Ask HN: To Ask for CC on Signup or Not? The prevailing idea about converting customers on freemium websites is to require a credit card signup right off the bat, at signup time, to validate that users are indeed willing to pay for your product, and to increase conversions. This method was used by Basecamp for a long time, requiring credit card on signup, but in the new version of Basecamp, a credit card is no longer required. In StartupsForTheRestOfUs Podcast, the author/developer/owner-preneur of HitTail.com said he's asking for CC's right away and in the episode I listed to, he said that he hadn't reached the 30-day post signup time to see if those people converted, but he seems to be a fan of requiring CC on signup. I'm building out the payment screens for my app and I'm left wondering, will I get better conversions by requiring a CC right away or is the NEW best method to NOT require a credit card right away? Your feedback is appreciated. |