> For clean Markdown of any page, append .md to the page URL.
> For a complete documentation index, see https://docs.runledger.co/llms.txt.
> For AI client integration (Claude Code, Cursor, etc.), connect to the MCP server at https://docs.runledger.co/_mcp/server.

# Update a customer

PATCH https://api.runledger.co/v1/customers/{customer_id}
Content-Type: application/json

Updates the fields you send. `currency` and `test_clock` can't change.

Reference: https://docs.runledger.co/api-reference/customers/update

## Authentication

- `Authorization` header (bearer token, required) — A secret key (`rl_sk_test_...`, `rl_sk_live_...`) or a restricted key with limited scopes (`rl_rk_test_...`, `rl_rk_live_...`). A restricted key can carry `agent: true` and an `expires_at`, and is what a coding agent should hold. Keys end in a checksum so secret scanners can recognize them. People create, roll and revoke keys in the dashboard; `GET /v1/api_keys` lists them, masked.

## Request

### Path parameters

- `customer_id` (string, required) — The customer ID (`cus_...`).

### Body (application/json)

This endpoint expects an UpdateCustomerRequest.

- `external_id` (string, optional, nullable)
- `name` (string, optional, nullable)
- `email` (string, optional, nullable)
- `payment_provider` (string, optional, nullable) — Always use this provider for the customer. Changing it doesn't move a payment method already saved at another provider.
- `metadata` (map from string to string, optional) — Up to 50 keys of your own, with keys up to 40 characters and values up to 500 characters.

## Response

### 200

The updated customer.

- `id` (string, required)
- `object` ("customer", required)
- `currency` (string, required)
- `metadata` (map from string to string, required) — Up to 50 keys of your own, with keys up to 40 characters and values up to 500 characters.
- `livemode` (boolean, required)
- `created_at` (datetime, required)
- `external_id` (string, optional)
- `name` (string, optional)
- `email` (string, optional)
- `subscription` (string, optional) — The customer's current subscription, if any.
- `test_clock` (string, optional)
- `payment_provider` (string, optional) — The provider this customer pays through. Set by you as an override, or set when the customer first saves a payment method, after which the customer stays with that provider. Routing rule changes don't move them.
- `payment_method_status` (enum, optional) — Present once the customer has saved a payment method. `unusable` means the provider that holds it was removed: the method is kept on record, marked unusable and never charged, and the customer needs to save a new one. Left out before they save one.
  - Allowed values: `usable`, `unusable`

## Errors

### 400 Bad Request Error

The request was malformed or a parameter was invalid. A configuration that fails validation, such as two equally specific overrides with overlapping dates, returns `config_invalid`.

- `type` (string, required) — A URI for the error type. It links to the error codes table in the docs, where each `code` is listed with its cause. Branch on `code`, not on `type`.
- `title` (string, required) — A short summary of the error type.
- `status` (integer, required) — The HTTP status code.
- `code` (enum, required) — A stable, machine-readable error code. New codes may be added.
  - Allowed values: `invalid_request`, `parameter_missing`, `parameter_invalid`, `parameter_unknown`, `authentication_failed`, `permission_denied`, `insufficient_scope`, `proposal_required`, `config_invalid`, `livemode_mismatch`, `resource_not_found`, `resource_already_exists`, `idempotency_key_in_use`, `idempotency_key_reused`, `invalid_state`, `outcome_charge_locked`, `hold_not_active`, `insufficient_balance`, `credit_limit_exceeded`, `plan_locked`, `test_clock_advancing`, `provider_error`, `rate_limited`, `api_error`, `service_unavailable`
- `request_id` (string, required) — The ID of the request. Quote it to support, or look it up in request logs.
- `retryable` (boolean, required) — Whether sending the same request again, with the same idempotency key, may succeed.
- `detail` (string, optional) — An explanation of this occurrence. For people; don't parse it.
- `param` (string, optional) — The request parameter at fault, as a dotted path.
- `required_scope` (string, optional) — The scope the call needed, on `insufficient_scope`. Ask a person to widen the key, or reconnect with it.
- `errors` (list of ConfigIssue, optional) — Only with `config_invalid`: each problem the configuration document has, with the path of the part at fault, so an agent can fix the document without a second call.
- `blocked_by` (list of ErrorResponseBlockedByItems, optional) — On an `invalid_state` that names the objects in the way, the objects that must change first. Removing a payment provider lists every routing rule that uses it (`object: routing_rule`) and every customer whose own `payment_provider` names it (`object: customer`), in one list.
- `doc_url` (string, optional) — A link to the error codes table in the docs, where this `code` is listed with its cause.

