---
title: Plan rules on upgrading and downgrading
---

## Plan rules on upgrading and downgrading

Open a membership and go to the **Settings** tab to configure how plan changes work between tiers.

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## How plans relate

![](https://assets.eprofessor.com/content/help/memberships/plan-rules.png)

This setting controls what counts as an upgrade or a downgrade when a member switches plans.

**Steps in a ladder** (the default) means plans build on each other from left to right. Moving right is an upgrade, moving left is a downgrade. Use this when each tier includes everything the previous one had, plus more — for example, a free plan, a standard paid plan, and a premium plan.

**Independent choices** means plans are parallel options with no hierarchy. None is above another, and order only affects how plans display on the landing page. Use this when plans offer different things rather than progressively more — for example, plans organized by topic or audience rather than by level.

Switching between these two modes resets the plan change timing options below, so review that section before saving.

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## When plan changes take effect

This setting applies to all plan switches within the membership, in both directions.

- Upgrades are immediate, downgrades at renewal (recommended) — upgrades apply today and any charge is due immediately. Downgrades take effect when the current billing period ends. Members keep their current access until then.
- Upgrades are immediate, downgrades are student-chosen — upgrades apply today. For downgrades, the student picks when the new plan starts.
- Every change starts right away — all changes apply immediately in both directions. Unused time is credited toward future charges. No refunds issued.

If any current members are on plans affected by your changes, the page shows a notice before you save. Click **Save changes** when done.

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