diff --git a/.env.example b/.env.example
index 60652d8..8e7f105 100644
--- a/.env.example
+++ b/.env.example
@@ -38,6 +38,8 @@ IDENTITY_API_URL=https://ladill.com/api
 IDENTITY_API_KEY_TRANSFER=
 
 TRANSFER_PRICE_PER_GB_MONTH=0.30
+TRANSFER_GRACE_PERIOD_DAYS=15
+TRANSFER_BILLING_PERIOD_DAYS=30
 # 0 = no app-level file size cap (chunked uploads handle large files).
 TRANSFER_MAX_FILE_BYTES=0
 TRANSFER_MAX_FILES=20
diff --git a/app/Console/Commands/ProcessTransferBillingCommand.php b/app/Console/Commands/ProcessTransferBillingCommand.php
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ce438fd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/Console/Commands/ProcessTransferBillingCommand.php
@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+<?php
+
+namespace App\Console\Commands;
+
+use App\Services\Transfer\TransferBillingService;
+use Illuminate\Console\Command;
+
+class ProcessTransferBillingCommand extends Command
+{
+    protected $signature = 'transfer:process-billing';
+
+    protected $description = 'Renew monthly transfer storage billing and delete transfers past the grace period';
+
+    public function handle(TransferBillingService $billing): int
+    {
+        $result = $billing->processDueRenewals();
+
+        $this->info(sprintf(
+            'Transfer billing: %d renewed, %d entered grace, %d deleted.',
+            $result['renewed'],
+            $result['graced'],
+            $result['deleted'],
+        ));
+
+        return self::SUCCESS;
+    }
+}
diff --git a/app/Http/Controllers/Api/ChunkedUploadController.php b/app/Http/Controllers/Api/ChunkedUploadController.php
index 1fb58af..edc90c9 100644
--- a/app/Http/Controllers/Api/ChunkedUploadController.php
+++ b/app/Http/Controllers/Api/ChunkedUploadController.php
@@ -140,7 +140,8 @@ class ChunkedUploadController extends Controller
                 'id' => $transfer->id,
                 'title' => $transfer->title,
                 'public_url' => $transfer->qrCode?->publicUrl(),
-                'expires_at' => $transfer->expires_at?->toIso8601String(),
+                'paid_until' => $transfer->paid_until?->toIso8601String(),
+                'expires_at' => $transfer->paid_until?->toIso8601String(),
                 'files' => $transfer->files->map(fn ($file) => [
                     'name' => $file->original_name,
                     'size_bytes' => $file->size_bytes,
diff --git a/app/Http/Controllers/Api/TransferController.php b/app/Http/Controllers/Api/TransferController.php
index a56c205..31d782e 100644
--- a/app/Http/Controllers/Api/TransferController.php
+++ b/app/Http/Controllers/Api/TransferController.php
@@ -69,7 +69,8 @@ class TransferController extends Controller
                 'id' => $transfer->id,
                 'title' => $transfer->title,
                 'public_url' => $transfer->qrCode?->publicUrl(),
-                'expires_at' => $transfer->expires_at?->toIso8601String(),
+                'paid_until' => $transfer->paid_until?->toIso8601String(),
+                'expires_at' => $transfer->paid_until?->toIso8601String(),
                 'files' => $transfer->files->map(fn ($file) => [
                     'name' => $file->original_name,
                     'size_bytes' => $file->size_bytes,
diff --git a/app/Http/Controllers/Qr/AccountController.php b/app/Http/Controllers/Qr/AccountController.php
index a2b9fbd..c270e09 100644
--- a/app/Http/Controllers/Qr/AccountController.php
+++ b/app/Http/Controllers/Qr/AccountController.php
@@ -52,10 +52,7 @@ class AccountController extends Controller
 
         $activeTransfers = Transfer::query()
             ->where('user_id', $user->id)
-            ->where('status', Transfer::STATUS_ACTIVE)
-            ->where(function ($query) {
-                $query->whereNull('expires_at')->orWhere('expires_at', '>', now());
-            })
+            ->accessible()
             ->orderByDesc('storage_bytes')
             ->get();
 
diff --git a/app/Http/Controllers/Transfer/OverviewController.php b/app/Http/Controllers/Transfer/OverviewController.php
index 227d14c..ce71a14 100644
--- a/app/Http/Controllers/Transfer/OverviewController.php
+++ b/app/Http/Controllers/Transfer/OverviewController.php
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ class OverviewController extends Controller
 
         $transfers = Transfer::query()
             ->where('user_id', $account->id)
-            ->where('status', Transfer::STATUS_ACTIVE);
+            ->accessible();
 
         $activeCount = (clone $transfers)->count();
         $storageBytes = (int) (clone $transfers)->sum('storage_bytes');
@@ -37,14 +37,14 @@ class OverviewController extends Controller
 
         $expiringSoon = Transfer::query()
             ->where('user_id', $account->id)
-            ->where('status', Transfer::STATUS_ACTIVE)
-            ->whereNotNull('expires_at')
-            ->whereBetween('expires_at', [now(), now()->addDays(7)])
+            ->accessible()
+            ->whereNotNull('paid_until')
+            ->whereBetween('paid_until', [now(), now()->addDays(7)])
             ->count();
 
         $recentTransfers = Transfer::query()
             ->where('user_id', $account->id)
-            ->where('status', Transfer::STATUS_ACTIVE)
+            ->accessible()
             ->with('qrCode')
             ->latest()
             ->limit(6)
diff --git a/app/Http/Controllers/Transfer/TransferController.php b/app/Http/Controllers/Transfer/TransferController.php
index 2a7292b..bd579cd 100644
--- a/app/Http/Controllers/Transfer/TransferController.php
+++ b/app/Http/Controllers/Transfer/TransferController.php
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ class TransferController extends Controller
 
         $transfers = Transfer::query()
             ->where('user_id', $account->id)
-            ->where('status', Transfer::STATUS_ACTIVE)
+            ->accessible()
             ->with(['qrCode', 'files'])
             ->latest()
             ->paginate(20);
@@ -42,9 +42,9 @@ class TransferController extends Controller
     public function create(): View
     {
         return view('transfer.transfers.create', [
-            'defaultRetentionDays' => (int) config('transfer.default_retention_days', 30),
             'maxFiles' => (int) config('transfer.max_files_per_transfer', 20),
             'pricePerGb' => (float) config('transfer.price_per_gb_month', 0.30),
+            'gracePeriodDays' => (int) config('transfer.grace_period_days', 15),
         ]);
     }
 
@@ -62,7 +62,6 @@ class TransferController extends Controller
             'title' => 'required|string|max:120',
             'message' => 'nullable|string|max:2000',
             'password' => 'nullable|string|min:4|max:64',
-            'retention_days' => 'nullable|integer|min:1|max:365',
             'files' => 'nullable|array',
             'files.*' => $fileRules,
             'upload_ids' => 'nullable|array',
diff --git a/app/Models/Transfer.php b/app/Models/Transfer.php
index 8615faa..68a8954 100644
--- a/app/Models/Transfer.php
+++ b/app/Models/Transfer.php
@@ -2,6 +2,8 @@
 
 namespace App\Models;
 
+use Carbon\CarbonInterface;
+use Illuminate\Database\Eloquent\Builder;
 use Illuminate\Database\Eloquent\Model;
 use Illuminate\Database\Eloquent\Relations\BelongsTo;
 use Illuminate\Database\Eloquent\Relations\HasMany;
@@ -10,6 +12,8 @@ class Transfer extends Model
 {
     public const STATUS_ACTIVE = 'active';
 
+    public const STATUS_GRACE = 'grace';
+
     public const STATUS_EXPIRED = 'expired';
 
     public const STATUS_DELETED = 'deleted';
@@ -22,6 +26,9 @@ class Transfer extends Model
         'password_hash',
         'retention_days',
         'expires_at',
+        'paid_until',
+        'grace_ends_at',
+        'last_billed_at',
         'status',
         'downloads_total',
         'storage_bytes',
@@ -30,6 +37,9 @@ class Transfer extends Model
     protected $casts = [
         'retention_days' => 'integer',
         'expires_at' => 'datetime',
+        'paid_until' => 'datetime',
+        'grace_ends_at' => 'datetime',
+        'last_billed_at' => 'datetime',
         'downloads_total' => 'integer',
         'storage_bytes' => 'integer',
     ];
@@ -54,17 +64,52 @@ class Transfer extends Model
         return $this->hasMany(TransferDownloadEvent::class);
     }
 
+    /** Files are available to recipients while paid or within the unpaid grace window. */
+    public function isAccessible(): bool
+    {
+        if ($this->status === self::STATUS_DELETED) {
+            return false;
+        }
+
+        if ($this->isPaid()) {
+            return true;
+        }
+
+        return $this->isInGracePeriod();
+    }
+
+    /** @deprecated Use isAccessible() — kept for existing call sites. */
     public function isActive(): bool
     {
-        if ($this->status !== self::STATUS_ACTIVE) {
+        return $this->isAccessible();
+    }
+
+    public function isPaid(): bool
+    {
+        if (! in_array($this->status, [self::STATUS_ACTIVE, self::STATUS_GRACE], true)) {
             return false;
         }
 
-        if ($this->expires_at && $this->expires_at->isPast()) {
+        return $this->paid_until instanceof CarbonInterface && $this->paid_until->isFuture();
+    }
+
+    public function isInGracePeriod(): bool
+    {
+        if ($this->status !== self::STATUS_GRACE) {
             return false;
         }
 
