Getting Started with Stripe

Stripe is a payment processing service that allows businesses to accept payments online. This guide will walk you through setting up your Stripe account, connecting your bank account, and accessing your API keys in simple, easy-to-follow steps.

What You'll Need Before Starting

• A valid email address
• Your business information (business name, address, phone number)
• Your bank account information (routing and account numbers)
• A government-issued photo ID
• Your Social Security Number or Tax ID Number

Step 1: Creating Your Stripe Account

1. Visit the Stripe website: Go to https://stripe.com in your web browser
2. Click "Start now": Look for the blue button that says "Start now" on the main page
3. Enter your email: Type in your business email address
4. Create a password: Choose a strong password with at least 8 characters
5. Verify your email: Check your email inbox for a message from Stripe and click the verification link

For detailed help with account creation, visit Stripe's official guide: https://support.stripe.com/questions/how-to-create-a-stripe-account

Step 2: Setting Up Your Bank Account

Once your account is created, you'll need to connect your bank account to receive payments:

1. Log into your Stripe Dashboard: Go to https://dashboard.stripe.com
2. Complete your account information:
   • Business details (name, address, phone)
   • Personal information (as the business owner)
   • Tax information
3. Add your bank account:
   • Click on "Settings" in the left menu
   • Select "Payouts"
   • Click "Add bank account"
   • Enter your bank's routing number and your account number
   • Confirm the account details

Important: Stripe will make small test deposits to verify your bank account. This usually takes 1-2 business days.

For complete banking setup instructions, see: https://support.stripe.com/questions/how-to-add-a-bank-account-for-payouts

Step 3: Account Verification

Stripe requires identity verification for security and compliance:

1. Upload your ID: You'll need to photograph or scan a government-issued photo ID
2. Provide additional documents: Stripe may request business licenses or other documents
3. Wait for approval: Verification typically takes 2-7 business days

During this time, you can still test your account, but you won't be able to receive real payments until verification is complete.

Step 4: Understanding and Accessing Your API Keys

API keys are like special passwords that allow your website or app to communicate with Stripe. Don't worry - you don't need to be technical to find them!

What Are API Keys?

• Publishable Key: Safe to use in your website's code (starts with "pk_")
• Secret Key: Must be kept private and secure (starts with "sk_")

How to Find Your API Keys:

1. Log into your Stripe Dashboard: Go to https://dashboard.stripe.com
2. Click "Developers": Look for this option in the left-side menu
3. Click "API keys": You'll see this under the Developers section
4. View your keys:
   • Your Publishable key will be visible
   • Click "Reveal live key" to see your Secret key (you'll need to enter your password)

Important Security Notes:

• Never share your Secret key - treat it like your bank account password
• Don't put your Secret key in website code - only your developer should handle this
• If you accidentally share your Secret key, generate a new one immediately

For detailed information about API keys: https://stripe.com/docs/keys

Step 5: Test Mode vs. Live Mode

Stripe has two modes:

• Test Mode: For practicing and testing - no real money changes hands
• Live Mode: For real transactions with real money

You can switch between modes using the toggle switch in your Dashboard. Always test everything in Test Mode first!

Getting Help

If you need assistance:

• Stripe Support Center: https://support.stripe.com
• Contact Stripe directly: Available 24/7 through your Dashboard
• Documentation: https://stripe.com/docs

Next Steps

Once your account is set up and verified:

1. Integrate with your business listing: