Stripe Payments Review: Is Stripe A Good Credit Card Processor?
What is Stripe and is it legit? Stripe is a powerful tool for businesses that want to sell online, but is it a quality product at a fair price? Read our full Stripe review to find out.
Stripe Payments

Total Rating | 4.5 |
---|---|
Fees & Rates | Good |
Products & Services | Excellent |
Customer Service | Excellent |
Reviews, Complaints & Testimonials | Good |
Stripe Payments At A Glance
- Stripe’s massive eCommerce platform provides a strong alternative to PayPal
- Stripe’s developer support and ecosystem are among the best in its class, though this comes with a tradeoff in user-friendliness for non-programmers
- If you’re looking to dabble in international sales, Stripe has excellent support for foreign payment methods and currencies
Pros
- Excellent developer tools
- Predictable flat-rate pricing
- Advanced reporting tools
- Ideal for international merchants
- Excellent marketplace tools
- Exceptional subscription tools
- Multicurrency support
Cons
- Account stability issues
- Not suitable for high-risk industries
- Needs technical skills to implement
Table of Contents
- What Is Stripe?
- Is Stripe Legit?
- Stripe.com Fees & Rates
- Stripe.com Products & Services
- What’s New With Stripe Payments
- Countries Served
- Supported Payment Types & Currency
- Stripe Customer Service & Technical Support
- Stripe Payments Contract & Commitment
- Stripe Payments Reviews, Complaints & Testimonials
- Final Verdict: Is Stripe Worth It?
- Common Questions About Stripe Payments
Why We Recommend Stripe Payments
What Is Stripe?
Stripe is among the most popular eCommerce payment processing services and has developed a reputation for innovation, predictable pricing, versatility, international commerce, and developer-focused resources. In fact, we ranked it as one of the best credit card processors for small businesses.
In its white-label form, Stripe provides payment processing for platforms such as Shopify and WooCommerce.
Is Stripe Legit?
Stripe is a legitimate payment processor used by popular brands like Amazon, Slack, and Zoom.
In fact, Stripe has developed a reputation for innovation within the payment processing industry with the rapid deployment of new features, increasing international eCommerce reach, and even increasing support for in-person transactions.
Stripe.com Fees & Rates
Stripe Payments uses a flat-rate pricing system in lieu of monthly account fees. Advanced features and international transactions have additional costs per transaction.
Stripe’s pricing system is convenient for small businesses with limited transaction volumes but may become costly for growing businesses (unless they negotiate custom pricing). Not-for-profit organizations can boost their fundraising with Stripe’s nonprofit discounts. Stripe also offers a plan for businesses that deal in micropayments but does not disclose the details of these services. Buy now, pay later options are available for Stripe.
Payment Method | Rate | Notes |
---|---|---|
Online Credit Card, Debit & Wallet Payments | 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction | Add 0.5% for manually entered cards. |
In-person Credit, Debit & Wallet Payments | 2.7% + $0.05 per transaction | Through Stripe Terminal |
International Cards | 1.5% additional fee | Up from 1% starting June 1, 2023. Stripe is available in over 45 countries |
Currency Conversion | 1% additional fee | 135+ currencies supported |
ACH Direct Debit | 0.8% per transaction | $5.00 maximum fee per transfer |
Affirm | 6% + $0.30 | Pay in 4 & Installments |
Klarna | 5.99% + $0.30 / 2.99% + $0.30 | Pay in 4 / Financing |
Afterpay | 6% + $0.30 | Pay in 3 or 4 installments |
Localized Payment Methods (From Outside Region) | 1.5% + variable transaction fee | Add 1% for currency conversion |
Stripe Card Reader Costs
Stripe Terminal compatible readers are as follows:
- Stripe Reader M2 for $59
- BBPOS Chipper 2x BT for $59
- BBPOS WisePOS E for $249
- Verifone P400 for $299
- BBPOS Wise 3 for Can$79 (non-US markets)
While it’s not Stripe’s primary focus, Stripe does offer support for in-person transactions through Stripe Terminal (see below). Stripe’s in-person transaction cost is 2.7% + $0.05. This actually makes Stripe a little cheaper for small in-person transactions than Square or PayPal Zettle.
