> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.helpyousponsor.com/guides/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.helpyousponsor.com/guides/getting-started/quick-start-guide/payment-gateways/stripe-setup.md). # Stripe Setup Use Stripe Setup when your organization is ready to accept credit card donations and sponsorship payments. The recommended setup path uses **Stripe Connect** from **Organization settings > Payment gateways**.

Open Organization settings from the account menu when you need to manage account-wide payment setup.

## Create or Prepare Your Stripe Account Use Stripe when your organization wants card payments to move through a Stripe account your team owns. 1. Go to [stripe.com](https://stripe.com/) and create a Stripe account, or sign in to the Stripe account your organization already uses. 2. Complete the business, identity, and payout verification steps Stripe asks for. 3. Add the bank account or payout details Stripe requires before live payments can be processed. 4. Return to HelpYouSponsor to connect Stripe from **Organization settings > Payment gateways**. You do not need to copy API keys for the recommended Stripe Connect flow. Stripe handles the connection in a secure Stripe-hosted setup window. ## Open Payment Gateways Use Payment gateways when you need to connect or review the payment providers available to your account. 1. Open the account menu at the bottom of the sidebar. 2. Select **Organization settings**. 3. Select **Payment gateways**.

Payment gateways is the Organization settings area for Stripe Connect and other payment providers.

## Connect Stripe Use Stripe Connect when you want Stripe to handle credit card payment processing for the account. The Stripe Connect setup path appears when your account is ready to use the newer Connect flow. If your account shows a **Payouts** tab, open it and use **Setup payments** to start Stripe Connect. If your account only shows **Payment Gateways**, it may be using the legacy Stripe API-key flow. Use the legacy section or contact HelpYouSponsor support before changing Stripe settings. 1. Open the **Payouts** tab, if it is available. 2. Select **Setup payments** on the Stripe Connect card. 3. Select **Setup Stripe Connect** in the drawer. 4. Complete the Stripe Connect setup steps in Stripe. Stripe opens in a new tab or window. After Stripe sends you back to HelpYouSponsor, the app shows whether Stripe Connect was completed successfully or if setup failed. If Stripe Connect is already configured, use **View payments** and **Navigate to Stripe Connect** when you need to review the connected Stripe account. Disconnecting Stripe Connect removes payment processing until the account is connected again. Only disconnect Stripe Connect when your organization is ready to stop processing payments through that connected Stripe account. ## Enable Credit Cards for a Program After Stripe is connected for the account, turn on credit card processing for each program setting that should accept card payments. 1. Open **Program Setup**. 2. Open the program setting you want to update. 3. In **Order Page Options**, enable **Use Credit Card processing (Stripe setup in the Account)**. 4. Save the program setting when you are ready for the change to go live.

Program settings control whether a specific program can use credit card processing after Stripe is connected.

## Legacy Stripe API Keys Some older accounts may still use legacy Stripe API keys instead of Stripe Connect. In that flow, Stripe appears under the **Payment Gateways** tab with a drawer for the private key, public key, and webhook signing secret. If HelpYouSponsor support directs you to use the legacy flow, sign in to Stripe and open **Developers > API keys**. Use live keys when you are ready to accept real payments. Test keys should only be used for testing. Use the legacy flow only when your account is already configured that way or HelpYouSponsor support directs you to use it. For webhook details, see [Stripe Webhook](/guides/getting-started/quick-start-guide/payment-gateways/stripe-setup/stripe-webhook.md). ## Related Guides * [Payment Gateways](/guides/getting-started/quick-start-guide/payment-gateways.md) * [Account Information](/guides/getting-started/quick-start-guide/account-information.md) * [Program Settings](/guides/core-features/program-management/program-settings.md) * [Donation Management](/guides/core-features/donation-management.md) * [Stripe Webhook](/guides/getting-started/quick-start-guide/payment-gateways/stripe-setup/stripe-webhook.md)