Connect Stripe
Stripe handles all payment processing in Arketa. Here's how to connect your account and set it up correctly.
Arketa uses Stripe for all payment processing — credit cards, subscriptions, Apple Pay, Google Pay, ACH, and more. You'll need a Stripe account connected before you can sell anything.
Starting a Stripe account is free, and the connection process takes about 5 minutes.
If you're transferring clients from an existing Stripe account on another platform, email support@arketa.com before connecting. There are special steps to preserve existing subscriptions.
Connect your Stripe account
Go to Settings → Integrations → Payments
In your Arketa dashboard, navigate to Settings → Integrations → Payments.
[IMAGE TODO] Take a screenshot showing the Settings → Integrations → Payments page before Stripe is connected, with the Begin Onboarding button visible.
Click 'Begin Onboarding' or 'Update Stripe'
If you've never connected Stripe, you'll see Begin Onboarding. If you've previously connected an account, you'll see Update Stripe.
Sign in or create a Stripe account
You'll be taken to Stripe's onboarding flow. Create a new account or sign into an existing one.
Fill out your business details
Stripe needs this information to verify your identity and enable payouts. Here's what you'll need:
Business details
- Country
- Business address (your home address is fine)
- Business phone number
- Business type — use Individual unless you have an LLC or corporation
- Business website — if you don't have one yet, use your Instagram URL
- Business description — we recommend Personal Services: Health and wellness coaching
- Typical time from payment to service delivery — we recommend 1 business day
Personal details (for sole proprietors)
- Full name
- Phone number
- Date of birth
- Last 4 digits of your Social Security number
- Home address
Bank details
- Bank routing number
- Account number
Set your statement descriptor
This is the business name that appears on your clients' credit card statements. Make it something your clients will recognize — this helps prevent payment disputes.
[IMAGE TODO] Take a screenshot showing the Stripe onboarding page where the statement descriptor field is displayed, with an example business name filled in.
Complete Stripe onboarding
Once you submit, Stripe will verify your details. This usually happens instantly, but can take up to a few days in rare cases.
[IMAGE TODO] Take a screenshot showing the Settings → Integrations → Payments page after Stripe has been successfully connected, showing the connected status indicator.
Don't have an EIN? That's fine. If you're a sole proprietor without a federal Employer Identification Number, you can use your Social Security number instead. Just skip the EIN field.
Stripe best practices
Once Stripe is connected, take 5 minutes to configure these settings. They'll save you headaches down the road.
Go to Stripe → Settings → Billing → Automatic to configure:
[IMAGE TODO] Take a screenshot showing the Stripe dashboard Settings → Billing → Automatic page, with the smart retries toggle and failed payment email settings visible.
1. Update your statement descriptor
Your statement descriptor is what clients see on their bank statement. Make sure it matches your business name — this is one of the most common reasons clients dispute charges ("I don't recognize this charge").
2. Enable smart retries for subscriptions
When a subscription payment fails, Stripe will automatically retry it at optimal times based on card issuer data. Turn this on — it recovers a surprising number of failed payments without you having to do anything.
3. Send emails when card payments fail
Enable this so Stripe automatically sends clients an email when their payment method fails. This is especially important if you're transferring clients from another platform (their stored card data doesn't transfer, so they'll need to re-enter it).
4. Send clients to your website on payment failure
In the failed payment email settings, add your Arketa scheduling URL as the redirect destination. This makes it easy for clients to update their card directly.
How payouts work
Stripe deposits your earnings directly to your bank account. Payouts are typically on a rolling 2-day basis for new accounts, and can become daily once your account is established.
Supported countries
Stripe's availability varies by country. To see if your country is supported, check Stripe's country list. Arketa supports all countries where Stripe operates.
Troubleshooting
"I'm having trouble connecting Stripe" Email support@arketa.com and we'll help you through it.
"I want to transfer clients from an existing Stripe account" Don't connect your existing Stripe account without reaching out first. We have a process for transferring client payment data that preserves active subscriptions. Email support@arketa.com.
"My payout is delayed" Check your Stripe dashboard — Stripe will usually explain any payout holds directly there. If you're unsure, contact Stripe support or reach out to us.