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Accepting Online Payments Stripe WordPress

How To Accept Payments With Stripe for WordPress

Are you a freelancer or entrepreneur running a business through WordPress? Adding a payment option right on your website is a great way to increase conversions.

According to a study by the Baymard Institute, 18% of customers abandon their carts due to a complicated checkout process. Adding a payment option to your website instead of redirecting your customers to a third-party payment page will simplify your checkout process and increase your conversion rates.

So, how do you enable payments through your WordPress website?

You’ll need a payment gateway.

A payment gateway is a service that acts as an intermediary for monetary transactions between a buyer and a seller. Payment gateways enable customers to use different payment methods such as wallets, credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers.

In recent years, many payment gateway providers have appeared on the market. Stripe and PayPal are among the most popular gateways — around 3.2 million websites across the globe use Stripe to accept online payments. Stripe offers easy setup and a flat rate fee, making it an excellent choice for freelancers and other small businesses.

To set up Stripe for your WordPress website, you’ll need to install a To set up Stripe for your WordPress website, you’ll need to install a Stripe WordPress plugin, like Payment Page.

Let’s see how you can use Stripe for WordPress to accept payments and donations.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Stripe Payment Gateway Basics

Setting up Stripe for WordPress is quick and easy with Payment Page

Stripe is a payment processing platform that lets customers pay on a merchant’s website. When a customer makes a payment on a website, Stripe processes that payment and transfers it to the seller’s account.

Stripe Supported Payment Methods

Stripe offers diverse payment options, empowering your customers to pay using their preferred payment method.

The Baymard Institute study found that 9% of customers abandon their online shopping carts if there aren’t enough payment methods. While that number may not seem high, why take the risk when you don’t have to?

Offering diverse payment choices by setting up Stripe for WordPress will help your customers quickly finish the checkout process.

Stripe supports a wide range of payment options for online transactions, such as:

  • Credit and debit cards
  • Wallets, including:
    • Google Pay
    • Apple Pay
    • Alipay
    • WeChat Pay
    • Microsoft Pay
    • Click to Pay
  • Bank directs debits and credit transfers
  • Bank redirects
  • Buy now, pay later methods

How Does Stripe Work?

A business needs a merchant account to accept credit or debit card payments. When you use the Stripe payment gateway, you won’t need to open a merchant account as you’ll be using Stripe’s.

Here’s what happens when a customer makes an online payment on your Stripe-powered WordPress site:

  • Stripe encrypts the payment information and sends it to the business’s bank (acquirer).
  • The transaction passes through the credit card network to the customer’s issuing bank.
  • The issuing bank verifies the transaction and transfers money to the acquiring bank.
  • The acquiring bank deposits the money in Stripe’s merchant account.
  • Stripe transfers the money from the merchant account to the online store owner’s account.

Stripe Payment Gateway Fees

Stripe doesn’t have monthly or yearly fees. Instead, it debits fees per transaction. Stripe charges a flat rate of 2.9% plus 30 cents per transaction for online wallets and debit and credit card payments.

For bank account transfers, Stripe charges the below transaction fees based on the type of transaction:

  • ACH credit: $1 per transaction
  • ACH debit: 0.8% per transaction
  • Wire transfer: $8 per transfer

Now that you know how Stripe works, let’s get into how to set up Stripe on your WordPress website.

How To Set Up Stripe on WordPress

After opening a Stripe account, you’ll need to install a Stripe WordPress plugin to start accepting payments on your WordPress website.

E-commerce plugins like WooCommerce come with Stripe integrated. If you don’t want to create a complete e-commerce checkout, go for a standalone Stripe plugin like Payment Page.

Stripe also offers a new payment link feature where merchants can create Stripe-hosted payment links and share them across emails, messages, or chats. Alternatively, you can redirect your customers to a page hosted by a third-party payment gateway.

Let’s look at each of these options in detail.

Standalone Stripe WordPress Plugins

Stripe WordPress plugins are the simplest way to set up a payment page on your website. Some of these plugins offer both free and premium plans. You’ll find two types of Stripe plugins:

Plugins for Payment Buttons

If you have a product page and need simple payment buttons, you can use plugins like WP Simple Pay. Once a customer clicks the pay button, a payment form pops up to collect the customer’s card details.

While these plugins are simple, they offer a very basic payment form. You won’t be able to customize your payment page or collect additional customer information.

Stripe Plugins With Payment Form

If you want to create a beautiful payment page to match your brand, you need to go for form-based Stripe plugins. These plugins will integrate Stripe with your website and empower you to design a customized payment page.

You’ll find several form-based payment plugins like Payment Page and WPForms. Some of these plugins provide a simple form with basic customizations. But plugins like Payment Page offer advanced customization and styling options to create versatile payment pages.

Accept Stripe payments through customizable payment forms.

Top Stripe WordPress Plugins

Here are a few standalone Stripe WordPress plugins that’ll help you enable Stripe payments:

  • Payment Page
  • WPForms
  • PaySimple
  • WP Simple Pay Lite/Pro
  • WP Full Stripe
  • WPSmartPay

Stripe Integrated E-Commerce Plugins

If you’re planning to build an online store with a full e-commerce checkout flow, you can go for WooCommerce or Easy Digital Downloads. These plugins come with Stripe integration.

