How to Set Up Stripe Payouts
Complete guide for setting up your payout method to receive donations
Overview
To receive donations from players, you need to connect a Stripe account. We use Stripe Connect Express which allows you to receive payments as an individual - no business registration required!
Important: Even though Stripe asks for "business" information, you're setting this up as an individual. The business questions are for regulatory compliance, not because you need to register a business.
What You'll Need
📋 Personal Information
- • Your legal name (first & last)
- • Date of birth
- • Home address
- • Phone number
🏦 Banking Details
- • Personal bank account
- • Account number
- • Routing/sort code (country-specific)
🆔 Identification
- • Government-issued photo ID
- • Driver's license or passport
- • Clear, readable photo
💼 Tax Information
- • Tax ID (SSN, TFN, etc.)
- • Usually optional initially
- • Required for larger amounts
How to Fill Out the Form
Legal Business Name
Enter your personal name (e.g., "John Smith")
NOT a business name. This is your legal name as an individual.
Business Name (DBA) / Doing Business As
Leave blank or enter your server name
This is optional. Use it if you want donations to show a specific name.
Business Registration Number
Leave blank if you don't have one
(ABN in Australia, EIN in US, etc.) - Only fill if you have one. Most individuals don't need this.
Business Address
Use your home address
This is where you'll receive tax documents and official correspondence.
Industry
Select: "Charitable and Social Service Organizations" or "Membership Organizations"
This categorizes your activity as donations/community support.
Business Website
Enter: https://commpledge.vercel.app
Or your server's website if you have one.
Country-Specific Requirements
🇦🇺 Australia
- BSB number (6 digits)
- Account number (6-10 digits)
- Tax File Number (TFN) - optional for small amounts
- ABN - only if you have one (not required for individuals)
- Australian driver's license, OR
- Australian passport
Note: You don't need an ABN to receive donations as an individual. Only provide it if you already have one for other reasons.
🇺🇸 United States
- Routing number (9 digits)
- Account number
- Social Security Number (SSN) - required
- EIN - only if you have a business (not needed for individuals)
- State-issued driver's license, OR
- US passport
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
- Sort code (6 digits)
- Account number (8 digits)
- National Insurance number - optional initially
- UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) - only if self-employed
- UK driver's license, OR
- UK passport
🇨🇦 Canada
- Institution number (3 digits)
- Transit number (5 digits)
- Account number
- Social Insurance Number (SIN) - required
- Business Number - only if you have a registered business
- Canadian driver's license, OR
- Canadian passport
🇪🇺 European Union Countries
(Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, etc.)
- IBAN (International Bank Account Number)
- BIC/SWIFT code (for some banks)
- VAT ID - only if you have a business (most individuals don't)
- Tax ID varies by country (optional initially)
- National ID card, OR
- Passport from your country
🌏 Other Supported Countries
Requirements vary by country but generally include:
- Personal bank account in your country
- Government-issued photo ID
- Tax ID (if required by your country)
- Proof of address (sometimes)
Supported Countries: 🇦🇺 🇦🇹 🇧🇪 🇧🇷 🇧🇬 🇨🇦 🇭🇷 🇨🇾 🇨🇿 🇩🇰 🇪🇪 🇫🇮 🇫🇷 🇩🇪 🇬🇷 🇭🇰 🇭🇺 🇮🇳 🇮🇪 🇮🇹 🇯🇵 🇱🇻 🇱🇹 🇱🇺 🇲🇾 🇲🇹 🇲🇽 🇳🇱 🇳🇿 🇳🇴 🇵🇱 🇵🇹 🇷🇴 🇸🇬 🇸🇰 🇸🇮 🇪🇸 🇸🇪 🇨🇭 🇬🇧 🇺🇸
Step-by-Step Instructions
Personal Details
Enter your personal name (not a business name). Use your legal name exactly as it appears on your ID.
Business Information (Fill as Individual)
Even though it says "business," fill it as an individual:
- Legal name: Your personal name
- DBA: Leave blank or use your server name
- Registration number: Leave blank (unless you have ABN/EIN)
- Address: Your home address
- Industry: Select "Charitable" or "Membership Organizations"
- Website: Enter
commpledge.vercel.app
Banking Information
Enter your personal bank account details. This is where you'll receive payouts.
Identity Verification
Upload a clear photo of your government-issued ID. Make sure all text is readable.
Review and Submit
Review all information carefully. Stripe will verify your details and activate your account, usually within 24-48 hours.
Common Questions
Why does it ask for business information?
Financial regulations require Stripe to collect certain information about any economic activity. Even as an individual, you need to declare what you're receiving money for. Just fill it with your personal details.
Do I need to register a business?
No! You can operate as an individual. Leave business registration fields blank unless you already have a registered business.
Do I need a business bank account?
No! Use your personal bank account. The money will be deposited there.
What about taxes?
Stripe will report your earnings to tax authorities (IRS in US, ATO in Australia, etc.). You're responsible for declaring this as income. Consult a tax professional for specific advice.
How long does verification take?
Usually 24-48 hours. Sometimes instant if all information is clear. You'll receive an email when approved.
When will I receive payouts?
After verification completes, payouts are automatic:
- Default: Daily (for verified accounts)
- New accounts: 7-14 day rolling basis initially
- Changes to daily after processing history
Is there a minimum payout amount?
Varies by country. Usually $1-25 USD equivalent. Stripe will hold funds until minimum is reached.