-        return true;
+        return $this->grace_ends_at instanceof CarbonInterface && $this->grace_ends_at->isFuture();
+    }
+
+    public function isPastGracePeriod(): bool
+    {
+        return $this->grace_ends_at instanceof CarbonInterface && $this->grace_ends_at->isPast();
+    }
+
+    public function billingPeriodEndsAt(): ?CarbonInterface
+    {
+        return $this->paid_until;
     }
 
     public function isPasswordProtected(): bool
@@ -81,4 +126,27 @@ class Transfer extends Model
     {
         return round($this->storageGb() * (float) config('transfer.price_per_gb_month', 0.30), 2);
     }
+
+    public function billingStatusLabel(): string
+    {
+        if ($this->isPaid()) {
+            return 'Active';
+        }
+
+        if ($this->isInGracePeriod()) {
+            return 'Payment due';
+        }
+
+        return 'Unavailable';
+    }
+
+    public function scopeAccessible(Builder $query): Builder
+    {
+        return $query
+            ->whereIn('status', [self::STATUS_ACTIVE, self::STATUS_GRACE])
+            ->where(function (Builder $inner) {
+                $inner->where('paid_until', '>', now())
+                    ->orWhere('grace_ends_at', '>', now());
+            });
+    }
 }
diff --git a/app/Services/Afia/AfiaService.php b/app/Services/Afia/AfiaService.php
index 00c93b4..5519fc4 100644
--- a/app/Services/Afia/AfiaService.php
+++ b/app/Services/Afia/AfiaService.php
@@ -115,8 +115,9 @@ class AfiaService
         - Settings: notification preferences for transfer activity.
 
         Pricing:
-        - Storage retention is prepaid at GHS {$pricePerGb} per GB per month (metered on actual storage; no free tier).
-        - Wallet must have funds to keep transfers active through their retention period.
+        - Storage is billed monthly at GHS {$pricePerGb} per GB (metered on actual storage; no free tier).
+        - Transfers stay active while the wallet can pay each monthly renewal.
+        - If a renewal fails, files are kept for the grace period (default 15 days) before automatic deletion.
 
         Rules:
         - Only answer questions about Ladill Transfer — uploads, share links, QR codes, passwords, retention/expiry, downloads, storage billing, team, and wallet.
diff --git a/app/Services/Transfer/TransferBillingService.php b/app/Services/Transfer/TransferBillingService.php
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3b85cce
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/Services/Transfer/TransferBillingService.php
@@ -0,0 +1,166 @@
+<?php
+
+namespace App\Services\Transfer;
+
+use App\Models\Transfer;
+use App\Models\User;
+use App\Services\Billing\BillingClient;
+use Carbon\CarbonInterface;
+use Illuminate\Support\Carbon;
+use RuntimeException;
+
+/** Monthly storage billing: paid while wallet debits succeed; 15-day grace then deletion. */
+class TransferBillingService
+{
+    public function __construct(
+        private BillingClient $billing,
+        private TransferService $transfers,
+    ) {}
+
+    public function gracePeriodDays(): int
+    {
+        return max(1, (int) config('transfer.grace_period_days', 15));
+    }
+
+    public function amountMinorFor(Transfer $transfer): int
+    {
+        $ghs = $transfer->monthlyCostGhs();
+        $minor = (int) round($ghs * 100);
+
+        return max($minor, 1);
+    }
+
+    /** Charge the first monthly period when a transfer is created. */
+    public function chargeInitialPeriod(Transfer $transfer, User $user): void
+    {
+        $amountMinor = $this->amountMinorFor($transfer);
+        if (! $this->billing->canAfford($user->public_id, $amountMinor)) {
+            throw new RuntimeException('Insufficient wallet balance for the first month of storage. Top up your Ladill wallet and try again.');
+        }
+
+        $periodEnd = $this->nextPeriodEnd(now());
+        $reference = $this->billingReference($transfer, $periodEnd);
+
+        if (! $this->billing->debit(
+            $user->public_id,
+            $amountMinor,
+            (string) config('billing.service', 'transfer'),
+            'transfer_storage',
+            $reference,
+            $transfer->id,
+            sprintf('Transfer storage: %s (%s)', $transfer->title, $transfer->storageGb().' GB'),
+        )) {
+            throw new RuntimeException('Could not debit your wallet for storage. Top up and try again.');
+        }
+
+        $this->markPaidThrough($transfer, $periodEnd);
+    }
+
+    /** Attempt to renew a transfer for another month. */
+    public function chargeRenewal(Transfer $transfer): bool
+    {
+        $transfer->loadMissing('user');
+        $user = $transfer->user;
+        if ($user === null || $user->public_id === null) {
+            return false;
+        }
+
+        $amountMinor = $this->amountMinorFor($transfer);
+        $base = $transfer->paid_until instanceof CarbonInterface
+            ? $transfer->paid_until->copy()
+            : now();
+        $periodEnd = $this->nextPeriodEnd($base);
+        $reference = $this->billingReference($transfer, $periodEnd);
+
+        if (! $this->billing->canAfford($user->public_id, $amountMinor)) {
+            return false;
+        }
+
+        if (! $this->billing->debit(
+            $user->public_id,
+            $amountMinor,
+            (string) config('billing.service', 'transfer'),
+            'transfer_storage_renewal',
+            $reference,
+            $transfer->id,
+            sprintf('Transfer storage renewal: %s', $transfer->title),
+        )) {
+            return false;
+        }
+
+        $this->markPaidThrough($transfer, $periodEnd);
+
+        return true;
+    }
+
+    public function enterGracePeriod(Transfer $transfer): void
+    {
+        $graceEndsAt = now()->addDays($this->gracePeriodDays());
+
+        $transfer->update([
+            'status' => Transfer::STATUS_GRACE,
+            'grace_ends_at' => $graceEndsAt,
+            'expires_at' => $graceEndsAt,
+        ]);
+    }
+
+    public function processDueRenewals(): array
+    {
+        $renewed = 0;
+        $graced = 0;
+        $deleted = 0;
+
+        $due = Transfer::query()
+            ->whereIn('status', [Transfer::STATUS_ACTIVE, Transfer::STATUS_GRACE])
+            ->whereNotNull('paid_until')
+            ->where('paid_until', '<=', now())
+            ->with('user')
+            ->get();
+
+        foreach ($due as $transfer) {
+            if ($this->chargeRenewal($transfer)) {
+                $renewed++;
+                continue;
+            }
+
+            if ($transfer->status !== Transfer::STATUS_GRACE) {
+                $this->enterGracePeriod($transfer);
+                $graced++;
+            }
+        }
+
+        $expired = Transfer::query()
+            ->where('status', Transfer::STATUS_GRACE)
+            ->whereNotNull('grace_ends_at')
+            ->where('grace_ends_at', '<=', now())
+            ->get();
+
+        foreach ($expired as $transfer) {
+            $this->transfers->delete($transfer);
+            $deleted++;
+        }
+
+        return compact('renewed', 'graced', 'deleted');
+    }
+
+    private function markPaidThrough(Transfer $transfer, CarbonInterface $periodEnd): void
+    {
+        $transfer->update([
+            'status' => Transfer::STATUS_ACTIVE,
+            'paid_until' => $periodEnd,
+            'expires_at' => $periodEnd,
+            'grace_ends_at' => null,
+            'last_billed_at' => now(),
+        ]);
+    }
+
+    private function nextPeriodEnd(CarbonInterface $from): CarbonInterface
+    {
+        return Carbon::instance($from)->addMonthNoOverflow();
+    }
+
+    private function billingReference(Transfer $transfer, CarbonInterface $periodEnd): string
+    {
+        return sprintf('transfer:%d:through:%s', $transfer->id, $periodEnd->format('Y-m-d'));
+    }
+}
diff --git a/app/Services/Transfer/TransferService.php b/app/Services/Transfer/TransferService.php
index 8a2d65d..bfd3389 100644
--- a/app/Services/Transfer/TransferService.php
+++ b/app/Services/Transfer/TransferService.php
@@ -39,10 +39,9 @@ class TransferService
         }
 