While this option is suitable for an e-commerce store, building a full-fledged WooCommerce store might be overkill if you just need to offer a few services or set up a subscription service.

Stripe Payment Links

Payment Links is a new Stripe functionality that helps you create a simple payment page hosted by Stripe. You can then share a link to your hosted payment page over email, WhatsApp, or social media channels.

While Stripe Payment Links is a simple option to set up a payment page, you’ll only get limited customization options. Also, a payment page hosted on a domain outside your business’s website might not look very professional.

Link to a Third-Party Payment Gateway

If you don’t want to make changes to your website, you can redirect your customers to a payment page hosted by a third party. While this option is quick and easy, redirecting your customers to a different page may add checkout delays and lead to cart abandonment.

How To Accept Payments on Your Website Through Stripe + Payment Page

Payment Page is a Stripe verified partner.

With Payment Page, you’ll be able to create beautiful, Stripe-powered payment forms that match your brand. Payment Page is a Stripe verified partner vetted by Stripe for security and quality of service.

Payment Page is suitable for freelancers, coaches, NGOs, and other online businesses. With a few simple steps, you can accept donations or create subscription plans.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create a beautiful Stripe-powered payment form:

5 Steps To Set Up a Stripe-Powered Payment Form

Step 1: Download and install Payment Page on your WordPress website.

Payment Page offers a freemium account if you would like to experiment. We also offer Premium, Pro, and Personal plans if you need advanced features. Before starting out, ensure your website has an active SSL certificate for secure data transfer.

Step 2: Connect your Stripe account in test or live mode.

On your WordPress dashboard, click the Payment Page icon to connect your Stripe account to WordPress. You can connect Stripe in test mode first and if everything looks good, enable Stripe payments using the live mode.

Connect your Stripe account using Payment Page plugin

Step 3: Activate the Stripe payment options you want to include.

Payment Page supports all Stripe payment methods like credit cards, debit cards, and wallets. We’ve also added Plaid + Stripe integration to accept ACH direct debit or credit.

Choose the Stripe checkout options you want to offer

Step 4: Import and customize a template.

Payment Page has 11 stylish payment form templates to cater to any online business — freelancers, NGOs, coaches, agencies, or SaaS. Once you import a template, configure the fields of your payment form and save changes.

Payment Page has 11 beautiful templates, and we’ll add new templates soon.

Step 5: Publish your payment page and start accepting Stripe payments on your WordPress website.

Final Thoughts: Accept Online Payments by Setting Up Stripe for WordPress

Millions of websites rely on Stripe to accept online payments. Creating a Stripe-powered payment page will boost your conversion rate. Stripe is a PCI Level 1 service provider, which means you can trust the service with your customers’ credit card information.

You have multiple options to set up Stripe payments on your WordPress website, such as:

  • Stripe WordPress plugins like Payment Page
  • Stripe integrated e-commerce plugins
  • Stripe payment links
  • Third-party payment pages

Are you ready to take your business to the next level by accepting online payments? You only need a few minutes to set up a highly customized, Stripe verified payment form with Payment Page. Get started today.

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Stripe Tutorials

How to Accept Bancontact Payments through Stripe: A Guide

When running an eCommerce store, transaction options are one of the biggest factors determining whether or not a customer will go through with their purchase. While website design provides visitors the opportunity to experience your brand and the products they put out, a hosted payment page system will allow them to turn that into reality. 

Payment page builders are extremely important for a streamlined checkout process. However, their importance is not stressed nearly enough. Offering a variety of payment options on a clean and easy-to-use payment page ensures that customers aren’t given a reason to leave. In a world where hundreds of other options are available at their fingertips, you can’t afford to lose them.

Bancontact

Bancontact is Belgium’s leading online payment method, in which it is utilized in up to a third of their online transactions. Founded in 1979, they have since been able to expand their reach and create a network for payments that work for the Belgian people. It is estimated that only less than 20% of businesses in the country do not offer the hosted payment page technology and it is reported that 27 million payments were processed in 2015. 

Bancontact payment details are normally single use but can be programmed to allow businesses to retrieve the bank account details of customers for subsequent payments to be completed. This can be done with the appropriate mandate authorization and links to the SEPA Direct Debit system for easy access. 

Fast Facts About Bancontact

Bancontact is a Belgium-based company that accepts payments via an authenticated bank debit system. Thanks to its customer-authenticated system, this offers safety and security for transactions, providing users with peace of mind. Since it accepts Euro currency, this is best suited for European Union countries looking for a good way to integrate this program with a Stripe payment system. Additional features include an immediate payment confirmation, as well as the ability to handle both refunds and partial-refunds in case of any issues. 

One of our favorite Bancontact features is its ability to set up recurring payments through SEPA Direct Debit, making subscriptions incredibly easy!

