> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.kneadapp.co/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connecting Stripe — Full Setup Guide

> Step-by-step guide to connecting your Stripe account for payment processing.

## Overview

Stripe handles payment processing for Knead. Connecting your Stripe account lets you send invoices, accept online payments, and get paid directly to your bank account.

## Before You Start

You need a few things ready:

* A Knead account with your business set up.
* A bank account or debit card for receiving payouts.
* Your business information (legal name, address, tax ID if applicable).

If you do not have a Stripe account yet, you can create one during the connection process. Knead walks you through it.

## Step 1: Start the Connection

1. Tap **Settings** in Knead.
2. Go to **Payments** or **Stripe**.
3. Tap **Connect Stripe**.

Knead redirects you to Stripe's onboarding flow. This is a secure Stripe-hosted page where you enter your business and banking details.

## Step 2: Create or Sign In to Stripe

If you already have a Stripe account, sign in with your existing credentials.

If you are new to Stripe:

1. Enter your email address.
2. Create a password.
3. Stripe sends a verification email. Confirm your email before continuing.

<Note>Good to know: Stripe is free to create an account. You pay processing fees only when you receive payments. Knead does not charge additional fees on top of Stripe's rates.</Note>

## Step 3: Complete Stripe Onboarding

Stripe asks for information to verify your identity and business. Complete each section:

### Business Information

* **Business type** — Select "Individual" or "Sole Proprietor" if you are a home baker. Choose the option that matches your legal structure.
* **Legal business name** — Your registered business name, or your personal name if you operate as a sole proprietor.
* **Business address** — Your business or home address.

### Personal Information

* **Legal name** — Your full name as it appears on government ID.
* **Date of birth** — Required for identity verification.
* **Last four digits of SSN** (US) or equivalent — Stripe uses this to verify your identity. It is handled securely by Stripe.

### Bank Account

* **Routing number** — Your bank's routing number.
* **Account number** — Your checking or savings account number.

This is where Stripe deposits your earnings. Payouts typically arrive in 2 business days.

<Tip>Pro tip: Use a checking account for faster payouts. Some banks process deposits to savings accounts more slowly.</Tip>

## Step 4: Return to Knead

After you complete the Stripe onboarding:

1. Stripe redirects you back to Knead automatically.
2. Your Knead settings page now shows Stripe as **Connected**.
3. You are ready to send invoices with online payment links.

If the redirect does not happen automatically, go back to Knead and check **Settings** > **Payments**. The connection status should update within a few seconds.

## Step 5: Verify the Connection

Confirm everything is working:

1. Go to **Settings** > **Payments** in Knead.
2. Check that the status shows **Connected**.
3. Your Stripe account email should be displayed.

## Step 6: Test a Payment

Before sending invoices to real customers, verify the payment flow:

1. Create a test order for yourself.
2. Send an invoice from the order.
3. Open the invoice email and tap the payment link.
4. Complete the payment using a real card (you can refund it after).
5. Confirm the payment appears in both Knead and your Stripe dashboard.

<Note>Good to know: Stripe charges a processing fee on test payments, but you can issue a full refund from your Stripe dashboard. The processing fee is also refunded for full refunds.</Note>

## Troubleshooting

**Connection stuck on "Pending"**
Stripe may need additional verification. Log in to your Stripe dashboard at [dashboard.stripe.com](https://dashboard.stripe.com) and check for any outstanding requirements.

**Payouts not arriving**
Confirm your bank account details in Stripe. New accounts sometimes have a short hold period before the first payout.

**"Connect Stripe" button not working**
Clear your browser cache and try again. If the issue persists, try a different browser.

## Related Articles

* [Customer Notification Emails](/communication/customer-notification-emails)
* [Knead Plans and Pricing](/account-and-billing/knead-plans-and-pricing)

***

*Still need help? [Contact us](mailto:hello@kneadapp.co)*