Connect Stripe
Stripe is how Carepatron processes card payments. Connect once via Stripe Express, then every invoice can be paid online, so less of your time goes on following up payments.
- Your email address verified in Carepatron, which Stripe setup needs first
- Your business details, ID, and bank account details, which Stripe's hosted flow asks for
- A country Stripe Express supports (40+, including the US, UK, EU member states, Australia, NZ, and Canada)
Why Stripe and not something else
Carepatron's billing runs through Stripe Express, a short onboarding flow inside Stripe Connect. You don't need a separate Stripe account or a card reader. Verify your identity and bank details once and Stripe handles the rest.
Cards, digital wallets, and ACH/BECS/SEPA bank debits where available all come along.
Connect in five minutes
- Go to Settings → Billing → Billing details. Under Payment settings, click Set up payments (it says Complete Stripe setup if you've started before).
- Stripe's hosted flow opens: confirm your business details, ID, and bank account.
- Once Stripe approves you, payments are live. Sole traders are often approved quickly; businesses that need extra checks can take longer.
- Back in Payment settings, click Edit and add a Statement descriptor: 5 to 22 characters, recognisable as your practice. It's what shows on your clients' card statements, and a recognisable one reduces chargeback risk.
Processing fees
Carepatron's processing fee is 2.9% + 60c per card or wallet payment in the US, and the same rate applies in other currencies in local units. Bank debits (ACH, BACS, SEPA and BECS) are cheaper at 1.9% + 60c.
Adding 2.9% + 60c to your prices doesn't fully cover the fee. The formula that does: final charge = (base price + 0.60) ÷ (1 − 0.029). Or let clients pay it: in Payment settings, click Edit, then under Processing fee tick Your customers will pay the processing fee. Check your local laws first; some jurisdictions restrict card surcharges.
New workspaces get a head start. If you finish connecting Stripe within 90 days of creating your workspace, Carepatron doesn't charge the processing fee on your first $1,000 of online payments in your workspace's currency. There's nothing to switch on. It covers fees you absorb, not fees you pass to clients, and works when your workspace bills in USD, AUD, NZD, EUR, GBP, CAD or SGD.
Save a card for next time
Once Stripe is connected, you can keep a card on file: Clients → select client → Billing tab → + New payment method. Clients can also add their own card: switch on Capture payment method when you send their intake, or they can add it in the client portal.
With a saved card, you can take payment from the invoice with Add payment instead of asking for card details every time.
Tick these off in your own workspace before moving on.
Five payment patterns that work.
Different practices, different defaults. Pick the one that matches yours.
Stripe Express + 'save card on file' at intake. Charge the saved card at the end of each session.
Save card. Charge before the appointment runs, which can reduce no-shows. Useful for higher-value services.
Practice pricing stays clean ($150). The processing fee is added at checkout, shown clearly to the client.
Round prices to the nearest $5. The practice covers the 2.9% + 60c, which is simpler for clients and less to explain.
Group invoices over $500, and ask clients to pay by bank debit. The lower bank debit fee adds up on bigger invoices.
What's Stripe Express and why does Carepatron use it?
Stripe Express is Stripe's short onboarding flow inside Stripe Connect. You don't need a separate Stripe account, verify identity and bank once and you can take cards immediately.
What are the processing fees?
2.9% + 60c per card payment in the US, and 1.9% + 60c for bank debits (ACH, BACS, SEPA and BECS). Other currencies use the same rate in local units.
Do new accounts get any processing fees waived?
Yes. If you finish connecting Stripe within 90 days of creating your workspace, Carepatron doesn't charge the processing fee on your first $1,000 of online payments. There's nothing to set up. The waiver covers fees you absorb, not fees passed to clients.
How do I calculate a price that covers Stripe fees?
Don't just add 2.9%, that under-recovers. Use: final charge = (base price + 0.60) ÷ (1 − 0.029). Or tick Your customers will pay the processing fee in Payment settings, and the fee is added on top at checkout.
Can I pass processing fees to my clients?
Yes. Settings → Billing → Billing details → Payment settings → Edit, then under Processing fee tick Your customers will pay the processing fee and Save. Check your local laws first; some jurisdictions restrict pass-through surcharges on cards.
How do I save a client's card?
Clients → select client → Billing tab → + New payment method, or let the client add their card themselves at intake (Capture payment method) or in the client portal.
Why can't I connect Stripe Express in my country?
Stripe Express supports a defined list of countries (40+, including the US, UK, EU member states, Australia, NZ, Canada). If your country isn't supported, Stripe Express isn't available yet, you can still use Carepatron without online payments.
What happens if I disconnect Stripe?
Disconnecting via support pauses online payments but preserves your history. Permanently deleting closes the Stripe account and disables future payments and refunds. Disconnect, don't delete, unless you're closing the practice.