Stripe now also accepts in-person transactions on iPhone and Android with its new Tap to Pay option without needing additional hardware. This feature costs $0.10 per authorization.
Stripe Payouts & Funding Times
- First Payout After First Transaction: Seven+ days
- US, Standard: Two business days
- High-Risk Businesses: 14 calendar days
- International Businesses: Varies by country 2-30 days
Stripe offers two-day payouts to most US-based merchants, except those it deems “high risk.” However, most international merchants will encounter longer funding times, all based on which country they’re in. While a waiting period of two business days is pretty standard across the industry, you can get faster payouts from some merchant account providers as well as Square.
Instant payouts are available for a 1% charge.
Additional Prices For Stripe Merchant Services
The advanced features available through Stripe Payments come in an à la carte format. Here’s where Stripe can start to get a little expensive. Rather than subscription plans, Stripe charges per transaction, sometimes stacking transaction fees. While convenient, these fees can add up pretty quickly.
Service | Fee |
---|---|
Billing, Starter Plan | 0.5% per transaction |
Billing, Scale Plan | 0.8% per transaction |
Invoicing, Starter Plan | 0.4% per transaction |
Invoicing, Plus Plan | 0.5% per transaction |
Connect | $2/mo |
Connect (Normal Payout) | 0.25% + $0.25 |
Connect (Instant Payouts) | 1% of instant payout volume |
Radar (basic) | Free ($0.05 – $0.07 per screened transaction for non-standard accounts) |
Radar For Fraud Teams | $0.02 per screened transaction ($0.07 for non-standard accounts) |
Chargeback Protection | 0.04% per transaction |
Sigma | Starts at $0.02 per charge, decreasing with volume |
Atlas | $500 one-time fee |
Data Pipeline | $0.03 per transaction |
Issuing, Card Creation | $0.10 per virtual card, $3 per physical card |
Issuing, Card Transactions (1st $500,000) | Free |
Issuing, Card Transactions (After 1st $500,000) | 0.2% + $0.20 per transaction |
Issuing, International Payments | 1% + $0.30 (+ 1% if currency converted) |
Premium Support | Starts at $1,800 per month |
Stripe Doesn’t Charge
- Monthly account fees
- PCI compliance fees
- Refund fees (initial charge is kept, however)
Stripe.com Products & Services
How does Stripe work, and what does it offer in the way of products and services for small businesses?
Stripe’s features are designed to be a modular toolset that can be adapted to a variety of eCommerce needs. In addition to payment processing, you’ll find invoicing, customer management, and advanced security tools.
You can also utilize Stripe’s prebuilt payments page, Stripe Checkout, which offers most of the basic functionality you need, along with the ability to customize its look with your brand.
Feature | Supported? | Feature | Supported? |
---|---|---|---|
Credit Card Processing | ACH Payment Processing | ||
Cryptocurrency Processing | * | Currency Conversion | |
Dynamic Currency Conversion | PCI Compliance | ||
Recurring Billing & Subscriptions | Invoicing | ||
Native eCommerce Integrations | Pre-made Online Checkout Form | ||
Custom Online Checkout Form | Native POS Integrations | ||
POS Integration SDK |
*Stripe does offer some support for crypto businesses through Stripe Connect.
Below are some of Stripe’s more notable features. Get started with Stripe Payments.
What’s New With Stripe Payments
Stripe has developed a reputation for expanding, refining, and iterating on its feature set.
Here are some of the newer developments with Stripe:
- March 2023: Stripe is partnering with OpenAI, the company that developed ChatGPT. Stripe is building tools on OpenAI’s new GPT-4 model, which will be monetized using Stripe’s subscription payments infrastructure.
- February 2023: Stripe expanded its network token and card account updater, which decreased drag on sales that rely on stored customer information like subscriptions.
- February 2023: Stripe Terminal added support for Android Tap To Pay, allowing NFC-ready devices to serve as card readers. Stripe already supports Apple’s Tap To Pay program.
- October 2022: Stripe launched in Thailand.