         $maxBytes = (int) config('transfer.max_file_bytes', 0);
-        $retentionDays = (int) ($data['retention_days'] ?? config('transfer.default_retention_days', 30));
-        $retentionDays = max(1, min(365, $retentionDays));
+        $billingPeriodDays = (int) config('transfer.billing_period_days', 30);
 
-        return DB::transaction(function () use ($user, $data, $files, $maxBytes, $retentionDays) {
+        return DB::transaction(function () use ($user, $data, $files, $maxBytes, $billingPeriodDays) {
             $passwordHash = null;
             if (! empty($data['password'])) {
                 $passwordHash = Hash::make((string) $data['password']);
@@ -53,8 +52,7 @@ class TransferService
                 'title' => trim((string) $data['title']),
                 'message' => isset($data['message']) ? trim((string) $data['message']) : null,
                 'password_hash' => $passwordHash,
-                'retention_days' => $retentionDays,
-                'expires_at' => now()->addDays($retentionDays),
+                'retention_days' => $billingPeriodDays,
                 'status' => Transfer::STATUS_ACTIVE,
             ]);
 
@@ -82,6 +80,9 @@ class TransferService
                 'storage_bytes' => $totalBytes,
             ]);
 
+            $transfer = $transfer->fresh(['files', 'qrCode']);
+            app(TransferBillingService::class)->chargeInitialPeriod($transfer, $user);
+
             return $transfer->fresh(['files', 'qrCode']);
         });
     }
diff --git a/config/transfer.php b/config/transfer.php
index 9e836a5..6685e82 100644
--- a/config/transfer.php
+++ b/config/transfer.php
@@ -23,9 +23,13 @@ return [
     // Max files per transfer.
     'max_files_per_transfer' => (int) env('TRANSFER_MAX_FILES', 20),
 
-    // Default retention when not specified (days).
-    'default_retention_days' => (int) env('TRANSFER_DEFAULT_RETENTION_DAYS', 30),
+    // Monthly billing cycle length (days) — storage is renewed each period while the wallet can pay.
+    'billing_period_days' => (int) env('TRANSFER_BILLING_PERIOD_DAYS', 30),
 