💡 Tips for Success
- Use your personal name everywhere, not a business name
- Make sure your ID is clear and all text is readable
- Double-check your bank details - errors delay payouts
- Leave business registration fields blank if you don't have them
- Complete all required fields - incomplete forms delay approval
- Check your email - Stripe may ask for additional verification
💰 Understanding Payouts
How Payouts Work
When someone donates to your server, the money goes through this process:
Donation Made
Player donates via saved card → Payment captured by Stripe
Platform Fee Deducted
5% platform fee taken (Stripe fees separate)
Added to Balance
95% of donation added to your Stripe balance
Automatic Payout
Stripe automatically transfers to your bank account
⏱️ Payout Timeline
🆕 New Accounts (First 2-4 weeks)
When you first connect Stripe, there's an initial holding period for security:
- First payout: 7-14 days after first donation
- Reason: Fraud protection and account verification
- What happens: Funds accumulate, then first payout includes everything
✅ Established Accounts (After Initial Period)
Once your account is established, payouts become automatic and fast:
- Schedule: Daily automatic payouts
- Timeline: 2-3 business days to your bank
- Example: Donation Monday → In your bank Wednesday/Thursday
🌍 Payout Times by Country
| Country | Payout Time | Method |
|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 2-3 business days | Direct deposit |
| 🇺🇸 United States | 2 business days | ACH transfer |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 2-3 business days | Faster Payments |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | 3-5 business days | EFT transfer |
| 🇪🇺 EU Countries | 2-4 business days | SEPA transfer |
| 🇸🇬 Singapore | 3-7 business days | PayNow/GIRO |
| Other countries | 3-7 business days | Local transfer |
📊 How to Check Your Payouts
Method 1: Stripe Dashboard (Most Detailed)
- Go to Stripe Dashboard
- Sign in with your Stripe Express account
- Click "Balance" in the sidebar
- You'll see:
- Available balance: Ready to be paid out
- Pending balance: Being processed
- Payout schedule: Next payout date
- Click "Payouts" to see history of bank transfers
Method 2: Email Notifications
Stripe automatically sends email notifications for:
- ✅ When a donation is received
- ✅ When a payout is initiated
- ✅ When money arrives in your bank
- ✅ If there are any issues with payouts
Method 3: Your Bank Account
Check your bank statement for deposits from:
- Descriptor: "STRIPE" or "Stripe Payments"
- Reference: May include your platform name
- Amount: Net amount after fees
💵 What You'll Actually Receive
Example: Player donates $10.00 USD
Note: Stripe fees vary by card type and country. International cards may have higher fees (~3.9% + $0.30).
📅 Payout Schedule Explained
Daily Payouts (Standard)
Our platform is configured for daily automatic payouts:
- Stripe initiates payout once per day
- Includes all donations from previous day
- Takes 2-5 business days to reach bank
- No action needed - completely automatic
Example Timeline:
Monday: $20 in donations → Payout initiated Tuesday → Money in bank Thursday
Rolling Reserve (New Accounts)
For the first 2-4 weeks, Stripe uses a rolling reserve:
- Payouts delayed by 7-14 days initially
- Protects against fraud and chargebacks
- Automatically switches to daily schedule after building history
- Completely normal - happens to all new accounts
💵 Minimum Payout Amounts
Stripe won't send a payout until your balance reaches a minimum threshold:
🇦🇺 Australia: $1 AUD
🇺🇸 United States: $1 USD
🇬🇧 UK: £1 GBP
🇪🇺 EU: €1 EUR
🇨🇦 Canada: $1 CAD
Other: $1-25 USD equiv.
👀 How to View Your Earnings
In Stripe Dashboard:
- Visit dashboard.stripe.com
- Log in with your Stripe account
- View Balance - See available and pending funds
- View Payouts - See transfer history to bank
- View Payments - See individual donations received
Understanding Your Balance:
- Available: Ready to be paid out (will go out on next payout)
- Pending: Being processed (will become available soon)
- In transit: On the way to your bank
⚡ Instant Payouts (Optional)
Some countries support Instant Payouts for eligible accounts:
- Speed: Money in your bank within minutes
- Cost: 0.5-1% fee per payout
- Eligibility: Must have debit card linked (not all banks supported)
- Availability: US, UK, EU, SG, AU (limited banks)
Note: Most users stick with free daily payouts. Instant is optional for urgent needs.
📋 Tax Reporting
Important: Donations you receive are considered income for tax purposes.
What Stripe Does:
- Reports your earnings to tax authorities (IRS, ATO, HMRC, etc.)
- Sends you tax forms (1099-K in US, similar in other countries)
- Usually only if you earn over threshold (e.g., $600/year in US)
What You Should Do:
- Keep records of donations received
- Declare as income on tax return
- Consult a tax professional for specific advice
- Deduct server hosting costs (may be applicable)
🔧 Troubleshooting
Account verification is taking too long
Stripe typically verifies within 24-48 hours. If it's longer, check:
- Your email for verification requests
- Stripe dashboard for pending actions
- ID photo quality (upload clearer photo if needed)
Bank details rejected
Common issues:
- Account number format incorrect
- Using savings account (use checking/current)
- Bank doesn't support electronic transfers
Need to change country
If you selected the wrong country, you need to reset:
- Go to /dashboard/stripe/reset
- Delete your current connection
- Update country in Settings
- Connect again with correct country
Still asking for business registration
This is normal for compliance. You can:
- Leave it blank - Most individuals don't have this
- Enter your personal name as the "business name"
- Select industry: "Charitable" or "Membership"