Switching Payment Processor for Skincare Brands Without Losing Cards
How a skincare brand moves saved cards and refill subscriptions to a new processor: what transfers, PCI rules, step by step, and after a closure.
Article summary
TL;DR
Saved cards can move: the old processor sends an encrypted export to a new processor certified PCI DSS Level 1. Subscriptions don't move with them, so you rebuild refill plans, intervals and next charge dates on the new system. On Shopify, check that your subscription app supports the new processor. Start early, test before renewals, keep the old account open for refunds.
- Stripe transfers card data only to "another PCI DSS Level 1-compliant payment processor".
- Stripe doesn't export subscriptions, payment history or Link cards.
- Each processor issues its own tokens, so card data is re-tokenized on import.
- Shopify allows one card processor at a time; Shopify Subscriptions supports a short list of gateways.
- On unacceptable risk, Stripe typically pauses payouts for 120 days: plan the switch alongside it.
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This guide is part of our hub on skincare payment processing. The general guide, for any business: how to switch payment processors.
What moves and what doesn't
| Data | Moves? | How |
|---|---|---|
| Card numbers and expiry | Yes | Encrypted export to a PCI DSS Level 1 processor1Stripe Docs, Request a payment data export, read October 26, 2026 |
| Emails and metadata | YesFrom Stripe | Same export1Stripe Docs, Request a payment data export, read October 26, 2026 |
| Processor tokens | No | Re-created2Gr4vy, How to migrate stored card data between payment providers, December 3, 2025 |
| Link-saved cards | No | Excluded1Stripe Docs, Request a payment data export, read October 26, 2026 |
| Refill subscriptions and intervals | No | Rebuild from your records1Stripe Docs, Request a payment data export, read October 26, 2026 |
| Payment history | No | Pull from Dashboard or API1Stripe Docs, Request a payment data export, read October 26, 2026 |
Step by step
- Pick the new processor and confirm PCI DSS Level 1 and import support1Stripe Docs, Request a payment data export, read October 26, 2026.
- On Shopify: check your subscription app supports it5Shopify Help Center, Shopify Subscriptions considerations, read October 9, 2026; you can connect one card processor at a time4Shopify Help Center, Configuring third-party payment providers, read October 26, 2026.
- Request the export from the old processor1Stripe Docs, Request a payment data export, read October 26, 2026.
- Export subscriptions: product, interval, price, discount, next charge, status.
- Map and rebuild on the new system with the same dates.
- Test real charges and a refund.
- Switch renewals cycle by cycle; never double charge.
- Keep the old account for refunds and disputes.
Start before the next renewal run, not after.
Fig. 1Old processor to new: what goes, what stays
Goes to the new processor
- Card numbers and expiry, in an encrypted export
- Emails and metadata, from Stripe
Stays behind or is rebuilt
- Processor tokens: re-created on import
- Link-saved cards: excluded
- Refill subscriptions and intervals: rebuilt from your records
- Payment history: pulled from the Dashboard or API
Cards travel. Your refill plans have to be rebuilt.
Watch out
A new name on statements creates "I don't recognize this" disputes. Keep your brand in the descriptor and tell subscribers before the next charge if anything changes. Notices before billing on cycles of 6 months or less are expected by Mastercard anyway6Mastercard, Subscription/recurring payments and negative option billing merchants: FAQs, 2022.
After a closure or a hold
| Day | Action |
|---|---|
| 0 | Request the card export1Stripe Docs, Request a payment data export, read October 26, 2026 |
| 0 to 2 | Export subscriptions; apply to a new processor |
| 3 to 14 | Import, rebuild, test; pause refills you can't charge |
| Before renewals | Email subscribers about any date or descriptor change |
| Ongoing | Handle disputes on the old account while funds are held3Stripe, Unacceptable Risk Policy, last updated July 29, 2026 |
Tagada follows Visa and Mastercard rules and the laws that apply to payments.
After a Stripe closure: what to do next.
Keep it from happening again
- Two processors behind one checkout: payment routing for skincare brands.
- Your own subscription records: intervals, prices, consent.
- Cosmetic claims and clear offers on both accounts.
Fig. 2Two processors behind one checkout
If one account stops, renewals go to the other.
How Tagada helps
Skincare refills routed across more than one processor
- Routing across Stripe, Adyen and TagadaPay with one logic, cascade on decline
- Subscriptions with trials, billing cycles, retries and automatic recovery
- TagadaPay underwrites each file, with enhanced review on regulated verticals
- Checkout standalone, on Shopify, on WooCommerce or headless
Plans are on the pricing page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I move my skincare subscribers' cards to a new processor?
Do refill subscriptions transfer?
Can I switch from Shopify Payments to another processor?
Will customers notice the switch?
Sources
Checked October 26, 2026- Stripe Docs, Request a payment data export, read October 26, 2026
- Gr4vy, How to migrate stored card data between payment providers, December 3, 2025
- Stripe, Unacceptable Risk Policy, last updated July 29, 2026
- Shopify Help Center, Configuring third-party payment providers, read October 26, 2026
- Shopify Help Center, Shopify Subscriptions considerations, read October 9, 2026
- Mastercard, Subscription/recurring payments and negative option billing merchants: FAQs, 2022
TagadaPay
Move processors without losing a refill
Tell us what you sell and how you sell it. Each application is underwritten, and approval is not guaranteed.
- 01Tell us what you sell and how
- 02Underwriting reviews your business
- 03Process through TagadaPay alongside your other processors