and pay directly. Over 100 wallets are supported.
  2. Deposit Members pay by sending crypto in from any exchange or any wallet. This is the most popular method. They do not need to be "crypto experts." They just send funds to the address.

Supported assets include USDC, USDT, ETH, SOL, BNB.

Supported networks include Ethereum, Solana, Base, Arbitrum, BSC.

Base is recommended in most cases. It gives low fees and is already a core network for Suby, driving around half of Suby's volume. This matters for conversion. If you make it easy and cheap to pay, more people will subscribe.

Example setup:

  • Role unlocked: @Pro
  • Plan name: Pro Monthly
  • Interval: every 30 days
  • Price: 0.02 ETH
  • Payment networks: Base, Solana, Arbitrum
  • Renewal: members receive reminders before expiry

Once your plan exists, Suby will generate a Plan ID. You will use that Plan ID when you map the plan to a role inside Discord.

Plan Setup Recommendations

  • Keep the plan name clear and simple. Example: "Pro Monthly"
  • Put the outcome in the description, not buzzwords. Example: "Daily market breakdowns, tools, and calls in real time"
  • Do not create 12 plans on day one. Most servers convert best with 2 to 3 tiers max
  • Offer one monthly subscription and one annual subscription at a discount
  • Accept at least one low-fee network like Base or Solana to avoid payment friction
  • Make sure the plan price matches the value of the role, not just "what others are charging"

If you price high but the group feels empty, churn will be high. Your analytics will show this. You can adjust.

Step 2: Connect Suby to Discord and Map Roles

Now you connect Suby to Discord so that subscription logic turns into real paid access.

Invite the Suby bot to your server and give it the right permissions:

  • Manage Roles
  • Kick Members (optional but useful if you want to auto-kick expired members)
  • Read and Send Messages

Role hierarchy is critical.

Make sure the Suby bot role sits above all of your premium roles. Discord will not let a bot assign or remove a role that sits above it in the list. So if you have roles like @Pro and @Basic, Suby must be above them in Server Settings.

Then, link each Suby plan to the paid role.

You do this using the slash command:

/setuprole role:@Pro id:PLAN_ID

Here is what that does:

  • When someone pays for that plan, Suby assigns @Pro
  • When someone does not renew, Suby removes @Pro

No manual checks. No mod work. No awkward "hey man your time is up" DMs.

Pro tip for operators: Create a private channel called #suby-config and lock it to staff only. Run /config there. You will see:

  • All active plans
  • Plan IDs
  • Prices
  • Recurrence (monthly, quarterly, yearly)
  • Which Discord role each plan unlocks

This channel becomes your internal dashboard.

Step 3: Create Core Channels (Subscribe, Renewals, Config)

Your Paid Discord Server needs three core channels to make your server subscriptions system feel structured and self-serve.

1. #subscribe

This is where people buy and enter the premium side of your server.

Steps:

  • Create a public channel called #subscribe
  • Run /setupsubscriptions and select this channel
  • Suby posts a message with payment buttons
  • Pin that message

Members tap a button, pick a plan, confirm email, choose Wallet Connect or Deposit, pay, and get access. No admin needs to be online.

Sample copy for the pinned message in #subscribe:

Choose a plan below to unlock premium access. After payment, your role is assigned instantly. Renewals are automatic through reminders here in the server.

You should keep this channel clean. Let Suby post. Do not let members spam in this channel.

2. #renewals

This is where retention happens.

  • Create a channel called #renewals
  • Run /setupreminders and link that channel
  • This allows Suby to post renewal alerts before a plan expires

Members get messages like:

  • "Your subscription renews soon. Tap to stay active."
  • "Your access will expire today. Renew now to keep your Pro role."

This pre-renewal signal is what protects your recurring revenue. It keeps good members from leaving by accident.

You can also post public renewal notices with /notifrenew for social proof. Seeing members renew shows others that the room is worth staying in.

3. #suby-config

This is only for staff.

  • Create a private channel called #suby-config
  • Run /config

This gives you live plan mappings, pricing, Plan IDs, and role links. It is also the right place to run admin commands like /setuprole, /notifnewsub, /notifcancel, and /freetrial.

