Introduction
Stripe is a popular payment processing platform that allows businesses of all sizes to easily accept and process online payments. It offers a range of features and tools for developers, making it an attractive choice for businesses looking to build custom payment solutions. In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at Stripe’s history, features, developer resources, pricing, and customer satisfaction to help you decide if it’s the right payment processing solution for your business.
History of Stripe
Stripe was founded in 2010 by Irish entrepreneurs Patrick and John Collison. The company quickly gained traction and has since become a leading player in the payment processing industry. Stripe has raised over $600 million in funding, and its investors include Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal.
Over the years, Stripe has introduced a number of key updates and features, including support for multiple currencies, recurring billing, and fraud detection. In 2020, the company launched Stripe Corporate Card, a business credit card designed to make it easier for businesses to manage their expenses and track spending.
Features and capabilities of Stripe
Stripe offers a range of payment processing services, including support for credit and debit card payments, bank transfers, and mobile payments. It also provides tools for managing subscriptions, invoicing, and automating billing processes.
One of the key features of Stripe is its support for multiple currencies. This makes it easy for businesses to accept payments from customers all around the world. Stripe also offers robust fraud detection tools to help businesses protect against fraudulent transactions.
Integration and developer resources
Stripe provides a range of integrations and tools for developers, including APIs, libraries, and plugins. These resources make it easy for developers to build custom payment solutions and integrate Stripe into their existing systems.
In terms of documentation and support, Stripe has a comprehensive developer documentation portal and a helpful support team. The company also hosts regular webinars and events for developers, providing opportunities for learning and networking.
Pricing and fees
Stripe charges a fee for its payment processing services, which is based on a percentage of the transaction amount plus a fixed fee. The exact rate varies depending on the country and currency, but generally ranges from 2.9% + $0.30 to 3.9% + $0.30.
In terms of value for money, Stripe is competitive with other payment processors. It offers a range of features and tools that may justify the slightly higher fees for some businesses. However, it’s important to carefully consider your business’s needs and compare pricing with other processors before making a decision.
Customer reviews and satisfaction
Overall, Stripe has a good reputation among customers, with many praising its ease of use and comprehensive feature set. On review sites such as Trustpilot, Stripe has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, with most reviewers citing a positive experience.
There are also some negative reviews, with some customers citing issues with customer service and account holds. However, it’s worth noting that these types of issues are not unique to Stripe and can occur with any payment processor.
Stripe Atlas
One unique aspect of Stripe is that it has a program called “Stripe Atlas” which helps entrepreneurs from around the world incorporate and set up a business in the United States. This program includes a range of resources and support, including legal and accounting assistance, access to a network of advisors and investors, and guidance on setting up a US bank account and payment processing. This can be especially helpful for entrepreneurs in countries where the process of starting a business is more complex or difficult.
Conclusion
In summary, Stripe is a solid choice for businesses looking for a payment processing solution. It offers a range of features and tools, as well as good integration and developer resources. Its pricing is competitive with other processors, and it has a generally positive reputation among customers. While there have been some complaints about customer service and account holds, these are not uncommon in the payment processing industry. Overall, Stripe is a reliable and well-respected payment