-    // Retention for files uploaded via Ladill Mail (large attachments).
+    // Days to keep files after a failed renewal before automatic deletion.
+    'grace_period_days' => (int) env('TRANSFER_GRACE_PERIOD_DAYS', 15),
+
+    // Legacy env keys (billing is monthly until cancelled by non-payment + grace).
+    'default_retention_days' => (int) env('TRANSFER_DEFAULT_RETENTION_DAYS', 30),
     'mail_retention_days' => (int) env('TRANSFER_MAIL_RETENTION_DAYS', 30),
 ];
diff --git a/database/migrations/2026_06_09_120000_add_transfer_billing_period_columns.php b/database/migrations/2026_06_09_120000_add_transfer_billing_period_columns.php
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2b73436
--- /dev/null
+++ b/database/migrations/2026_06_09_120000_add_transfer_billing_period_columns.php
@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+<?php
+
+use Illuminate\Database\Migrations\Migration;
+use Illuminate\Database\Schema\Blueprint;
+use Illuminate\Support\Facades\DB;
+use Illuminate\Support\Facades\Schema;
+
+return new class extends Migration
+{
+    public function up(): void
+    {
+        Schema::table('transfers', function (Blueprint $table) {
+            $table->timestamp('paid_until')->nullable()->after('expires_at');
+            $table->timestamp('grace_ends_at')->nullable()->after('paid_until');
+            $table->timestamp('last_billed_at')->nullable()->after('grace_ends_at');
+
+            $table->index(['status', 'paid_until']);
+            $table->index(['status', 'grace_ends_at']);
+        });
+
+        DB::table('transfers')
+            ->whereNull('paid_until')
+            ->whereNotNull('expires_at')
+            ->update(['paid_until' => DB::raw('expires_at')]);
+    }
+
+    public function down(): void
+    {
+        Schema::table('transfers', function (Blueprint $table) {
+            $table->dropIndex(['status', 'paid_until']);
+            $table->dropIndex(['status', 'grace_ends_at']);
+            $table->dropColumn(['paid_until', 'grace_ends_at', 'last_billed_at']);
+        });
+    }
+};
diff --git a/deploy/shared.env.example b/deploy/shared.env.example
index a7b2a78..67590d8 100644
--- a/deploy/shared.env.example
+++ b/deploy/shared.env.example
@@ -40,6 +40,8 @@ IDENTITY_API_KEY_TRANSFER=
 TRANSFER_PRICE_PER_GB_MONTH=0.30
 TRANSFER_MAX_FILE_BYTES=0
 TRANSFER_MAX_FILES=20
+TRANSFER_BILLING_PERIOD_DAYS=30
+TRANSFER_GRACE_PERIOD_DAYS=15
 TRANSFER_DEFAULT_RETENTION_DAYS=30
 TRANSFER_MAIL_RETENTION_DAYS=30
 
diff --git a/resources/views/qr/account/billing.blade.php b/resources/views/qr/account/billing.blade.php
index bba14a8..ecc02e0 100644
--- a/resources/views/qr/account/billing.blade.php
+++ b/resources/views/qr/account/billing.blade.php
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
     @endphp
     <div class="mx-auto max-w-3xl">
         <h1 class="text-xl font-semibold tracking-tight text-slate-900">Billing</h1>
-        <p class="mt-0.5 text-sm text-slate-500">Storage is metered at GHS {{ number_format($pricePerGb, 2) }} per GB per month of retention and debited from your <a href="{{ $walletUrl }}" class="font-medium text-indigo-600 hover:text-indigo-800">Ladill wallet</a>.</p>
+        <p class="mt-0.5 text-sm text-slate-500">Storage is billed monthly at GHS {{ number_format($pricePerGb, 2) }} per GB while each transfer stays active. Renewals debit your <a href="{{ $walletUrl }}" class="font-medium text-indigo-600 hover:text-indigo-800">Ladill wallet</a>; unpaid transfers are kept for {{ (int) config('transfer.grace_period_days', 15) }} days before deletion.</p>
 
         <div class="mt-6 grid gap-4 sm:grid-cols-2 lg:grid-cols-4">
             <div class="rounded-2xl border border-slate-200 bg-white p-5">
@@ -51,8 +51,10 @@
                                 <a href="{{ route('transfer.transfers.show', $transfer) }}" class="truncate text-sm font-medium text-slate-900 hover:text-indigo-700">{{ $transfer->title }}</a>
                                 <p class="text-xs text-slate-400">
                                     {{ $fmtBytes($transfer->storage_bytes) }}
-                                    @if($transfer->expires_at)
-                                        · expires {{ $transfer->expires_at->format('M j, Y') }}
+                                    @if($transfer->isInGracePeriod())
+                                        · payment due · kept until {{ $transfer->grace_ends_at?->format('M j, Y') }}
+                                    @elseif($transfer->paid_until)
+                                        · paid through {{ $transfer->paid_until->format('M j, Y') }}
                                     @endif
                                 </p>
                             </div>
@@ -78,6 +80,6 @@
             </div>
         </div>
 
