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Online Payments with Stripe

LoveInvoice integrates with Stripe to allow your clients to pay invoices online. This provides a convenient payment experience for your clients and helps you get paid faster.

What is Stripe?​

Stripe is a leading payment processor that securely handles online payments. By connecting your Stripe account to LoveInvoice, you can:

  • Accept credit and debit card payments
  • Process payments in multiple currencies
  • Track payment status automatically
  • Send payment receipts to clients
  • Reduce manual payment tracking
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Supporting LoveInvoice

Online payments processed through Stripe are the only way LoveInvoice generates revenue. By using online payments, you're not only getting paid faster, but also supporting the continued development and maintenance of LoveInvoice. It's one of the best ways to support the project financially.

Setting Up Stripe Integration​

Create a Stripe Account​

If you don't already have a Stripe account:

  1. Visit stripe.com and click "Start now"
  2. Follow the registration process
  3. Complete your business details and verification
  4. Once approved, you'll have access to your Stripe dashboard

Connect Stripe to LoveInvoice​

  1. Navigate to Settings → Payment Settings
  2. Click Connect Stripe Account
  3. You'll be redirected to Stripe's secure authentication page
  4. Log in to your Stripe account and authorise the connection
  5. Once authorised, you'll be redirected back to LoveInvoice
  6. Your Stripe account is now connected

Verify the Connection​

After connecting, you should see:

  • Your Stripe account email address
  • Connected status indicator
  • Your default currency

How Online Payments Work​

Payment Flow​

When you send an invoice with online payments enabled:

  1. Invoice Sent: Client receives the invoice email
  2. Payment Link: The email includes a secure payment link
  3. Client Clicks: Client clicks the payment link to view the invoice
  4. Payment Page: Client sees the invoice with a "Pay Now" button
  5. Stripe Checkout: Client enters payment details in Stripe's secure checkout
  6. Payment Processed: Stripe processes the payment
  7. Automatic Recording: LoveInvoice automatically records the payment
  8. Status Update: Invoice status updates to "Paid"
  9. Receipt Sent: Client receives a payment confirmation email

Supported Payment Methods​

Stripe supports various payment methods including:

  • Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, etc.)
  • Debit cards
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay
  • And other regional payment methods

The specific methods available depend on your Stripe account configuration and location.

Enabling Online Payments for Invoices​

Default Setting​

You can set online payments as the default for all new invoices:

  1. Go to Settings → Online Payments
  2. Enable "Require Online Payment by Default"
  3. All new invoices will automatically have online payments enabled

Per-Invoice Setting​

You can enable or disable online payments for individual invoices in two ways:

From the Invoice Editor​

  1. Open the invoice in the editor
  2. Click Settings (sliders icon)
  3. Toggle "Enable Online Payment"
  4. Save your changes

From the Payments Tab​

For existing invoices, you can also manage online payments directly from the Payments tab:

  1. Open the invoice from the Invoices list
  2. Go to the Payments tab
  3. Toggle the "Enable Online Payment" option
  4. Changes are saved automatically

This method is useful for quickly enabling or disabling online payments without editing the invoice itself.

Payment Tracking​

Automatic Recording​

When a client pays online:

  • Payment is automatically recorded in the invoice
  • Invoice status updates immediately
  • Payment history shows the transaction details
  • Client receives a payment confirmation email

Viewing Payment Details​

To view payment details:

  1. Open the invoice
  2. Go to the Payments tab
  3. Click on any payment to see:
    • Payment amount and currency
    • Payment date and time
    • Payment method used
    • Stripe transaction ID
    • Processing status

Security and Compliance​

PCI DSS Compliance​

Stripe is PCI DSS Level 1 certified, the highest level of compliance in the payment industry. This means:

  • Payment card data never touches LoveInvoice servers
  • All sensitive data is handled directly by Stripe
  • Your clients' payment information is protected by industry-leading security

Data Protection​

  • All payments are processed through Stripe's secure infrastructure
  • LoveInvoice only receives payment confirmation and status updates
  • No card details are stored on LoveInvoice servers

Fees and Pricing​

Stripe Fees​

Stripe charges standard processing fees (typically around 2.9% + 30p per transaction for UK cards). These fees are paid directly to Stripe and are separate from any LoveInvoice fees.

LoveInvoice Fees​

LoveInvoice charges a small fee on online payments processed through the platform. This is the primary way LoveInvoice generates revenue to cover development, maintenance, and support costs.

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Best Value

Using online payments not only provides convenience but also ensures LoveInvoice can continue to improve and add new features. It's a win-win for both you and the platform.

Troubleshooting​

Payments Not Recording​

If a client has paid but the payment isn't showing in LoveInvoice:

  1. Check your Stripe dashboard to confirm the payment was successful
  2. Verify your Stripe account is still connected in LoveInvoice
  3. Check that the webhook notifications are properly configured
  4. Contact LoveInvoice support if the issue persists

Connection Issues​

If you're having trouble connecting Stripe:

  1. Ensure you're using the correct Stripe account
  2. Check that you have the necessary permissions to connect accounts
  3. Try disconnecting and reconnecting your Stripe account
  4. Clear your browser cache and try again

Best Practices​

  1. Enable by default: Make online payments the default for better payment collection
  2. Clear communication: Let clients know they can pay online in your invoice emails
  3. Monitor payments: Regularly check your Stripe dashboard for payment activity
  4. Keep details updated: Ensure your Stripe business information is current
  5. Use payment reminders: Send reminders for unpaid invoices to encourage online payment

Getting Help​

If you need assistance with Stripe integration or have questions about online payments, it's important to contact the right support channel:

Stripe Account Issues​

For issues related to your Stripe account, such as:

  • Account setup and verification
  • Stripe dashboard navigation
  • Stripe fees and pricing
  • Stripe-specific features
  • Payment method configuration

Contact Stripe Support: support.stripe.com

Invoice Payment Issues​

For issues related to invoice payments within LoveInvoice, such as:

  • Connecting Stripe to LoveInvoice
  • Payments not recording in LoveInvoice
  • Invoice status not updating
  • Payment link problems
  • Integration errors

Contact LoveInvoice Support: loveinvoice.com/get-in-touch

General Questions​

For general questions, discussions, or sharing experiences with other LoveInvoice users:

Visit the LoveInvoice Community: community.loveinvoice.com

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Never Share Financial Information

When posting in the LoveInvoice Community, never share sensitive financial information such as:

  • Credit card numbers
  • Bank account details
  • Transaction IDs
  • Payment amounts from real invoices
  • Personal financial data

The community is public, and sharing financial information could compromise your security.