Countries Served
Stripe’s international reach is steadily growing. Stripe is readily available in most of the 47 countries below, though in a few cases, you’ll have to request an invitation to join the platform. This is usually a temporary restriction while Stripe is rolling out the service to new markets.
Be aware that new features will deploy in different countries at different times.
For example, Stripe Terminal has been available in the US for a while, but it was rolled out in Europe in 2022. Stripe supports local and universal payment methods from anywhere in the world by default but can be expanded to support international ones.
Country | Availability | Country | Availability |
---|---|---|---|
Australia | Open | Lithuania | Open |
Austria | Open | Luxembourg | Open |
Belgium | Open | Malaysia | Open |
Brazil | Open | Malta | Open |
Bulgaria | Open | Mexico | Open |
Canada | Open | Netherlands | Open |
Croatia | Open | New Zealand | Open |
Cyprus | Open | Norway | Open |
Czech Republic | Open | Poland | Open |
Denmark | Open | Portugal | Open |
Estonia | Open | Romania | Open |
Finland | Open | Singapore | Open |
France | Open | Slovakia | Open |
Germany | Open | Slovenia | Open |
Gibraltar | Open | Spain | Open |
Greece | Open | Sweden | Open |
Hong Kong | Open | Switzerland | Open |
Hungary | Open | Thailand | Open |
India | Open | United Arab Emirates | Open |
Ireland | Open | United Kingdom | Open |
Italy | Open | United States | Open |
Japan | Open | Indonesia | Invite only |
Latvia | Open | Philippines | Invite only |
Liechtenstein | Open |
Supported Payment Types & Currency
As a truly international product, Stripe supports a variety of payment types and over 135 currencies. Stripe’s supported payment methods are divided into two categories, universal and local.
Universal Payment Methods
Universal payment types are supported in all the countries where Stripe is available. These are:
- Alipay
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Microsoft Pay
- Amex Express
- Mastercard
- Visa
- Discover
- Click to Pay
- Afterpay/Clearpay
- Klarna
Local Payment Methods
Local payment types are available by default within the regions the account is registered within, though it is possible to add support for foreign regions with additional coding and transaction costs (see Pricing above)
Currencies Supported By Stripe
Stripe supports too many currencies to list here, but you can find Stripe-supported currencies on the company’s website.
If you want to avoid exchange fees, you can specify “presentment” currencies when you set Stripe up. Stripe will accumulate separate balances for each currency you’re paid with, which it can then route to different bank accounts. If your presentment currency differs from the settlement currency, Stripe will automatically make the conversion for you, but this comes at an additional 1% fee. Note that exchange rates are subject to markups by financial institutions.
Stripe Customer Service & Technical Support
Stripe Payments Support | Availability |
---|---|
Phone Support | |
Email Support | |
Support Tickets | |
Live Chat | |
Dedicated Support Representative | Premium |
Knowledge Base or Help Center | |
Videos & Tutorials | |
Company Blog | |
Social Media |
Stripe Payments Contract & Commitment
Stripe is among the most straightforward and transparent payment processors out there, going so far as to exhaustively lay out its terms, conditions, and pricing publicly on its website.
That said, on such a huge platform, it’s easy to miss certain details. This is particularly true when it comes to the terms of service with regard to account freezes and holds. This is a problem common to third-party processors, however, and not unique to Stripe.
Is Stripe Honest & Transparent About Its Merchant Agreement?
In a word: yes. Just about everything you could possibly want to know about Stripe is researchable before you sign up for anything. While the platform can be complex, it is always transparent.
What Are The Commitments When You Use Stripe?
With the exception of a couple of specific advanced features, there are no commitments to make. Stripe is funded through your transaction fees. If your account isn’t doing anything, it doesn’t cost you anything.
How Easily Can You Terminate Your Agreement With Stripe?
No early termination fee. Period. Thumbs up because that’s what we like to see here. And remember, we said Stripe will help you export your customer data and take it with you if you ever decide to leave.
If you want to stop using Stripe, simply stop processing transactions with Stripe. You can keep your account dormant or formally close it from your dashboard. If you do the latter, you’ll need to deal with your remaining balances first.
