Configure payments with Stripe

Modified on Tue, 6 Jan at 3:20 PM

What is Stripe?

Stripe is a secure online payment processing platform that enables businesses and organisations to accept debit and credit card payments. It is a certified PCI Level 1 payment processor, meaning it meets the highest industry standards for security and data protection.

Your customers do not need a Stripe account to make a payment. They can simply pay using their debit or credit card through your website.

Stripe’s standard transaction fee is 1.5% + 20p per transaction. If you are a registered charity, you may be eligible for Stripe’s discounted charity rate of 1.2% + 20p per transaction.

Using Stripe with PTA Events / Clubs Hub / Charity Hub

Below is a brief overview of how to configure your PTA Events, Clubs Hub, or Charity Hub website to work with your Stripe account.

Please note that before starting this process, you will need to have the required information available to hand.

To connect your Stripe account, log in to your PTA Events / Clubs Hub / Charity Hub website and navigate to Admin > Settings, then select the Payment tab.

Next, click the Connect with Stripe button next to Connect to Stripe Live. This will allow you to securely link your live Stripe account to your website so you can start accepting real payments.

You’ll then be redirected to Stripe to sign in and authorise the connection. Once completed, you’ll be returned to your website and the connection will be confirmed.

Additional instructions on how to complete the setup will be displayed in a modal window. Review this information carefully, then click the Continue to set up Stripe button to proceed.

You will be guided through Stripe’s setup process, where you’ll be asked to sign in to an existing Stripe account or create a new one if you don’t already have one.

You’ll be redirected to Stripe’s registration process, where you’ll be asked to confirm that you want to connect your account with PTA Events / Clubs Hub / Charity Hub.

If you already have a Stripe account, you can simply sign in using your existing login details. Alternatively, enter your email address and click the Continue button to create a new Stripe account and proceed with the setup.

Stripe will send a verification email to the email address you registered with. Open the email and click the Verify email address button to confirm your email.

Once your email has been verified, you’ll be prompted to create a password. Enter your chosen password, then click the Continue button to move to the next step.

To add an extra layer of security to your account, you’ll be asked to set up two-factor authentication. This typically involves entering a mobile phone number and confirming it via text message. Alternatively, you can choose to use an authenticator app or a security key instead.

Enter the verification code sent to your device to complete the setup of two-factor authentication.

If successful, you’ll see a confirmation that your account is now secured and be provided with an emergency backup code. Make sure you save or copy this code and keep it in a safe place. Once you’ve done this, click the Next button to continue.

Next, enter your Business Location, which should default to your current location.

You’ll then be asked to select your Business Type:

Registered charities: Select Non-profit. You’ll be required to upload your Charity Commission document.
Businesses: Select Company. You’ll need to upload your Companies House document or Certificate of Incorporation.
Non-profits that are not registered charities: Select Individual / Sole Trader. You’ll be asked to upload personal verification documents.

Once you’ve selected the appropriate option and uploaded the required documents, click the Continue button to proceed.

Complete the registration form with the required details, then click the Continue button to proceed.

You’ll then be asked to provide some additional details. Your website URL will already be pre-populated by PTA Events / Clubs Hub / Charity Hub.

We strongly recommend that you do not change this website URL, as it contains a special link that allows Stripe to access and validate your site correctly, including for regions outside the countries we serve.

In order to receive payouts from Stripe, you'll need to enter the bank details for your organisation. Once you have done this, click the Continue button:

Next, you’ll be asked to add some public details. For the statement descriptor, we recommend entering the name of your organisation or www.pta-events.co.uk, as this is what will appear on your customers’ bank statements.

Once completed, click the Continue button to proceed.

You’ll then be asked whether you’d like to show your commitment to climate initiatives. If you do not wish to take part, simply click the No thanks button to continue.

Finally, review all of the information you’ve entered. Once you’re happy that everything is correct, click the Agree & submit button to complete the setup.

You’ll then be redirected back to your PTA Events / Clubs Hub / Charity Hub website, where you’ll see a confirmation message showing that your live Stripe account has been successfully connected.

Requesting Nonprofit Pricing (Individual / Sole Trader)

If you have completed your Stripe application as an Individual / Sole Trader, you can request nonprofit pricing by contacting Stripe directly. Email nonprofit@stripe.com and explain that you are a nonprofit organisation requesting access to Stripe’s nonprofit pricing.

In your email, you’ll need to include:

Your registered charity number with the Charity Commission, or
Your registered charity number with HMRC

If your organisation does not have a registered charity number with either the Charity Commission or HMRC, please advise Stripe that your organisation is an unregistered charity that fundraises for the benefit of your school.

Additional Requirements for Businesses

If you are registering as a business, you’ll be required to provide the names and details of any shareholders who own more than 25% of the company. This is a legal requirement designed to help prevent fraudulent activity.

Connecting a Stripe Test Account

If you would like to make test payments, you’ll also need to connect a Stripe test account. As you already have a live Stripe account set up, return to your PTA Events / Clubs Hub / Charity Hub website and click the Connect with Stripe button next to Connect to Stripe Test.

You’ll be redirected back to Stripe. Since you already have a Stripe account, simply click the Connect button to complete the test account setup.

You’ll then be redirected back to your PTA Events website, where you’ll see a confirmation message showing that your Stripe test account has been successfully connected.