-        <p class="mt-4 text-xs text-slate-400">Retention is prepaid from your wallet. Keep it funded so transfers stay available through their expiry date.</p>
+        <p class="mt-4 text-xs text-slate-400">Keep your wallet funded so monthly renewals succeed. If a renewal fails, you have {{ (int) config('transfer.grace_period_days', 15) }} days to top up before files are deleted.</p>
     </div>
 </x-user-layout>
diff --git a/resources/views/transfer/dashboard.blade.php b/resources/views/transfer/dashboard.blade.php
index 27490b7..d08604a 100644
--- a/resources/views/transfer/dashboard.blade.php
+++ b/resources/views/transfer/dashboard.blade.php
@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@
             <div class="rounded-2xl border border-indigo-100 bg-indigo-50/60 p-6">
                 <p class="text-xs font-medium uppercase tracking-wide text-indigo-600">Wallet balance</p>
                 <p class="mt-1.5 text-2xl font-semibold text-slate-900">{{ $fmt($balanceMinor) }}</p>
-                <p class="mt-2 text-sm text-slate-600">Storage is billed at GHS {{ number_format((float) config('transfer.price_per_gb_month', 0.30), 2) }} per GB per month from your Ladill wallet.</p>
+                <p class="mt-2 text-sm text-slate-600">Storage is billed monthly at GHS {{ number_format((float) config('transfer.price_per_gb_month', 0.30), 2) }} per GB while your wallet can pay. Unpaid renewals keep files for {{ (int) config('transfer.grace_period_days', 15) }} days before deletion.</p>
                 <div class="mt-4 space-y-3">
                     <a href="{{ route('transfer.transfers.create') }}" class="flex items-center justify-between rounded-xl border border-white bg-white px-4 py-3 text-sm hover:bg-indigo-50/50">
                         <span class="font-medium text-slate-700">New transfer</span>
diff --git a/resources/views/transfer/transfers/create.blade.php b/resources/views/transfer/transfers/create.blade.php
index 85e314a..1dcf0f8 100644
--- a/resources/views/transfer/transfers/create.blade.php
+++ b/resources/views/transfer/transfers/create.blade.php
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
         <div>
             <a href="{{ route('transfer.transfers.index') }}" class="text-sm text-slate-500 hover:text-slate-700">← All transfers</a>
             <h1 class="mt-2 text-xl font-semibold text-slate-900">New transfer</h1>
-            <p class="mt-1 text-sm text-slate-500">Upload files, set how long they stay hosted, and get a share link + QR code.</p>
+            <p class="mt-1 text-sm text-slate-500">Upload files and get a share link + QR code. Storage is billed monthly from your Ladill wallet while the transfer stays active.</p>
         </div>
 
         @if(session('error'))
@@ -51,19 +51,16 @@
                 @error('files.*')<p class="mt-1 text-xs text-red-600">{{ $message }}</p>@enderror
             </div>
 
-            <div class="grid gap-4 sm:grid-cols-2">
-                <div>
-                    <label for="retention_days" class="block text-sm font-medium text-slate-700">Retention (days)</label>
-                    <input type="number" name="retention_days" id="retention_days" value="{{ old('retention_days', $defaultRetentionDays) }}" min="1" max="365"
-                           class="mt-1 block w-full rounded-xl border-slate-200 text-sm shadow-sm focus:border-indigo-500 focus:ring-indigo-500">
-                    <p class="mt-1 text-xs text-slate-500">GHS {{ number_format($pricePerGb, 2) }}/GB/month while files are stored.</p>
-                </div>
-                <div>
-                    <label for="password" class="block text-sm font-medium text-slate-700">Password <span class="font-normal text-slate-400">(optional)</span></label>
-                    <input type="password" name="password" id="password" minlength="4" maxlength="64"
-                           class="mt-1 block w-full rounded-xl border-slate-200 text-sm shadow-sm focus:border-indigo-500 focus:ring-indigo-500"
-                           autocomplete="new-password">
-                </div>
+            <div class="rounded-xl border border-indigo-100 bg-indigo-50/60 px-4 py-3 text-sm text-slate-600">
+                <p class="font-medium text-slate-900">Monthly storage billing</p>
+                <p class="mt-1">GHS {{ number_format($pricePerGb, 2) }} per GB per month, debited from your wallet. Files stay available while payments succeed. If a monthly renewal fails, files are kept for {{ $gracePeriodDays }} days before deletion.</p>
+            </div>
+
+            <div>
+                <label for="password" class="block text-sm font-medium text-slate-700">Password <span class="font-normal text-slate-400">(optional)</span></label>
+                <input type="password" name="password" id="password" minlength="4" maxlength="64"
+                       class="mt-1 block w-full rounded-xl border-slate-200 text-sm shadow-sm focus:border-indigo-500 focus:ring-indigo-500"
+                       autocomplete="new-password">
             </div>
 
