Why can free members still see a paid channel?

Usually the channel isn't synced to its category, or another role they hold grants View Channel or Administrator.

Do I need a bot to make channels private?

No. Permissions do the hiding; a bot or payment tool only adds and removes the role.

How to set channel permissions for paid members only (and prove it works)

Updated November 12, 2026 · Paid-member gating

Deny View Channel for @everyone on the paid category, allow it for the paid role, keep the paid channels synced to that category, and place your payment bot's role above the paid role. Then audit: View Server as Role as @everyone (paid channels must vanish), as the paid role (they must appear), and check no other role grants View Channel or Administrator.

Permission audit for paid channels
Check	Where	Correct setting
@everyone on paid category	Category > Edit > Permissions	View Channel: denied (red X)
Paid role on paid category	Same	View Channel: allowed (green check)
Channel sync	Each paid channel > Permissions	Synced with category, no stray overrides
Other roles	Server Settings > Roles	No unexpected role with Administrator or a View override
Bot role order	Server Settings > Roles	Payment bot's role above the paid role
Preview	View Server as Role	@everyone can't see paid; paid role can

The three leaks we find most

A channel out of sync with its category, still visible to @everyone.
A vanity or level role with Administrator or View Channel allowed server-wide.
Threads or forum posts linked publicly from a paid channel. Links only work for people who can see the channel, but check what's pinned in public channels.

Server-level vs channel-level

Server-level role permissions apply everywhere; channel overrides change them per channel. Keep paid gating at the category level so new paid channels inherit it automatically.

Quick answers

How to set channel permissions for paid members only?: On the paid category, deny View Channel for @everyone and allow it for the paid role. Keep channels synced and put the payment bot's role above the paid role.
Why can free members still see a paid channel?: Usually the channel isn't synced to its category, or another role they hold grants View Channel or Administrator.
Do I need a bot to make channels private?: No. Permissions do the hiding; a bot or payment tool only adds and removes the role.

What to do next

We build paid gating at the category level and run this audit before handover. Done-for-you, $299 one-time.

Get paid gating set up See pricing

Related guides

Sources

Checked: November 12, 2026. Discord changes features and menus often; if something looks different, the official help center is the source of truth. ServerSetupKit is not affiliated with Discord or any platform named here.