### 401 Unauthorized Error

The API key is missing, invalid or revoked.

- `type` (string, required) — A URI for the error type. It links to the error codes table in the docs, where each `code` is listed with its cause. Branch on `code`, not on `type`.
- `title` (string, required) — A short summary of the error type.
- `status` (integer, required) — The HTTP status code.
- `code` (enum, required) — A stable, machine-readable error code. New codes may be added.
  - Allowed values: `invalid_request`, `parameter_missing`, `parameter_invalid`, `parameter_unknown`, `authentication_failed`, `permission_denied`, `insufficient_scope`, `proposal_required`, `config_invalid`, `livemode_mismatch`, `resource_not_found`, `resource_already_exists`, `idempotency_key_in_use`, `idempotency_key_reused`, `invalid_state`, `outcome_charge_locked`, `hold_not_active`, `insufficient_balance`, `credit_limit_exceeded`, `plan_locked`, `test_clock_advancing`, `provider_error`, `rate_limited`, `api_error`, `service_unavailable`
- `request_id` (string, required) — The ID of the request. Quote it to support, or look it up in request logs.
- `retryable` (boolean, required) — Whether sending the same request again, with the same idempotency key, may succeed.
- `detail` (string, optional) — An explanation of this occurrence. For people; don't parse it.
- `param` (string, optional) — The request parameter at fault, as a dotted path.
- `required_scope` (string, optional) — The scope the call needed, on `insufficient_scope`. Ask a person to widen the key, or reconnect with it.
- `errors` (list of ConfigIssue, optional) — Only with `config_invalid`: each problem the configuration document has, with the path of the part at fault, so an agent can fix the document without a second call.
- `blocked_by` (list of ErrorResponseBlockedByItems, optional) — On an `invalid_state` that names the objects in the way, the objects that must change first. Removing a payment provider lists every routing rule that uses it (`object: routing_rule`) and every customer whose own `payment_provider` names it (`object: customer`), in one list.
- `doc_url` (string, optional) — A link to the error codes table in the docs, where this `code` is listed with its cause.

### 403 Forbidden Error

The key can't do this. A restricted or agent key lacks the scope (`insufficient_scope`, with `required_scope`), a live key called a sandbox-only endpoint, an agent tried a live config write that needs a proposal (`proposal_required`), or something only a signed-in person can do.

- `type` (string, required) — A URI for the error type. It links to the error codes table in the docs, where each `code` is listed with its cause. Branch on `code`, not on `type`.
- `title` (string, required) — A short summary of the error type.
- `status` (integer, required) — The HTTP status code.
- `code` (enum, required) — A stable, machine-readable error code. New codes may be added.
  - Allowed values: `invalid_request`, `parameter_missing`, `parameter_invalid`, `parameter_unknown`, `authentication_failed`, `permission_denied`, `insufficient_scope`, `proposal_required`, `config_invalid`, `livemode_mismatch`, `resource_not_found`, `resource_already_exists`, `idempotency_key_in_use`, `idempotency_key_reused`, `invalid_state`, `outcome_charge_locked`, `hold_not_active`, `insufficient_balance`, `credit_limit_exceeded`, `plan_locked`, `test_clock_advancing`, `provider_error`, `rate_limited`, `api_error`, `service_unavailable`
- `request_id` (string, required) — The ID of the request. Quote it to support, or look it up in request logs.
- `retryable` (boolean, required) — Whether sending the same request again, with the same idempotency key, may succeed.
- `detail` (string, optional) — An explanation of this occurrence. For people; don't parse it.
- `param` (string, optional) — The request parameter at fault, as a dotted path.
- `required_scope` (string, optional) — The scope the call needed, on `insufficient_scope`. Ask a person to widen the key, or reconnect with it.
- `errors` (list of ConfigIssue, optional) — Only with `config_invalid`: each problem the configuration document has, with the path of the part at fault, so an agent can fix the document without a second call.
- `blocked_by` (list of ErrorResponseBlockedByItems, optional) — On an `invalid_state` that names the objects in the way, the objects that must change first. Removing a payment provider lists every routing rule that uses it (`object: routing_rule`) and every customer whose own `payment_provider` names it (`object: customer`), in one list.
- `doc_url` (string, optional) — A link to the error codes table in the docs, where this `code` is listed with its cause.