Keep this channel locked. Treat it like an internal dashboard.

Step 4: Automate Access, Renewals, and Removal

This is the full member journey in your Paid Discord Server using Suby.

  1. A new member joins your server
  2. They go to #subscribe
  3. They tap a button and pick a plan
  4. They confirm email and pay with Wallet Connect or Deposit
  5. Suby confirms the payment on-chain
  6. Suby instantly assigns the correct paid role

Now they are inside channels like #pro-lounge or #vip-alpha without any staff doing anything.

Renewals are also automated:

  • Before expiry, they get a reminder in #renewals
  • If they renew, nothing changes
  • If they do not renew, their role is removed
  • If you enabled kick permissions, they can also be removed from the group entirely to protect exclusivity

You can test all of this before launch:

  • Make a test plan
  • Run through a test payment
  • Confirm that the role was assigned
  • Trigger /setupreminders and watch the reminder flow
  • Let the plan expire and confirm the role was removed
  • Renew and confirm the role is restored

This is your safety check so you do not launch a broken flow in front of paying members.

Step 5: Track Server Subscriptions Performance with Analytics

Running a Paid Discord Server with no analytics is like flying with no dashboard.

Suby gives you a view of:

  • New revenue
  • Active subscribers
  • Renewal rate per plan
  • Churn and reactivations
  • Conversion rate from "saw plan" to "paid"

This data tells you what is healthy and what is leaking.

Here is a simple weekly routine for operators:

  • Monday Check net new subscribers. Which plan pulled the most sign ups
  • Wednesday Look at upcoming expirations. If a lot of members are up for renewal, consider boosting value that day with a live call, a data drop, or a strategy session. People are more likely to renew when they feel value right now
  • Friday Check churn. Who left. Why did they leave. Was it pricing, slow chat, or just normal turnover

Suby also supports export. You can pull your data and track it over time.

This is the point where you stop guessing. You actually steer.

Pricing and Plan Design Tips

The quality of your pricing structure affects conversion and retention more than most people realize.

Here are five rules that work:

  1. Keep tiers simple Start with 2 to 3 plans max. Example: Basic, Pro, VIP. Too many tiers confuses people and lowers conversion.
  2. Name perks clearly "Live trade calls 7 days a week" is clear. "Exclusive alpha" is vague.
  3. Offer both monthly and annual Some people will test you for 30 days. Others will lock in for 6 or 12 months if the discount is obvious. Annual plans stabilize cash flow.
  4. Use at least one low-fee network Add Base or Solana. Lower gas and fast confirmation means fewer failed payments and fewer support DMs.
  5. Show proof in a trusted channel Use #announcements or a read-only "wins" channel to post real member outcomes, updates, tool drops, or call summaries. This builds trust in the value of the role.

Your goal is not hype. Your goal is predictable recurring revenue.

Member Experience Templates

You want paying members to feel like they joined something structured, not random.

Here are templates you can use in your Paid Discord Server.

Welcome Flow

Sent in DM after successful payment:

Thanks for joining. Your premium role is active. Start here: #start-here Then check #pro-lounge for live discussions. If you need help with billing, ask in #billing-questions.

In #pro-lounge, pin a "First 5 Minutes" message:

  • What channels to read first
  • Where to ask questions
  • How to get alerts
  • Calendar or schedule of upcoming calls, drops, or reports

This reduces onboarding friction and keeps refund requests low.

Renewal Reminder

Posted automatically in #renewals:

Your plan renews soon. Tap below to stay in the Pro lounge. If payment fails, premium access will pause.

This is polite, clear, and removes the mod from having to DM everyone one by one.

Access Ended

Sent when a member expires:

Your plan expired. Your premium role was removed. You can rejoin any time in #subscribe.

This matters. You are not kicking them out forever. You are giving them a clean path back in.

Security and Trust Checklist

Trust is what keeps a Paid Discord Server running without panic.

Use this checklist:

  • Keep the Suby bot role above all premium roles like @Pro and @Basic
  • Lock #suby-config so only staff can view it
  • Make sure #subscribe and #renewals allow Suby to post messages and embeds
  • Pin the official payment button in #subscribe, so nobody can spoof it
  • Create a read-only "refund and billing policy" post so expectations are clear
  • Turn on 2FA for staff
  • Once a week, review auto-kick and role removal logs so you know access is always correct

Your community should feel like access is earned and maintained, not random.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are the most common questions operators hit during setup, and how to handle them.