             <div class="flex justify-end gap-3 pt-2">
diff --git a/resources/views/transfer/transfers/show.blade.php b/resources/views/transfer/transfers/show.blade.php
index 46251da..5689b37 100644
--- a/resources/views/transfer/transfers/show.blade.php
+++ b/resources/views/transfer/transfers/show.blade.php
@@ -13,7 +13,16 @@
             <div>
                 <a href="{{ route('transfer.transfers.index') }}" class="text-sm text-slate-500 hover:text-slate-700">← All transfers</a>
                 <h1 class="mt-2 text-xl font-semibold text-slate-900">{{ $transfer->title }}</h1>
-                <p class="mt-1 text-sm text-slate-500">Expires {{ $transfer->expires_at?->format('M j, Y') ?? '—' }} · {{ $fmtBytes($transfer->storage_bytes) }} stored</p>
+                <p class="mt-1 text-sm text-slate-500">
+                    @if($transfer->isInGracePeriod())
+                        <span class="font-medium text-amber-700">Payment due</span> · files kept until {{ $transfer->grace_ends_at?->format('M j, Y') }}
+                    @elseif($transfer->paid_until)
+                        Paid through {{ $transfer->paid_until->format('M j, Y') }}
+                    @else
+                        Billing pending
+                    @endif
+                    · {{ $fmtBytes($transfer->storage_bytes) }} stored · GHS {{ number_format($transfer->monthlyCostGhs(), 2) }}/mo
+                </p>
             </div>
             <form method="post" action="{{ route('transfer.transfers.destroy', $transfer) }}" onsubmit="return confirm('Delete this transfer and its files?')">
                 @csrf
diff --git a/routes/console.php b/routes/console.php
index 3aede45..af126df 100644
--- a/routes/console.php
+++ b/routes/console.php
@@ -8,10 +8,4 @@ Artisan::command('inspire', function () {
     $this->comment(Inspiring::quote());
 })->purpose('Display an inspiring quote');
 
-Schedule::command('hosting:check-node-health --all')->everyFiveMinutes()->withoutOverlapping();
-Schedule::command('hosting:sync-account-usage')->hourly()->withoutOverlapping();
-Schedule::command('hosting:recalculate-node-capacity --shared-only')->daily()->withoutOverlapping();
-Schedule::command('hosting:process-expired-accounts')->daily()->withoutOverlapping();
-Schedule::command('hosting:notify-expiring')->daily()->withoutOverlapping();
-Schedule::command('hosting:retry-pending-fulfillment')->everyFifteenMinutes()->withoutOverlapping();
-Schedule::command('ssl:renew')->daily()->withoutOverlapping();
+Schedule::command('transfer:process-billing')->daily()->withoutOverlapping();
diff --git a/tests/Concerns/FakesTransferBilling.php b/tests/Concerns/FakesTransferBilling.php
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fbc91d4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/Concerns/FakesTransferBilling.php
@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
+<?php
+
+namespace Tests\Concerns;
+
+use Illuminate\Support\Facades\Http;
+
+trait FakesTransferBilling
+{
+    protected function fakeTransferBillingApi(): void
+    {
+        $base = rtrim((string) config('billing.api_url'), '/');
+
+        Http::fake([
+            $base.'/can-afford*' => Http::response(['affordable' => true]),
+            $base.'/debit*' => Http::response(['ok' => true]),
+            $base.'/balance*' => Http::response(['balance_minor' => 100000]),
+            $base.'/service-ledger*' => Http::response([
+                'spent_minor' => 0,
+                'credited_minor' => 0,
+                'net_minor' => 0,
+            ]),
+        ]);
+    }
+}
diff --git a/tests/Feature/TransferApiTest.php b/tests/Feature/TransferApiTest.php
index ff248cf..741f114 100644
--- a/tests/Feature/TransferApiTest.php
+++ b/tests/Feature/TransferApiTest.php
@@ -8,16 +8,19 @@ use Illuminate\Http\UploadedFile;
 use Illuminate\Support\Facades\Http;
 use Illuminate\Support\Facades\Storage;
 use Illuminate\Support\Str;
+use Tests\Concerns\FakesTransferBilling;
 use Tests\TestCase;
 
 class TransferApiTest extends TestCase
 {
+    use FakesTransferBilling;
     use RefreshDatabase;
 
