Setting up a Stripe account for paid subscriptions and digital products

In order to sell digital products or offer paid subscriptions within beehiiv, you will need to first connect a Stripe account to process credit card payments. 

This article walks through how to connect your Stripe account to these aspects, manage payment options for your subscribers, and answers common questions about setting up Stripe on beehiiv.

In order to set up this integration, you will need to have an active Stripe account. You can sign up and register here for Stripe.

Once you have an active Stripe account, all you have to do is connect your beehiiv account with your Stripe account by following the instructions below. 

1. From the left panel dashboard, click Monetize > Paid subscriptions.
   
   
   
2. Navigate to the Paid Tiers tab.
   
   
   
3. You’ll see a Stripe Account notice (until connected). Select your country, then click Connect to Stripe. Jump to step 3 below.
   
   
   

1. From the left panel dashboard, go to Monetize > Products. 
   
   
   
2. Your Products dashboard will open with a Stripe Account notice (until connected). Select your country, then click Connect to Stripe.
   
   
   
3. You’ll be brought to a Stripe portal where you’ll need to enter the email address that you use for your Stripe account, then click on Submit.
   
   
   
4. Next, add the password for your Stripe account and click on Submit.
   
   
   
5. You’ll be asked to verify your login by inputting the code that was sent to the mobile phone attached to your Stripe account.
   
   
   
6. Next, you’ll be asked if you would like to use your saved name and address which will be shown, or you can also click on Create a new business. Make your selection, then click on Continue. 
   
   
   
7. You’ll need to provide some business details, then click on Continue.
   
   
   
8. An overview of your selections will be presented to you. Review all of the details, and if all is correct, then click on Agree and submit.
   
   
   
   
9. The integration will be initiated, and you’ll be redirected to your beehiiv account, where the status will show as Connected to Stripe. (Screenshot below shows view from Paid subscriptions > Paid Tiers tab.) 
   
   
   

Stripe payment options are available through Stripe’s external checkout experience and are not supported within internal pricing blocks on your website.

Publications offering paid subscriptions or digital products on beehiiv can choose their own payment methods through Stripe’s external checkout. Offering multiple payment options can reduce friction at checkout, improve the subscriber experience, and increase the likelihood that free readers convert into paying customers.

By default, subscribers can pay using most major credit and debit cards, as well as Apple Pay and Google Pay. From your Stripe settings, you can also enable additional payment methods such as bank account transfers, region-specific card payments, Cash App Pay, and more.

The following steps take place within Stripe and reflect the best available guidance at the time of writing. As Stripe is a third-party partner, these steps may change without notice.

1. From your Stripe account dashboard, click on the Settings icon. 
    
2. On the Settings page, under Product settings, select Payments. 
    
3. The Payments page will open on the Checkout and Payment links tab. Click on the Payment methods tab. 
    
4. You’ll see a list of payment configurations set up within your Stripe account. Select the option associated with your beehiiv account.
    
5. A list of enabled and disabled payment methods will appear.
   • Click on a payment method to open its settings.
   • In the modal, click Turn on to enable it.
   • To disable a method later, return to the same modal and click Turn off.

I live outside the United States and I’m having trouble setting up my Stripe account. Can beehiiv help?
Stripe does not support all countries. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on availability in your region, refer to Stripe’s supported countries list.

If you're located in India, Stripe is currently available by invitation only. Follow this link to request an invitation.
I’m trying to upgrade but I’m encountering a ‘400 Stripe Setup Error.’ What am I doing wrong?
If you encounter a 400 Stripe error when trying to access your beehiiv Upgrade page, it typically indicates that Stripe needs additional information to complete your account setup. Log in to your Stripe account to provide the required details. For further assistance, visit Stripe’s support site.
If I set up a Stripe account for my paid subscriptions, do I need to set up another Stripe account for digital products?
No. Both paid subscription payments and digital product orders are processed through the same connected Stripe account.