Issue: Roles are not assigned after payment

  • Move the Suby bot role above the premium roles in Discord
  • Re run /setuprole with the correct Plan ID
  • Confirm the bot has "Manage Roles" permission

Issue: Reminders are not posting

  • Check that you ran /setupreminders and pointed it to the right channel
  • Make sure Suby has Send Messages permission in that channel

Issue: Member says they paid but has no access

  • Ask for the wallet address or email they used
  • Check the payment in Suby
  • Give it a moment for chain confirmation, especially on higher fee networks

Issue: Too many support DMs

  • Create a public #billing-questions channel
  • Pin a short FAQ:
    • Where to pay
    • How renewals work
    • Why roles get removed after expiry
    • Who to contact for disputes

This saves your moderators from repeating the same message 50 times.

Recommended Discord Layout

Your layout should make it obvious where to pay, where to start, where to get value, and where to ask for help.

Roles

  • Admin
  • Mod
  • Suby
  • Pro
  • Basic
  • Everyone

Channels

Public / front of funnel:

  • #start-here
  • #announcements
  • #lobby

Monetization layer:

  • #subscribe
  • #renewals

Premium value zones:

  • #pro-lounge
  • #basic-lounge

Internal:

  • #suby-config
  • #billing-questions (readable by members, but controlled)

Positioning detail:

  • Put Suby above @Pro and @Basic in the role list
  • Keep #subscribe and #renewals near the top of the channel list so new members see how to join and how to stay in

This layout supports both onboarding and retention.

Quick Launch Checklist

Before you call your server "live" as a Paid Discord Server, confirm all of this is done.

  • Create plans in Suby
  • Add your payout wallet
  • Invite Suby bot to Discord
  • Grant Manage Roles, Send Messages, Kick Members (optional)
  • Map each plan to a role using /setuprole
  • Create #subscribe, #renewals, and #suby-config
  • Run /setupsubscriptions in #subscribe
  • Run /setupreminders in #renewals
  • Pin the payment buttons in #subscribe
  • Test one full payment, expiry, renewal, and role removal flow

If all of that works, you are production ready.

FAQ

How fast is role assignment?

‍Instant after payment confirmation. This is especially fast on Base and Solana.

Can I sell more than one plan?‍

Yes. Each plan maps to its own Discord role. You can sell Basic access, Pro access, VIP access, or even short trials.

Do users need crypto knowledge to pay?

No. Wallet Connect supports direct wallet payments for crypto users, and Deposit works with normal exchanges and normal wallets. Most buyers just move funds from whatever wallet or exchange they already use.

What happens if renewal fails?

Suby posts a reminder, gives a short grace window, then removes the paid role automatically. You can also enable auto-kick if you want the group to stay fully gated.

Is Suby only for Discord?

No. Suby also runs paid access for Telegram groups and can auto-invite paying members into a private Telegram channel after payment.

Can I get notified when someone joins or renews?

‍ Yes. You can use commands like /notifnewsub, /notifrenew, and /notifcancel. Posting renewal notifications in public also creates social proof that people are staying, not just buying once.

Can I give someone a free trial role without payment?

Yes. Use /freetrial to grant a role for a set number of days. This works well for creators, partners, guests, or promo winners.

Final Word

Running a Paid Discord Server should not mean chasing people for proof of payment, checking wallets by hand, or removing expired members at midnight.

A real server subscriptions system replaces all of that with clear plans, instant paid access, automatic renewals, and honest removal when payment stops.

Suby gives you that system inside Discord. You get instant role assignment after payment, automatic renewal reminders, removal of expired roles, and real analytics on revenue, churn, and retention. Members subscribe in a public #subscribe channel, renew through #renewals, and keep their premium role as long as they pay.

This is how you turn a chat room into a predictable business.

Move off screenshots. Move off spreadsheets. Move onto structured access with Suby. Your Paid Discord Server stops leaking time and money, and starts operating like something you can scale.