Patreon User Role Changer

Automatically assign roles to new patrons—no manual work, no missed access.

Patreon User Role Changer ensures your WordPress site grants the right access to new users the moment they arrive from Patreon. When a user registers with a username that starts with patreon_, this plugin automatically assigns them the WordPress role you specify—based on your settings and (optionally) their Patreon membership tier.

It’s fast, quiet, and purpose-built for creators, publishers, and membership sites who want seamless, hands-off onboarding.

Get Patreon User Role Changer

Who It’s For

  • Creators & publishers – Keep perks consistent across platforms.
  • Membership sites – Ensure new patrons get immediate access.
  • Site managers – Reduce support load from access issues.
  • Agencies – Deliver low-maintenance Patreon integrations for clients.

Key Benefits

✅ Automatic onboarding – Assigns roles on user registration—no admin action needed.
✅ Reliable access – Applies your default role even if the Patreon API is temporarily unreachable.
✅ Hands-off operations – Runs silently behind the scenes and just works.
✅ Compatible with your setup – Works with any existing or custom role.
✅ No coding needed – Configure everything in a simple settings screen.

Features

  • Auto role assignment – Detects usernames starting with patreon_ and assigns the correct role.
  • Custom default role – Choose any role (Subscriber, Contributor, etc.) in settings.
  • API token support – Optionally connect to Patreon’s API to fetch tier data.
  • Quick setup screen – Accessible from the Plugins list via a “Settings” link.
  • Secure integration – Stores your Patreon Creator API token safely in WordPress.

How It Works

  1. A new user signs up via your Patreon-connected flow (with a patreon_ username).
  2. The plugin runs at registration, checking their Patreon membership (if a token is provided).
  3. If a tier is identified and supported, a mapped role is applied.
  4. If tier data isn’t available, your configured default role is used.
  5. The user lands in your site with the right access—instantly.

Requirements

  • WordPress: Version 6.3 or higher
  • Patreon: Creator account + API token
  • User bridge: Any integration that creates users with patreon_ usernames (e.g., custom SSO)
  • FLW Secure Updates plugin (free): Required for update and settings integration

Quick Start

  1. Install and activate Patreon User Role Changer.
  2. If prompted, install FLW Secure Updates.
  3. Go to Plugins → Patreon User Role Changer → Settings.
  4. Choose a default role for new Patreon users.
  5. Paste your Patreon Creator API token (optional) and save.

FAQs

Does this affect existing users?
No. Roles are assigned only at the time of registration.

Do I need a specific Patreon plugin?
No. You just need a bridge that creates users with patreon_ usernames. This plugin takes it from there.

What if the Patreon API is down?
The plugin safely assigns your default role so users can still register and access the site.

Can I assign different roles based on Patreon tier?
Not yet—but that feature is on the roadmap. Currently, all users receive the default role.

Will this slow down registration?
Not noticeably. It uses a quick, fallback-friendly API call.

Does it work with custom roles?
Yes. Any role registered in your site is available for selection.

Best Practices

  • Use a dedicated role like Patron (based on Subscriber) for clarity and access control.
  • Keep your Creator API token updated and secure—only enter it into the plugin’s settings field.
  • Pair this plugin with a content restriction plugin that uses WordPress roles.

Roadmap

  • 🎯 Tier-to-role mapping from the settings page
  • 🔁 Bulk role re-checks for existing patreon_ users
  • 📝 Enhanced logs and admin notices for transparency

Changelog Highlights

1.2.0 – Added Patreon API token support and updated settings UI
Ongoing – Confirmed compatibility with latest WordPress releases

Support

  • Documentation: Full setup instructions and usage guide
  • Email support: Fast help for setup questions
  • Feature suggestions: We welcome your feedback

Call to Action

Download and activate – Get up and running in seconds.
Configure in minutes – Set a default role and (optionally) connect your Patreon API.
Focus on your content – Let the plugin handle permissions so you don’t have to.

Get Patreon User Role Changer