Stripe setup guide
Set up card payments. Stripe is the payment account behind card payments on Much Obliged, so it asks a few questions about you and what you do. It's optional: connect it when you want to accept card payments.
Stripe is going to ask what you do.
You don't need to sound like a corporation. Tell Stripe plainly what you actually make, sell or do.
Pick the closest one to see examples. This only changes the examples; it doesn't change your account.
You make videos, writing, art, music, podcasts or newsletters, and people support you for it.
- Say what you make and that people support you for it.
- If you offer a membership, say what members get.
For example, any of these:
I make woodworking videos and accept support from viewers.
I write a weekly newsletter about local history. Readers can support it, and members get a bonus post each month.
You already found the buyer somewhere else — Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, text, email, a referral or in person.
- Facebook Marketplace (or anywhere else) is where you find the buyer. Much Obliged is how they pay you for the deal you already agreed.
- Describe the kinds of things you sell and a typical price range.
- You don't need to show your buyers or your private deals anywhere to describe what you sell.
For example:
I restore and resell vintage furniture to buyers I find through Facebook Marketplace and local referrals. Typical pieces are $75–$500.
You sell in person: a farmers-market or flea-market table, a coffee or pastry stand, a craft fair, a pop-up or a booth.
- Say what you sell, where you sell it, and what most things cost.
For example:
I sell handmade candles and art prints at craft fairs and local pop-ups. Most items are $4–$15.
You're a designer, photographer, videographer, illustrator, writer, developer or consultant.
- Say what kind of work you do and who it's for. If you quote each project, say so.
For example:
I provide graphic design and brand identity services for small businesses. Projects are quoted individually.
You teach, clean, mow, tutor, babysit, repair or provide another service.
- Name the service in ordinary words. Add your usual price if you have one.
- Use the closest truthful description of what you do. Stripe doesn't allow every kind of business, and some licensed or regulated services need more from Stripe.
For example, any of these:
I teach private piano lessons for children and adults. Lessons are $45 per session.
I provide residential house-cleaning services.
I provide lawn mowing and basic yard-care services.
I provide private math tutoring.
I provide babysitting services for local families.
I repair and restore furniture for customers.
What Stripe Commonly Asks About
You don't need an LLC or a company. If you're getting paid as yourself, choose the individual or sole proprietor option when Stripe offers it. Stripe uses the word “business” for whoever receives the money, even one person.
You may not need an EIN. On the individual path, Stripe can use your SSN (or ITIN) instead of an EIN.
Stripe verifies who you are, not Much Obliged. Stripe may ask for your legal name, date of birth, home address, phone number and SSN or ITIN. Stripe collects and checks that itself.
You don't need your own website. A public profile, shop or portfolio that clearly shows what you do can be your online presence. Use the full public address, not just your username. If you don't have one, your Much Obliged page can be your online presence.
Your home address stays private. The address Stripe verifies is separate from the support details people see. Supporters and customers don't see it.
You don't need to publish a personal phone number. A support email or a support web address is enough. A public phone number is optional.
Whatever you use, it should be real and show what you actually do. Don't make something up for the form. If Stripe asks for another way to verify what you do, follow Stripe's instructions or contact Stripe.
Your private Stripe verification information stays with Stripe. Much Obliged does not receive or store the identity documents you submit to Stripe, and we do not want or ask for access to them. We do not receive your full SSN or tax ID, date of birth, or verification documents. Stripe handles that verification directly.
Much Obliged does receive the limited connected-account information needed to run your payment connection, such as whether your account is ready to accept payments and the public-facing business and support details Stripe makes available to connected platforms.
What Stripe May Ask You For
- Business type: individual / sole proprietor if you're operating as yourself; company only if you actually operate through one.
- What you do: a simple, truthful description of the work, content, goods or services people pay you for.
- Website or public profile: your own site, a public profile, shop or portfolio, or your Much Obliged page. It should show who you are and what you do.
- Personal verification: legal name, date of birth, home address, phone number and SSN or ITIN. This stays private with Stripe. No EIN is needed on the individual path.
- Public payment details: the name supporters will recognize (your creator or brand name is fine), the statement descriptor on their card statements, and a support email or support web address. A public phone number is optional.
- Payout details: the bank account Stripe should use to pay you.
- Sometimes more: Stripe may ask for more documents later if it can't verify something automatically. That's Stripe's normal verification, not Much Obliged turning you away.
Stripe decides what it needs, and its questions vary by account. Much Obliged can't approve a Stripe account or promise Stripe will accept any particular profile. This isn't legal or tax advice.
What should I use when Stripe asks for my website?
How card payments fit with everything else →
New to Much Obliged? Get started · Already set up? Go to Card Payments