### 404 Not Found Error

No object with that ID exists in this environment.

- `type` (string, required) — A URI for the error type. It links to the error codes table in the docs, where each `code` is listed with its cause. Branch on `code`, not on `type`.
- `title` (string, required) — A short summary of the error type.
- `status` (integer, required) — The HTTP status code.
- `code` (enum, required) — A stable, machine-readable error code. New codes may be added.
  - Allowed values: `invalid_request`, `parameter_missing`, `parameter_invalid`, `parameter_unknown`, `authentication_failed`, `permission_denied`, `insufficient_scope`, `proposal_required`, `config_invalid`, `livemode_mismatch`, `resource_not_found`, `resource_already_exists`, `idempotency_key_in_use`, `idempotency_key_reused`, `invalid_state`, `outcome_charge_locked`, `hold_not_active`, `insufficient_balance`, `credit_limit_exceeded`, `plan_locked`, `test_clock_advancing`, `provider_error`, `rate_limited`, `api_error`, `service_unavailable`
- `request_id` (string, required) — The ID of the request. Quote it to support, or look it up in request logs.
- `retryable` (boolean, required) — Whether sending the same request again, with the same idempotency key, may succeed.
- `detail` (string, optional) — An explanation of this occurrence. For people; don't parse it.
- `param` (string, optional) — The request parameter at fault, as a dotted path.
- `required_scope` (string, optional) — The scope the call needed, on `insufficient_scope`. Ask a person to widen the key, or reconnect with it.
- `errors` (list of ConfigIssue, optional) — Only with `config_invalid`: each problem the configuration document has, with the path of the part at fault, so an agent can fix the document without a second call.
- `blocked_by` (list of ErrorResponseBlockedByItems, optional) — On an `invalid_state` that names the objects in the way, the objects that must change first. Removing a payment provider lists every routing rule that uses it (`object: routing_rule`) and every customer whose own `payment_provider` names it (`object: customer`), in one list.
- `doc_url` (string, optional) — A link to the error codes table in the docs, where this `code` is listed with its cause.

### 409 Conflict Error

The object is in a state that doesn't allow this (`invalid_state`, for example approving a stale config proposal or deleting a price rule a plan rate still uses), or a request with the same idempotency key is still in progress.

- `type` (string, required) — A URI for the error type. It links to the error codes table in the docs, where each `code` is listed with its cause. Branch on `code`, not on `type`.
- `title` (string, required) — A short summary of the error type.
- `status` (integer, required) — The HTTP status code.
- `code` (enum, required) — A stable, machine-readable error code. New codes may be added.
  - Allowed values: `invalid_request`, `parameter_missing`, `parameter_invalid`, `parameter_unknown`, `authentication_failed`, `permission_denied`, `insufficient_scope`, `proposal_required`, `config_invalid`, `livemode_mismatch`, `resource_not_found`, `resource_already_exists`, `idempotency_key_in_use`, `idempotency_key_reused`, `invalid_state`, `outcome_charge_locked`, `hold_not_active`, `insufficient_balance`, `credit_limit_exceeded`, `plan_locked`, `test_clock_advancing`, `provider_error`, `rate_limited`, `api_error`, `service_unavailable`
- `request_id` (string, required) — The ID of the request. Quote it to support, or look it up in request logs.
- `retryable` (boolean, required) — Whether sending the same request again, with the same idempotency key, may succeed.
- `detail` (string, optional) — An explanation of this occurrence. For people; don't parse it.
- `param` (string, optional) — The request parameter at fault, as a dotted path.
- `required_scope` (string, optional) — The scope the call needed, on `insufficient_scope`. Ask a person to widen the key, or reconnect with it.
- `errors` (list of ConfigIssue, optional) — Only with `config_invalid`: each problem the configuration document has, with the path of the part at fault, so an agent can fix the document without a second call.
- `blocked_by` (list of ErrorResponseBlockedByItems, optional) — On an `invalid_state` that names the objects in the way, the objects that must change first. Removing a payment provider lists every routing rule that uses it (`object: routing_rule`) and every customer whose own `payment_provider` names it (`object: customer`), in one list.
- `doc_url` (string, optional) — A link to the error codes table in the docs, where this `code` is listed with its cause.

### 429 Too Many Requests Error

Too many requests. Wait for the number of seconds in `Retry-After`.

