> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.smartrr.com/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.smartrr.com/docs/support/subscription-setup/maximum-minimum-finite-subscription-plans.md). # Maximum/minimum (finite) subscription plans This optional subscription plan setting allows brands to define a required maximum or minimum number of billing cycles for any subscription plan. The maximum billing cycle makes it possible to automatically expire a subscription once it hits the defined billing cycles. Whereas the minimum billing cycle setting doesn't allow the customer to cancel their subscription until the minimum billing cycle is met. > Can customers cancel before the minimum is met? cycles is reached. No — the Cancel action is hidden in the account portal until the minimum number of billing. These subscriptions can be canceled in the Smartrr admin portal/app. {% hint style="info" %} The two most common use cases for this setting include 1) finite gifted subscriptions or 2) minimum orders required at initial purchase. **1) Finite use case example:** Customer purchases a monthly gift subscription for a 6 month term. Subscription automatically ends after 6 months. **2) Minimum orders required example:** Customers are required to sign up for a minimum of 3 cycles (orders) with a new subscription. Only after this 3rd consecutive order will the customer be presented with the option to cancel their entire subscription in the [customer account portal](/docs/support/customer-account-portal/accessing-the-customer-account-portal.md#what-the-smartrr-customer-portal-looks-like). {% endhint %} {% hint style="warning" %} As of July 1, 2022, merchants selling to customers in **California, United States** may not be able to offer minimum required billing cycles. In states such as California, customers should be able to cancel their subscriptions at any point in time. The minimum billing cycle takes this ability away from the customer while they haven't satisfied the minimum billing cycle set in place for the subscription. So, it's best recommended that brands in California refrain from using the minimum billing cycle setting. Please [read here](https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/amendments-to-california-s-automatic-4857722/) for more information. {% endhint %}
Each selling plan has a "Max/Min" setting. Navigate to this section on any selling plan to set a minimum billing cycle or maximum billing cycle.
### Setting up a maximum/minimum billing cycle To define a maximum or minimum number of billing cycles for a selling plan go to **Subscription Programs** in the left hand navigation. In the relevant subscription program, click on the tab Max/Min tab for the specific subscription plan you want:
Minimum billing cycle controls the display of the cancel action in the subscription portal. The maximum billing cycle is used to auto-expire subscriptions when they meet the criteria (if this is set to 4, then a monthly subscription will expire when it creates its 4th order).
Define minimum and/or maximum number of billing cycles using the input fields. ### How they work?
Finite Billing CyclesFunctionExample
Minimum billing cyclesControls the display of the subscription's cancel action to customers in the customer portal.

Example: On a selling plan with a 30% discount, set a minimum of 3 billing cycles. The first order at checkout counts as the first cycle, so the customer will receive 2 recurring renewals before they can cancel (the cancel action remains hidden in the customer portal until the minimum billing cycle is met).

This helps make sure your highest discounts go to customers who stay subscribed, rather than to one-time orders placed only to get the checkout discount.

Maximum billing cyclesUsed to auto-expire a subscription.You may decide to run a 6-month promotional subscription on a variety pack SKU, delivered monthly. Setting a 6 cycle maximum billing cycle on a monthly selling plan, will ensure that the subscription ends after its 6th order (including the initial order at checkout) is created.

Once expired, the subscription is unable to be reactivated. Making this setting great for promotions or a limited membership.
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