How to Use Stripe

Getting started with Stripe

After reading this guide, you’ll be able to set up your Stripe account, accept payments, and automate billing for your online business.

Step 1: Sign up and set up

1. Go to stripe.com.
2. Click on the “Start now” button in the top right corner.
3. Enter your email address and create a password, then click “Create your account”.
4. Verify your email by clicking the link sent to your inbox.
5. Log in to your new account and follow the prompts to provide your business details, including your bank account information for payouts.

Step 2: Your first payment

1. In the Stripe Dashboard, navigate to the “Payments” tab on the left menu.
2. Click on “+ New” to create a new payment.
3. Enter the payment amount and select the currency.
4. Fill in the customer details (name and email) or use a test card provided by Stripe for practice.
5. Click “Charge” to process the payment. You’ll see a confirmation screen once it’s successful.

Step 3: Get better results

1. Explore the “Billing” section in the left menu to set up subscriptions and recurring payments.
2. Use the “Radar” feature for fraud detection by navigating to the “Radar” tab. Here, you can view potential fraud alerts and configure your risk settings.
3. Set up webhooks under the “Developers” tab to automate notifications for payment events like successful charges or disputes.

Pro tip

Use the Stripe API to integrate payment processing directly into your website or app. This saves time and provides a custom experience for your customers. Check the “Developers” section for documentation and sample code.

Common mistake to avoid

Many beginners forget to verify their bank account, which is necessary to receive payouts. Ensure that you complete this step in your account settings to avoid delays in accessing your funds.