- `type` (string, required) — A URI for the error type. It links to the error codes table in the docs, where each `code` is listed with its cause. Branch on `code`, not on `type`.
- `title` (string, required) — A short summary of the error type.
- `status` (integer, required) — The HTTP status code.
- `code` (enum, required) — A stable, machine-readable error code. New codes may be added.
  - Allowed values: `invalid_request`, `parameter_missing`, `parameter_invalid`, `parameter_unknown`, `authentication_failed`, `permission_denied`, `insufficient_scope`, `proposal_required`, `config_invalid`, `livemode_mismatch`, `resource_not_found`, `resource_already_exists`, `idempotency_key_in_use`, `idempotency_key_reused`, `invalid_state`, `outcome_charge_locked`, `hold_not_active`, `insufficient_balance`, `credit_limit_exceeded`, `plan_locked`, `test_clock_advancing`, `provider_error`, `rate_limited`, `api_error`, `service_unavailable`
- `request_id` (string, required) — The ID of the request. Quote it to support, or look it up in request logs.
- `retryable` (boolean, required) — Whether sending the same request again, with the same idempotency key, may succeed.
- `detail` (string, optional) — An explanation of this occurrence. For people; don't parse it.
- `param` (string, optional) — The request parameter at fault, as a dotted path.
- `required_scope` (string, optional) — The scope the call needed, on `insufficient_scope`. Ask a person to widen the key, or reconnect with it.
- `errors` (list of ConfigIssue, optional) — Only with `config_invalid`: each problem the configuration document has, with the path of the part at fault, so an agent can fix the document without a second call.
- `blocked_by` (list of ErrorResponseBlockedByItems, optional) — On an `invalid_state` that names the objects in the way, the objects that must change first. Removing a payment provider lists every routing rule that uses it (`object: routing_rule`) and every customer whose own `payment_provider` names it (`object: customer`), in one list.
- `doc_url` (string, optional) — A link to the error codes table in the docs, where this `code` is listed with its cause.

### 500 Internal Server Error

Something went wrong on Runledger's side. Safe to retry with the same idempotency key.

- `type` (string, required) — A URI for the error type. It links to the error codes table in the docs, where each `code` is listed with its cause. Branch on `code`, not on `type`.
- `title` (string, required) — A short summary of the error type.
- `status` (integer, required) — The HTTP status code.
- `code` (enum, required) — A stable, machine-readable error code. New codes may be added.
  - Allowed values: `invalid_request`, `parameter_missing`, `parameter_invalid`, `parameter_unknown`, `authentication_failed`, `permission_denied`, `insufficient_scope`, `proposal_required`, `config_invalid`, `livemode_mismatch`, `resource_not_found`, `resource_already_exists`, `idempotency_key_in_use`, `idempotency_key_reused`, `invalid_state`, `outcome_charge_locked`, `hold_not_active`, `insufficient_balance`, `credit_limit_exceeded`, `plan_locked`, `test_clock_advancing`, `provider_error`, `rate_limited`, `api_error`, `service_unavailable`
- `request_id` (string, required) — The ID of the request. Quote it to support, or look it up in request logs.
- `retryable` (boolean, required) — Whether sending the same request again, with the same idempotency key, may succeed.
- `detail` (string, optional) — An explanation of this occurrence. For people; don't parse it.
- `param` (string, optional) — The request parameter at fault, as a dotted path.
- `required_scope` (string, optional) — The scope the call needed, on `insufficient_scope`. Ask a person to widen the key, or reconnect with it.
- `errors` (list of ConfigIssue, optional) — Only with `config_invalid`: each problem the configuration document has, with the path of the part at fault, so an agent can fix the document without a second call.
- `blocked_by` (list of ErrorResponseBlockedByItems, optional) — On an `invalid_state` that names the objects in the way, the objects that must change first. Removing a payment provider lists every routing rule that uses it (`object: routing_rule`) and every customer whose own `payment_provider` names it (`object: customer`), in one list.
- `doc_url` (string, optional) — A link to the error codes table in the docs, where this `code` is listed with its cause.

## Types

### ConfigIssue

A problem or warning about a part of a configuration document.

- `code` (string, required) — A stable code. New codes may be added.
- `message` (string, required)
- `path` (string, optional) — Where in the document, as a dotted path.

### ErrorResponseBlockedByItems

- `object` (enum, required) — The kind of object in the way: a routing rule, or a customer with a `payment_provider` override.
  - Allowed values: `routing_rule`, `customer`
- `id` (string, required) — The object's ID, `rr_...` for a routing rule and `cus_...` for a customer.