     protected function setUp(): void
     {
         parent::setUp();
         Storage::fake('qr');
+        $this->fakeTransferBillingApi();
         config([
             'transfer.service_api_keys' => ['webmail' => 'test-webmail-key'],
             'identity.api_url' => 'https://ladill.com/api',
diff --git a/tests/Feature/TransferBillingTest.php b/tests/Feature/TransferBillingTest.php
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..af020ca
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/Feature/TransferBillingTest.php
@@ -0,0 +1,110 @@
+<?php
+
+namespace Tests\Feature;
+
+use App\Models\Transfer;
+use App\Models\User;
+use App\Services\Transfer\TransferBillingService;
+use Illuminate\Foundation\Testing\RefreshDatabase;
+use Illuminate\Support\Facades\Http;
+use Illuminate\Support\Str;
+use Tests\Concerns\FakesTransferBilling;
+use Tests\TestCase;
+
+class TransferBillingTest extends TestCase
+{
+    use FakesTransferBilling;
+    use RefreshDatabase;
+
+    public function test_failed_renewal_enters_grace_period(): void
+    {
+        $user = User::create([
+            'public_id' => (string) Str::uuid(),
+            'name' => 'Grace User',
+            'email' => 'grace+'.uniqid().'@example.com',
+        ]);
+
+        $transfer = Transfer::create([
+            'user_id' => $user->id,
+            'title' => 'Due soon',
+            'retention_days' => 30,
+            'paid_until' => now()->subMinute(),
+            'status' => Transfer::STATUS_ACTIVE,
+            'storage_bytes' => 1024 * 1024 * 1024,
+        ]);
+
+        $base = rtrim((string) config('billing.api_url'), '/');
+        Http::fake([
+            $base.'/can-afford*' => Http::response(['affordable' => false]),
+        ]);
+
+        $result = app(TransferBillingService::class)->processDueRenewals();
+
+        $transfer->refresh();
+        $this->assertSame(1, $result['graced']);
+        $this->assertSame(Transfer::STATUS_GRACE, $transfer->status);
+        $this->assertNotNull($transfer->grace_ends_at);
+        $this->assertTrue($transfer->grace_ends_at->isFuture());
+        $this->assertTrue($transfer->isAccessible());
+    }
+
+    public function test_transfer_past_grace_period_is_deleted(): void
+    {
+        $user = User::create([
+            'public_id' => (string) Str::uuid(),
+            'name' => 'Delete User',
+            'email' => 'delete+'.uniqid().'@example.com',
+        ]);
+
+        Transfer::create([
+            'user_id' => $user->id,
+            'title' => 'Expired',
+            'retention_days' => 30,
+            'paid_until' => now()->subDays(20),
+            'grace_ends_at' => now()->subMinute(),
+            'status' => Transfer::STATUS_GRACE,
+            'storage_bytes' => 1024,
+        ]);
+
+        $base = rtrim((string) config('billing.api_url'), '/');
+        Http::fake([
+            $base.'/can-afford*' => Http::response(['affordable' => false]),
+        ]);
+
+        $result = app(TransferBillingService::class)->processDueRenewals();
+
+        $this->assertSame(1, $result['deleted']);
+        $this->assertDatabaseHas('transfers', [
+            'title' => 'Expired',
+            'status' => Transfer::STATUS_DELETED,
+        ]);
+    }
+
+    public function test_successful_renewal_extends_paid_until(): void
+    {
+        $user = User::create([
+            'public_id' => (string) Str::uuid(),
+            'name' => 'Renew User',
+            'email' => 'renew+'.uniqid().'@example.com',
+        ]);
+
+        $transfer = Transfer::create([
+            'user_id' => $user->id,
+            'title' => 'Renew me',
+            'retention_days' => 30,
+            'paid_until' => now()->subMinute(),
+            'status' => Transfer::STATUS_ACTIVE,
+            'storage_bytes' => 1024 * 1024 * 1024,
+        ]);
+
+        $this->fakeTransferBillingApi();
+
+        $result = app(TransferBillingService::class)->processDueRenewals();
+
+        $transfer->refresh();
+        $this->assertSame(1, $result['renewed']);
+        $this->assertSame(Transfer::STATUS_ACTIVE, $transfer->status);
+        $this->assertTrue($transfer->paid_until->isFuture());
+        $this->assertNull($transfer->grace_ends_at);
+    }
+}
diff --git a/tests/Feature/TransferTest.php b/tests/Feature/TransferTest.php
index 4c2c160..14a87a3 100644
--- a/tests/Feature/TransferTest.php
+++ b/tests/Feature/TransferTest.php
@@ -8,15 +8,18 @@ use Illuminate\Foundation\Testing\RefreshDatabase;
 use Illuminate\Http\UploadedFile;
 use Illuminate\Support\Facades\Storage;
 use Illuminate\Support\Str;
+use Tests\Concerns\FakesTransferBilling;
 use Tests\TestCase;
 
 class TransferTest extends TestCase
 {
+    use FakesTransferBilling;
     use RefreshDatabase;
 
     public function test_authenticated_user_can_create_transfer_with_files(): void
     {
         Storage::fake('qr');
+        $this->fakeTransferBillingApi();
 
         $user = User::create([
             'public_id' => (string) Str::uuid(),
@@ -27,7 +30,6 @@ class TransferTest extends TestCase
         $response = $this->actingAs($user)->post(route('transfer.transfers.store'), [
             'title' => 'Project assets',
             'message' => 'Here are the files.',
-            'retention_days' => 14,
             'files' => [
                 UploadedFile::fake()->create('brief.pdf', 100, 'application/pdf'),
                 UploadedFile::fake()->create('photo.jpg', 50, 'image/jpeg'),
@@ -41,7 +43,8 @@ class TransferTest extends TestCase
 
         $transfer = Transfer::first();
         $this->assertNotNull($transfer->qr_code_id);
-        $this->assertSame(14, $transfer->retention_days);
+        $this->assertNotNull($transfer->paid_until);
+        $this->assertTrue($transfer->paid_until->isFuture());
     }
 
     public function test_dashboard_requires_auth(): void