How To Accept Bancontact Payments Through Stripe

If your e-commerce site has a hosted payment page, Bancontact can be chosen as an option for checkout. There are two potential next steps, the first being when the customer is redirected to Bancontact’s page for payment credentials to be entered, which will notify the customer once the payment process has been completed. After the completion of this process, the customer will be returned back to the business’ site for the order details and other information. 

The other potential next step occurs when someone already owns a Bancontact account. First, the option is selected at checkout, then is redirected to Bancontact’s site containing a QR code to be scanned. The user will then enter their pin code and will be given a notification that the payment has been completed and will redirect them back to the business’ website. 

These can be integrated into Stripe’s system through proper programming and customization. 

What About Disputed Payments?

Thanks to the requirement of bank authentication for payments, the risk of fraud, or other kinds of unrecognized payments is low. This means that there will be no disputes that turn into chargebacks with funds withdrawn from a hosted payment page system (e.g. Stripe).

How About Refunds?

Bancontact payments have a refund period of up to 180 days after the original payment date. 

Advantages Of Using Bancontact As A Hosted Payment Page System

The best feature of the application is real-time confirmation and the guarantee of payment. For Belgian residents, this system is familiar, secure, and is extremely easy to use for any kind of customer. Additionally, the mobile application is well-optimized and is well integrated with online and mobile banking. 

Advantages For Merchants

Similar to the advantages for customers, Bancontact provides real-time payments that are low to no-risk and is a trusted payment solution by all of Belgium’s major banks. Because of this trustworthy and well-optimized system, sales are a breeze! The automatic enrollment system that utilizes QR codes and the application on mobile to make payments further expedites the process of making a purchase.

Conclusion

Hosted payment pages are important in running an eCommerce business, which is why investing in a premium payment page is worthwhile. The general rule of thumb is that the more steps a customer needs to take to buy something online, the more likely they are to abandon their cart. By utilizing streamlined payment pages like Stripe or Bancontact, the transactions made are easier and will make people think less about buying things from your store. 


Payment Page is a premium payment page builder that aims to assist international businesses of any scale craft easy-to-use and hassle-free checkout processes using apps like Stripe. We believe that the biggest factor that hampers an eCommerce store’s ability to sell all over is the lack of proper payment page builders, which is why we are here to help.

Categories
Stripe Tutorials

How to Accept WeChat Pay Payments Through Stripe: A Guide

For Chinese travelers, WeChat is a must-have with over 900 million monthly users. More than just a messaging app, WeChat allows users to shop with WeChat Pay, which supports the likes of Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and other Chinese bank cards. Users can then make a direct payment using the app or scan a QR code. 

What is WeChat Pay?

A keystone payment method for businesses reaching out to Chinese customers, WeChat Pay, caters to 600 million active customers. Once a simple messaging app, WeChat is now an entire ecosystem that allows users to browse items, chat with sellers, and make frictionless payments in a single interface. 

Previously a cash-based society, China is quickly going digital and favoring the convenience of mobile payment apps. Nowadays, Chinese consumers spend 90 times more time on their smartphones than American users do. 

WeChat Pay Capabilities

Other than the convenience of payment, WeChat Pay has several unique advantages. 

1. Disputed Payments

Sometimes, WeChat pay accounts are used illicitly. If such is the case, WeChat and Stripe alleviate the issue internally, removing all responsibility from the merchant. Users can only dispute payments if they are unsatisfied with the goods or services. Should disputes occur, Stripe deducts the appropriate amount from the merchant’s Stripe balance. 

2. Refunds

If a customer requests a refund using WeChat Pay, they can only do so within 180 days of the original charge. After 180 days, merchants will no longer be able to satisfy the refund. 

How Customers Use WeChat Pay

For customers to use WeChat Pay, the process is as follows.

  1. Select WeChat Pay at checkout on the hosted payment page
  2. Scan the displayed QR code using the WeChat Pay app
  3. Enter the given PIN into the WeChat Pay app
  4. Receive a notification that the payment is complete

Why WeChat Pay is Popular

Mobile payments are especially popular among Chinese youth. Especially abroad, apps like WeChat Pay satisfy a growing need for accessibility and convenience. Here are the main reasons Chinese travelers prefer WeChat Pay as a payment method.

1. Convenience

Instead of having to sift for cash, WeChat Pay is intuitive. Users can even approve payments in their native language. 

2. Pride

WeChat accounts for the majority of China’s data traffic, topping even Facebook usage in North America. Chinese travelers don’t just love its speed and ease of use—they love WeChat as a brand. 

3. Exchange Rates

As opposed to using cash or credit cards, WeChat exchange rates are more than preferable. Currency conversions are locked-in at the time of travel and won’t fluctuate throughout the consumer’s trip. 

4. Discounts

Everybody loves a loyalty reward. WeChat Pay offers users discounts for using the app—you, as a merchant, can even provide a voucher of your own. 

Conclusion

If you’re expanding your global business, you can’t miss out on WeChat Pay. China is notorious for its enthusiastic shoppers and travelers—a booming demographic of potential. With WeChat Pay, you can cater to millions of consumers you wouldn’t have within your reach natively. 

Compliment your payment gateway with a beautifully designed page using our payment page builder. With a 30% discount upon launch, you can start accepting online payments immediately with Payment Page.