Question 1

Why does everyone use Stripe?

Accepted Answer

Stripe is developer-friendly, has excellent documentation, handles complexity (subscriptions, global payments, fraud), and startups trust it. Alternatives exist but Stripe is the default for good reason.

Question 2

What are Stripe's fees?

Accepted Answer

2.9% + $0.30 per successful card charge in the US. International cards cost more. Volume discounts available. Compare against alternatives, but Stripe's reliability often justifies the cost.

Question 3

Stripe or PayPal for my startup?

Accepted Answer

Stripe for modern, integrated checkout experiences. PayPal can boost conversion because of trust and existing accounts. Many startups offer both. Start with Stripe, add PayPal if customers request it.

Question 4

How do I set up subscription billing?

Accepted Answer

Stripe Billing handles subscriptions natively: plans, trials, proration, dunning. Define your pricing tiers, create subscription products, and use Stripe's hosted checkout or integrate with your app.

Question 5

What is the difference between Stripe Checkout and custom integration?

Accepted Answer

Stripe Checkout is a hosted payment page—quick to set up, handles compliance, optimized for conversion. Custom integration gives more control but requires more development. Start with Checkout, customize later if needed.

Question 6

How do I handle failed subscription payments?

Accepted Answer

Stripe's Smart Retries automatically retry failed payments at optimal times. Configure dunning emails to remind customers. After max retries, decide whether to pause or cancel access.

Question 7

What compliance do I need to handle?

Accepted Answer

PCI DSS compliance is handled by Stripe when using their checkout or Stripe.js. You must still protect your Stripe keys and customer data. For certain industries, additional compliance may apply.

Question 8

How do I issue refunds?

Accepted Answer

Refunds are processed through Stripe Dashboard or API. Full or partial refunds available. Note that payment processing fees on refunded transactions are not returned by Stripe.

Question 9

Can I accept payments internationally?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Stripe supports 135+ currencies and payment methods worldwide. You can accept payments from most countries. Consider local payment methods (iDEAL, SEPA) for better conversion in specific regions.

Question 10

How do I handle taxes on payments?

Accepted Answer

Stripe Tax can calculate and collect sales tax/VAT automatically. You need to register for tax collection in applicable jurisdictions. Consult a tax professional for your specific obligations.

Question 11

Should I use Stripe for invoicing?

Accepted Answer

Stripe Invoicing works for simple needs. For complex invoicing, consider dedicated tools (QuickBooks, Xero) that integrate with Stripe. Depends on your workflow and accounting setup.

Question 12

What happens when I receive my first payment?

Accepted Answer

Stripe holds funds briefly (1-2 days initially, faster as you establish history) then deposits to your bank account. Keep your banking information accurate and complete identity verification quickly.

Question 13

How do I prevent fraud?

Accepted Answer

Stripe Radar provides fraud detection. Enable additional verification (3D Secure) for high-risk transactions. Monitor dispute rates. Block suspicious patterns. Fraud prevention improves with transaction history.

Question 14

Can I offer payment plans or installments?

Accepted Answer

Yes, through Stripe's native installment features or by manually creating subscription-like structures. Affirm and Klarna integrate with Stripe for buy-now-pay-later options.

Question 15

How do I connect Stripe to my accounting software?

Accepted Answer

Stripe integrates with QuickBooks, Xero, and others to sync transactions automatically. This reduces manual data entry and keeps books accurate. Set up the integration early to avoid backlog.

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