Stripe Basics

Want to make money from your app? Then you need to accept payments. Credit cards, debit cards, subscriptions... all of it has to work smoothly, every time. That's where Stripe comes in.

(Quick humblebrag. My Seedly CRM project has made over $10k and helped a dozen-plus people ditch their monthly software fees. Money moving around is the FUN part of building stuff, but only when it moves safely.)

Why Payments Are Complicated#

Taking a payment sounds simple. Somebody gives you their card number and you get money, right? Behind the scenes it's WAY more involved than that.

Step 1. Security#

Credit card numbers are crazy sensitive. Store them wrong and hackers can steal them. And if they get stolen, you're the one on the hook.

Step 2. Fraud Prevention#

Scammers are constantly trying to use stolen cards. You need systems that catch and block fraudulent transactions.

Step 3. Global Payments#

Different countries pay in different ways. Europeans love bank transfers. Some regions prefer their own local options.

Step 4. Compliance#

There are strict rules (called PCI DSS) about handling payment data. Break them and you can get hit with massive fines.

Step 5. Refunds and Disputes#

Customers might want refunds. They might dispute charges. You have to handle all of that properly.

Enter Stripe#

Stripe is the most popular payment platform for developers. It handles the hard parts of payments so you can focus on your app.

Here's why developers love it.

• Easy integration. A clean API that's actually pleasant to use
• Security built in. Stripe handles all the sensitive data
• Global. Takes payments in 135+ currencies from customers all over the world
• Subscriptions. Built-in support for recurring payments
• Great documentation. Some of the best docs in the industry

How Stripe Works#

So what happens when someone pays through your Stripe-powered app? Let's walk it.

Step 1. Checkout#

The user clicks "Buy" or "Subscribe." Your app shows a payment form.

Step 2. Card Details to Stripe#

The user types in their card details. Those go straight to Stripe and never touch your server.

Step 3. Stripe Processes Payment#

Stripe checks the card, looks for fraud, and runs the charge through the card network.

Step 4. You Get Notified#

Stripe tells your app whether the payment worked or failed.

Step 5. Money Arrives#

Stripe deposits the money in your bank account on a payout schedule. In the US that's usually 2 business days, but your very first payout can take 7 to 14 days while Stripe gets to know you.