---
title: "Adding a New Membership"
source: "https://docs.nexcess.com/software/learndash/memberdash/adding-a-new-membership/"
description: "Creating a new membership in MemberDash allows you to control content access and customize payment options for your members. This guide will walk you through th…"
vertical: "Software"
area: "MemberDash"
topics: ["Billing and Payments", "Getting Started", "MemberDash", "Membership Levels", "Memberships", "Payment Gateways"]
date: "2023-12-28"
last_modified: "2026-06-29"
---

# Adding a New Membership

Creating a new membership in **MemberDash** allows you to control content access and customize payment options for your members. This guide will walk you through the steps to add a new membership, select membership types, and configure payment settings.

### Creating a New Membership

To get started:

1. Go to **MemberDash > Memberships**.
2. Click **Create New Membership** to open the membership setup screen.

![Creating a membership](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Create-a-New-Membership.png)### Selecting Membership Type

MemberDash offers four membership types:

- **Standard Membership:** Content is available immediately after registration.
- **Dripped Membership:** Content is released gradually over time.
- **Guest Membership:** Content is accessible only to logged-out users.
- **Default Membership:** Content is available to all logged-in users without a specific membership.

> **Tip:** The **Standard Membership** is the most popular choice for providing instant content access.

### Configuring Membership Details

1. **Name the Membership:**  
    Choose a name carefully. Changing the name later could cause issues with existing subscriptions.
2. **Public or Private Membership:**
    - **Public Membership:** Check the box **Allow users to register for the membership** to display this membership on the registration page automatically.
    - **Private Membership:** Leave this box unchecked if the membership is restricted or invite-only.
3. **Free or Paid Membership:**
    - Check **This is a paid membership** if you want to charge for access.
    - Click **Save and Continue** to proceed to the payment configuration.

### Configuring Payment Settings

You will now be directed to the **Payment Settings** screen, where you can:

- Set individual membership payment details.
- Adjust **Global Payment Settings** if needed.

![](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Payment-Settings-for-Membership-alongwith-Payment-Gateways-scaled-1.png)#### Available Payment Types:

- **Recurring Payments:** Regular billing at intervals you define.
- **One-Time Payment for Permanent Access:** Lifetime membership access.
- **One-Time Payment for Finite Access:** Membership access for a set number of days.
- **One-Time Payment for Date Range Access:** Membership access within specific start and end dates.

> This tutorial focuses on setting up a **Recurring Payment Membership**.

#### Steps for Recurring Payment Membership:

- *(Optional)* Add a **Setup Fee**.
- Set the **Payment Amount**.
- Choose the **Payment Frequency** (days, months, years).
- Define the **Total Payments** (enter “0” for unlimited billing).
- Select where the member should be assigned if the membership expires or is canceled.
- *(Optional)* Add a **Registration Redirect URL** (where users land after signing up).
- *(Optional)* Add a **Login Redirect URL** (where users land after logging in).
- *(Optional)* Assign a **User Role** to new members.
- *(Optional)* Enable a **Free Trial**.

![Payment settings for recurring](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Payment-Settings-for-Recurring-Payments-Membership.jpeg)#### Free Trial Settings:

If you enable **Trial Memberships**, additional settings will appear, allowing you to:

- Turn the free trial on or off for this membership.
- Define the trial duration.

### Selecting a Payment Gateway

Before finalizing:

- Select the **Payment Gateway** you want to use.
- All configured gateways will be available for selection. You can also configure a new gateway from this screen if needed.

### Finalizing the Membership

Once all settings are complete:

- Click **Finish** to save your new membership.
- You will be returned to the **Memberships List** screen.

### Conclusion

Adding a new membership in MemberDash is a streamlined process that offers flexible options for both free and paid memberships. Whether you’re setting up simple subscriptions or complex drip content with trial periods, MemberDash provides the tools you need to customize the member experience and payment workflows.