Stripe Payments Reviews, Complaints & Testimonials
Negative Stripe Reviews & Complaints
Stripe has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, with 870 complaints closed in the last three years. Stripe.com user reviews on the Better Business Bureau site include many complaints, with an aggregate customer review score of 1.04/5.
Common complaints include:
- Account holds and terminations
- Unresponsive customer service
- Not user-friendly
- Lack of fraud protection
- Scaling
- Value relative to the competition
Positive Stripe Reviews & Testimonials
Stripe has an expansive and impressive list of successful clients, including IndieGoGo, Reddit, Mashable, Volusion, eHow, HubSpot, and, recently, Amazon. We’re talking about some major internet players, which constitutes a big deal — even though no specific praise is given besides their continued business.
Here are some reasons Stripe is popular.
- Freedom and control
- Pricing
- Global utility
- Excellent documentation
Final Verdict: Is Stripe Worth It?
Without any doubt, Stripe Payments is one of the heavy hitters in the online payment processing sector, and for good reason. For low-risk businesses that have the technical acumen and the eCommerce focus, Stripe should definitely be on your shortlist. With no monthly account fees, you won’t be risking much to try it out, either.
Stripe has earned its 4.5-star score for now. It is not a perfect processor, but it is an excellent one for eCommerce businesses that want global reach and powerful customizable tools. Ultimately, ask yourself two questions: (1) Will you use the tools Stripe has to offer? (2) Does Stripe have everything you need? If the answer to both questions is yes, it’s worth pursuing. If the answer to either question is no, you should consider some of Stripe’s competitors.
If you’re ready to give Stripe a try, check out our guide on creating a Stripe account.
Common Questions About Stripe Payments
The Merchant Maverick Seal of Approval 🏆
Stripe Payments ![]() |
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After hours of in-depth research and evaluation, we can confidently recommend this brand to our readers. Get started today and see Stripe Payments for yourself.
The Merchant Maverick Seal of Approval 🏆
Stripe Payments ![]() |
---|
After hours of in-depth research and evaluation, we can confidently recommend this brand to our readers. Get started today and see Stripe Payments for yourself.
***** LETTER TO THE STRIPE SUPPORT *****
You have written that the answer is provided within one business day. About 5 days have already passed since the problem arose, but no answer on the merits of the problem has been received.
In view of the fact that the issue had to be resolved very quickly, in view of the lack of an answer from your side, the development of events took place according to the worst-case scenario. The problem was not only not solved, its solution was not even discussed at all.
I was extremely dissatisfied with your support service and your service. You actually denied services for unreliable reasons, and also did not provide any consulting support after that. Furthermore. While services for the payments made have already begun to be provided to customers, you have made a full refund. Tell me what should I do now with the services rendered?
An extremely unpleasant situation that arose through your fault because of your algorithms, but you didn’t even do anything to help sort it out.
I was extremely disappointed with your service and approach to work and solving problems.
This comment refers to an earlier version of this review and may be outdated.
Organization Name: Spotlight Promotions
A Stripe rep assured me via email that my website was ok and I could use their services. Then, after spending HOURS adding their payment links on my site, and starting to make sales, they closed my account only a couple days later, saying my business wasn’t allowed, even though nothing I sell is on their list. I asked them to clarify what it was that caused the problem, but they just gave the general “it’s on the list” smoke & mirrors answer that just means they want you to go away. The worst part is that my direct competitors online sell the exact things I do and they ALL use Stripe, so I’m obviously not worth their time as a small fish in a big pond. I do NOT recommend using them if you are a small volume business!!
This comment refers to an earlier version of this review and may be outdated.
Organization Name: enRoute Limo
I setup my account with Stripe through a sales rep, then was able to login to my account and configure it, used the service for few month, then I was trying to integrate Stripe to two websites that I have, tried to login to my account online and got message that email does not exist, I contacted Stripe’s Support and their response was that my account is controlled by Lyft Canada, and my website is done using woo-commerce platform and I should contact Lyft or Woo-commerce if I need to do any changes to my account. They don’t even know what woo-commerce is and they ask me to contact them, I did not understand what they are talking about and why Lyft Canada have control of my account. I tried to explain again and again trying to understand how’s my account was hijacked, no explanation, they still want me to contact Woo-Commerce,,, funny.of course my bank account is tied to stripe for deposit, now my bank account information is available to whoever have control of my account. Very scary. I can’t even close my account. Be aware please.