## Examples

**Request**

```json
{}
```

**Response**

```json
{
  "id": "cus_9sF2kq81LmQz",
  "object": "string",
  "currency": "usd",
  "metadata": {},
  "livemode": true,
  "created_at": "2024-01-15T09:30:00Z",
  "external_id": "org_123",
  "name": "string",
  "email": "string",
  "subscription": "string",
  "test_clock": "string",
  "payment_provider": "string",
  "payment_method_status": "usable"
}
```

**SDK Code**

```python
import requests

url = "https://api.runledger.co/v1/customers/cus_9sF2kq81LmQz"

payload = {}
headers = {
    "Authorization": "Bearer <api_key>",
    "Content-Type": "application/json"
}

response = requests.patch(url, json=payload, headers=headers)

print(response.json())
```

```javascript
const url = 'https://api.runledger.co/v1/customers/cus_9sF2kq81LmQz';
const options = {
  method: 'PATCH',
  headers: {Authorization: 'Bearer <api_key>', 'Content-Type': 'application/json'},
  body: '{}'
};

try {
  const response = await fetch(url, options);
  const data = await response.json();
  console.log(data);
} catch (error) {
  console.error(error);
}
```

```go
package main

import (
	"fmt"
	"strings"
	"net/http"
	"io"
)

func main() {

	url := "https://api.runledger.co/v1/customers/cus_9sF2kq81LmQz"

	payload := strings.NewReader("{}")

	req, _ := http.NewRequest("PATCH", url, payload)

	req.Header.Add("Authorization", "Bearer <api_key>")
	req.Header.Add("Content-Type", "application/json")

	res, _ := http.DefaultClient.Do(req)

	defer res.Body.Close()
	body, _ := io.ReadAll(res.Body)

	fmt.Println(res)
	fmt.Println(string(body))

}
```

```ruby
require 'uri'
require 'net/http'

url = URI("https://api.runledger.co/v1/customers/cus_9sF2kq81LmQz")

http = Net::HTTP.new(url.host, url.port)
http.use_ssl = true

request = Net::HTTP::Patch.new(url)
request["Authorization"] = 'Bearer <api_key>'
request["Content-Type"] = 'application/json'
request.body = "{}"

response = http.request(request)
puts response.read_body
```

```java
import com.mashape.unirest.http.HttpResponse;
import com.mashape.unirest.http.Unirest;

HttpResponse<String> response = Unirest.patch("https://api.runledger.co/v1/customers/cus_9sF2kq81LmQz")
  .header("Authorization", "Bearer <api_key>")
  .header("Content-Type", "application/json")
  .body("{}")
  .asString();
```

```php
<?php
require_once('vendor/autoload.php');

$client = new \GuzzleHttp\Client();

$response = $client->request('PATCH', 'https://api.runledger.co/v1/customers/cus_9sF2kq81LmQz', [
  'body' => '{}',
  'headers' => [
    'Authorization' => 'Bearer <api_key>',
    'Content-Type' => 'application/json',
  ],
]);

echo $response->getBody();
```

```csharp
using RestSharp;

var client = new RestClient("https://api.runledger.co/v1/customers/cus_9sF2kq81LmQz");
var request = new RestRequest(Method.PATCH);
request.AddHeader("Authorization", "Bearer <api_key>");
request.AddHeader("Content-Type", "application/json");
request.AddParameter("application/json", "{}", ParameterType.RequestBody);
IRestResponse response = client.Execute(request);
```

```swift
import Foundation

let headers = [
  "Authorization": "Bearer <api_key>",
  "Content-Type": "application/json"
]
let parameters = [] as [String : Any]

let postData = JSONSerialization.data(withJSONObject: parameters, options: [])

let request = NSMutableURLRequest(url: NSURL(string: "https://api.runledger.co/v1/customers/cus_9sF2kq81LmQz")! as URL,
                                        cachePolicy: .useProtocolCachePolicy,
                                    timeoutInterval: 10.0)
request.httpMethod = "PATCH"
request.allHTTPHeaderFields = headers
request.httpBody = postData as Data

let session = URLSession.shared
let dataTask = session.dataTask(with: request as URLRequest, completionHandler: { (data, response, error) -> Void in
  if (error != nil) {
    print(error as Any)
  } else {
    let httpResponse = response as? HTTPURLResponse
    print(httpResponse)
  }
})

dataTask.resume()
```