The product needs it now
- 01Selling products or services
- 02Subscription-based business model
- 03Marketplace with transactions
- 04Premium features or upgrades
Core capability
Payment Processing
Accept payments via credit cards, ACH, and digital wallets with proper security and compliance.
3-7 daysTypical timeline
$1,000 - $3,000Typical range
4Approaches compared
SCOPE DECISION
Does this belong
in the first release?
A capability is only essential when the product promise depends on it. Use these signals to keep the decision tied to user value.
The release works without it
- 01Free products or services
- 02Lead generation only
- 03Validating before monetizing
IMPLEMENTATION OPTIONS
Choose the approach
that fits the product.
The right technology depends on ownership, scale, integration depth, and how much operational responsibility the team wants to carry.
StripeDeveloper-first payment platform
Strengths
- Excellent API
- Great documentation
- Stripe Connect for marketplaces
- Global support
- 2.9% + $0.30 fees
- Account holds possible
- Complex for simple needs
PayPalWidely recognized payment platform
Strengths
- Brand recognition
- Buyer protection
- PayPal balance support
- Higher fees for small transactions
- Older API
- Account freezes
SquarePayment platform with physical POS options
Strengths
- In-person + online
- Simple pricing
- Good for retail
- Less developer-focused
- Fewer international options
PaddleMerchant of record for SaaS
Strengths
- Handles tax/VAT
- No merchant account needed
- Subscription management
- Higher fees (5%+)
- Less control
- SaaS-focused
DELIVERY SEQUENCE
A practical path
through the work.
- 01Choose payment provider based on business model
- 02Set up merchant account and complete verification
- 03Implement checkout flow (Stripe Elements or hosted checkout)
- 04Handle webhook events for payment confirmations
- 05Implement receipt/invoice generation
- 06Add subscription management if needed
- 07Set up refund handling
- 08Implement failed payment recovery for subscriptions
WATCH FOR
Common implementation mistakes.
- 01Storing card numbers (use tokenization)
- 02Not handling webhook failures
- 03Missing payment confirmation emails
- 04Not testing with test cards
- 05Ignoring failed payment recovery
- 06Not implementing proper refund flows
QUESTIONS
Before you commit the scope.
Should I use Stripe Checkout or custom payment forms?+
Stripe Checkout for speed and trust (hosted page). Custom forms for branding control and complex flows. Most MVPs should start with Checkout.
How do I handle international payments?+
Stripe supports 135+ currencies. Enable relevant currencies, use local payment methods where important, and consider currency conversion for pricing.
What about marketplace payments?+
Use Stripe Connect for marketplaces. It handles payouts to sellers, platform fees, and compliance. Set up during MVP if payments are core.
RELATED DECISIONS
Continue mapping the release.
DISCUSS YOUR APP
Turn this decision
into working software.
Bring the product context and current scope. We will choose the approach after the release is clear.
Discuss your app