This comment refers to an earlier version of this review and may be outdated.
Organization Name: marcaweb
I have by stolen with credit card mode test…. very bad… dont use…. i recomend paypal
This comment refers to an earlier version of this review and may be outdated.
Organization Name: Bark and Birch
18 months of a solid experience, very low chargeback rate with millions of $ in revenue and even allowed us to move to daily payouts. We launched in the USA with a bit of a rocky start and an increase chargeback rate, from one day to the other Stripe – [Name Redacted] froze our account with $250.000 in there which are desperately needed to pay for our overheads as a non-funded extremely fast-growing startup.We have supplied dozens of supporting documents proving the strong financial position the company and the founder are in and showing the previously excellent performance of my company. Despite this they continue to freeze our funds without a clear answer on when they will be released. We have offered for Stripe to freeze 100.000 and release the rest back to us but even this has been ignored. Currtly being escalated through court. Having to protect your company is completely understandable, however the way you have dealt with us after any precious issues/warnings is absolutely appalling and will directly put people out of a job. Disgusting.
This comment refers to an earlier version of this review and may be outdated.
Organization Name: JDS CUTOMIZATION
DO NOT USE STRIPE! CUSTOMER SERVICE ARE A BUNCH OF LIARS DONT DO A THING THEY SAY THEY WILL AND LITERALLY DTOOD AROUND AND WATCHED ME LOSE THE NUMBER ONE BIGGEST CLIENT OF MY LIFE AND SHOW NO REMORSE FOR THEIR FUCK UP OR ATTEMPT TO DO RIGHT BY IT. Pending LITIGATION’ I Warn EVERYONE TO STAY AWAY FROM THEM NOTHING BUT LIARS THERE!
This comment refers to an earlier version of this review and may be outdated.
Organization Name: Happy Hampers
Not happy with their service at all.My business is mostly of special order items, so some times there is a 1-2 month lead time if not more. My customers pay me ahead of time and those funds are used for deposits to my various vendors. Stripe refuses to pay out until I show all inventory being delivered. That means they don’t pay out till the day of delivery, which absolutely does not work for my business model. I DO NOT recommend using Stripe. PayPal is far far better to work with.
This comment refers to an earlier version of this review and may be outdated.
Organization Name: ESC
I switched to Stripe since it integrated with our billing system. Test payments went great, but that is where it ended. We have an established business that does a brisk business and bills all our clients on the first of the month. After the first monthly billing clients called very upset because their payments were being declined. I called Stripe and was informed that there is a weekly limit of 10k per week and they would not increase this limit for 4 months. While I understand the need for controls, this limit was arbitrary and made no sense for our business since we bill the first of the month. Based on our normal monthly volume, even if I spread our billing out over the entire month, we could not process all our clients payments. I offered to have them hold payment for a period of time, I offered to send them our prior processing statements showing that we never had a single dispute ever and what our average processing amounts were. I see no reason why an established business would want to do business with Stripe. They have damaged relationships with clients, and our cash flow. I can’t understand why a payment processor would put arbitrary limits like this on new clients who have a business and payment history.
This comment refers to an earlier version of this review and may be outdated.
Organization Name: GG
Deny my business as soon as we started to receive more then 10 deposits a day refunded every customer forcing us to re invoice everyone to recover funds stay away from them and use paypal
This comment refers to an earlier version of this review and may be outdated.
Organization Name: Edwind Software Private Limited
Beware Very bad experience with Stripe. They can block your payout for no reson and keep it blocked for not sure how long. This can affect your business very badly.
This comment refers to an earlier version of this review and may be outdated.
They are holding my first and last payment for online $535. Because I don’t have a url acct. I don’t know how the fuck they can hold MY money. How did you get your money from them.
This comment refers to an earlier version of this review and may be outdated.