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Invoices
Stripe Connect Setup

Stripe Connect for Online Payments

Reading Time: 7 minutes

Overview

Enable online credit card payments for your invoices with Stripe Connect. Allow clients to pay instantly via secure payment links included in your invoices.

What You'll Learn

  • Setting up Stripe Connect
  • How Stripe payment links work
  • Processing online payments
  • Stripe fees and payouts
  • Managing Stripe integration

What is Stripe Connect?

Stripe Connect integrates Stripe payment processing with Akili Apps, enabling:

  • Online credit card payments
  • Secure payment links in invoices
  • Automatic payment recording
  • Fast payouts to your bank account

Setting Up Stripe Connect

Prerequisites

  • Akili Apps account (Plus or Professional plan)
  • Business information (legal name, address, tax ID)
  • Bank account for deposits
  • Business description and website (if applicable)

Connection Process

Step 1: Start Connection

  1. Go to Settings > Payments > Stripe Connect
  2. Click Connect with Stripe
  3. You'll be redirected to Stripe

Step 2: Create or Link Stripe Account

If you have a Stripe account:

  • Log in to existing account
  • Authorize Akili Apps connection

If you're new to Stripe:

  • Click Create Account
  • Follow Stripe onboarding process

Step 3: Business Verification

Provide to Stripe:

  • Business legal name
  • Business type (sole proprietor, corporation, etc.)
  • Business tax ID (EIN or SSN for sole proprietors)
  • Business address
  • Bank account details
  • Personal ID verification (for sole proprietors)

Step 4: Complete Onboarding

  1. Stripe reviews your information
  2. Verification typically completes in minutes to 24 hours
  3. Once approved, you can accept payments
  4. Return to Akili Apps - connection confirmed

How Payment Links Work

Automatic Link Generation

When you send an invoice with Stripe connected:

  1. Payment link automatically generated
  2. Included in invoice email
  3. Also embedded in PDF invoice
  4. Client clicks "Pay Online" button
  5. Secure Stripe Checkout opens
  6. Client enters credit card details
  7. Payment processed instantly

Payment Link Features

  • Secure: PCI-compliant Stripe Checkout
  • Mobile-Friendly: Works on all devices
  • Multiple Cards: Accepts Visa, Mastercard, Amex, etc.
  • Valid 90 Days: Links expire after 90 days
  • One-Time Use: Link deactivates after payment

Processing Payments

Client Payment Flow

  1. Client receives invoice email
  2. Clicks Pay Online button
  3. Stripe Checkout page opens
  4. Client enters:
    • Credit card number
    • Expiry date
    • CVC code
    • Billing address
  5. Client clicks Pay
  6. Payment processes in seconds
  7. Client sees confirmation screen
  8. Client receives payment receipt email

Automatic Recording

When payment successful:

  • Invoice automatically marked as Paid
  • Payment date recorded
  • Payment method set to "Stripe"
  • Stripe transaction ID saved
  • You receive notification
  • Client receives receipt

Stripe Fees

Standard Pricing

Stripe charges per transaction:

  • 2.9% + $0.30 CAD per successful charge
  • No monthly fees
  • No setup fees
  • Only pay when you get paid

Fee Examples

Invoice AmountStripe FeeYou Receive
$100.00$3.20$96.80
$500.00$14.80$485.20
$1,000.00$29.30$970.70

Note: Fees automatically deducted. You receive the net amount.

Payouts

How Payouts Work

  • Default Schedule: 2 business days after payment
  • Payout Method: Direct deposit to your bank account
  • Payout Currency: CAD (or your currency)
  • Minimum: No minimum payout amount

Payout Timeline

  1. Day 0: Client pays invoice
  2. Day 2: Funds deposited in your bank
  3. Notification: Payout confirmation email

Payout Schedule Options

Configure in Stripe Dashboard:

  • Daily payouts (default)
  • Weekly payouts (specific day)
  • Monthly payouts (specific date)

Managing Stripe Integration

Viewing Stripe Status

In Akili Apps:

  1. Go to Settings > Payments
  2. See Stripe connection status:
    • ✅ Connected and verified
    • ⏳ Pending verification
    • ❌ Not connected

Stripe Dashboard

Access full Stripe Dashboard:

  1. In Akili Settings > Payments
  2. Click Open Stripe Dashboard
  3. View:
    • All transactions
    • Payouts
    • Disputes (chargebacks)
    • Customer details
    • Analytics

Disconnecting Stripe

If you need to disconnect:

  1. Settings > Payments > Stripe Connect
  2. Click Disconnect Stripe
  3. Confirm disconnection
  4. Existing payment links deactivated
  5. Past transactions preserved for records

Security and Compliance

PCI Compliance

  • Stripe is PCI Level 1 certified (highest security level)
  • Credit card details never stored in Akili Apps
  • All payment data encrypted
  • Secure tokenization used

Data Privacy

  • Akili Apps never sees full credit card numbers
  • Client data encrypted at rest and in transit
  • Stripe meets SOC 1 and SOC 2 compliance

Common Questions

Q: Do I need a Stripe account already?

No, you can create one during the connection process.

Q: How long does verification take?

Usually instant to 24 hours. May take longer if additional documentation needed.

Q: Can I use my existing Stripe account?

Yes, you can connect your existing Stripe account to Akili Apps.

Q: What if a client disputes a charge?

Handle disputes in Stripe Dashboard. Akili Apps reflects dispute status on invoice.

Q: Can clients save cards for future payments?

Not currently. Each payment requires new card entry.

Q: Do I need Stripe for all invoices?

No, Stripe is optional. Clients can still pay via other methods (check, bank transfer, cash).

Q: Can I accept international payments?

Yes, Stripe supports international cards. Currency conversion fees may apply.

Q: What about refunds?

Issue refunds through Stripe Dashboard. Invoice status updates in Akili Apps.

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