How to verify my Stripe account?

How to Verify Your Stripe Account: A Comprehensive Guide

 

Step 1: Create a Stripe Account

 

Before you can verify your Stripe account, you need to have one. If you haven't already signed up, go to the Stripe website (https://stripe.com) and click on "Start now" or "Create account". You'll need to provide:

• Your email address
• A strong password
• Basic business information

 

Step 2: Log into Your Stripe Dashboard

 

After creating your account, log in to the Stripe Dashboard at https://dashboard.stripe.com. This is where you'll manage everything related to your Stripe account, including the verification process.

 

Step 3: Navigate to Account Settings

 

Once logged in, you'll need to access your account settings:

• Look for your account name in the top-right corner of the dashboard
• Click on it to reveal a dropdown menu
• Select "Settings" from the dropdown menu

 

Step 4: Access the Account Verification Section

 

In the Settings menu:

• Click on "Account" in the left sidebar
• Select "Company details" or "Business details" (the exact name may vary depending on your region)
• You'll see a verification status indicator showing how much of your account verification is complete

 

Step 5: Provide Your Business Information

 

Complete the required fields in the business information section:

• Legal business name
• Business type (sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, etc.)
• Tax ID number (EIN in the US, VAT number in EU, etc.)
• Business address
• Business phone number
• Industry and description of your business
• Website URL (if applicable)

For example, when entering your business URL, use the following format:

https://www.yourbusinessname.com

 

Step 6: Provide Personal Information

 

Stripe will also require personal information about the business owner or representative:

• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Home address
• Last 4 digits of SSN (for US-based businesses) or equivalent identification in other countries
• Phone number
• Email address

 

Step 7: Upload Verification Documents

 

Stripe will typically ask for documentation to verify your identity and business:

• Government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, or national ID card)
• Business registration documents
• Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, etc.)

To upload documents:

• Look for the "Upload documents" section in the verification process
• Click on "Upload" or "Choose file" buttons
• Select the appropriate file from your computer
• Ensure documents are clear, unobstructed, and show all four corners

 

Step 8: Set Up Your Bank Account

 

To receive payments, you'll need to connect a bank account:

• Navigate to the "Payouts" section in the dashboard
• Click on "Add a bank account"
• Enter your bank details, including account number and routing number

For US bank accounts, enter the details as follows:

// Routing number (9 digits)
123456789

// Account number (typically 10-12 digits)
1234567890

For international accounts, you'll need to provide your IBAN or equivalent information based on your country.

 

Step 9: Verify Your Bank Account

 

After adding your bank account:

• Stripe will make one or two small deposits (typically less than $1) to your bank account
• These deposits may take 1-2 business days to appear
• Once you see these deposits, return to the Stripe Dashboard
• Go to the "Payouts" section
• Click on "Verify bank account"
• Enter the exact amounts of the deposits you received

For example, if you received deposits of $0.32 and $0.45, you would enter:

Deposit 1: 0.32
Deposit 2: 0.45

 

Step 10: Complete the Webhook Setup (for Developers)

 

If you're integrating Stripe with your application, you'll need to set up webhooks to receive event notifications:

• Go to "Developers" in the dashboard
• Click on "Webhooks"
• Click "Add endpoint"
• Enter your webhook URL where Stripe will send notifications
• Select the events you want to receive

Example webhook setup code:

const stripe = require('stripe')('sk_test_your_secret_key');
const express = require('express');
const app = express();

// Use JSON parser for webhook requests
app.post('/webhook', express.raw({type: 'application/json'}), (request, response) => {
  const sig = request.headers['stripe-signature'];
  
  let event;
  
  try {
    event = stripe.webhooks.constructEvent(
      request.body,
      sig,
      'whsec_your_webhook\_secret'
    );
  } catch (err) {
    console.log(`Webhook Error: ${err.message}`);
    return response.status(400).send(`Webhook Error: ${err.message}`);
  }
  
  // Handle the event
  console.log('Received event:', event.type);
  
  // Return a 200 response
  response.send();
});

app.listen(3000, () => console.log('Running on port 3000'));

 

Step 11: Wait for Verification Approval

 

After submitting all required information:

• Stripe will review your account information
• This process typically takes 1-7 business days
• You may receive emails requesting additional information if needed
• Check your dashboard regularly for updates on your verification status

 

Step 12: Set Up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for Security

 

To enhance your account security after verification:

• Go to "Settings" > "Team" in your dashboard
• Find your user account and click on "Two-step verification"
• Choose your preferred 2FA method (SMS or authenticator app)

If using an authenticator app:

// Scan the QR code with your authenticator app
// Enter the 6-digit code shown in your app
123456

// Save your backup codes in a secure location

 

Step 13: Test Your Account

 

Once verified, test that everything is working properly:

• Toggle to "Test mode" in your dashboard to run test transactions
• Create a test payment using Stripe's test card numbers

Use these test card numbers:

// Test successful payment
4242 4242 4242 4242

// Test card requiring authentication
4000 0025 0000 3155

// Test card declined payment
4000 0000 0000 0002

// Any future expiration date, any 3-digit CVC

 

Step 14: Monitor Your Account Status

 

Even after verification, regularly check your account status:

• Log into your Stripe Dashboard weekly
• Review the "Home" tab for any alerts or notifications
• Check the "Account" section for any verification updates or requirements

 

Step 15: Stay Compliant with Stripe's Policies

 

To maintain your verified status:

• Keep your business and personal information up to date
• Promptly respond to any requests from Stripe for additional information
• Ensure your business activities comply with Stripe's acceptable use policy
• Monitor your dispute rate and keep it below Stripe's thresholds