Stripe Reviews 

PROS - they respond to support emails within a reasonable time.

CONS - their support chat is incompetent, better email for support.

I had been a merchant at Stripe since 2021 till Feb 2024 and let me tell you with true confidence that this is a gateway provider that enjoys heckling their merchants and arbitrarily closing accounts based vaguely on their rules and when they can't find a specific rule to support their own statements, they fall upon imaginary/made up rules while showing actual rule pages which have no mention of such fictional rules. Since 2021, no less than 5 times was I heckled and my account closed/suspended. Twice I had to change the operation of my business just so that they could "visibly understand" how my business worked and the other 3 times are narrated herein below. My business was of selling digital currency for an old MMORPG game that I hosted for free at my server so the server itself was not a subject of business, it was just that if customers/members wanted xp-boosts, cosmetics and maps, they would have to buy digital currency from my website to be used in-game for items. Their rules don't allow for third party sites selling digital currency but this was not an issue for me as I owned the server on which the game is played, that is clearly listed as an exception in their "restricted businesses" page. They closed my account 3 times for this very reason including the last one thinking that I am a third party selling digital currency when in fact I had established the previous two times that I am not (and then they reopened my account). When I reiterated my stand to them, they suddenly came up with a fictional rule that the stored value of digital currency must not exceed 2000 USD and cited the restricted businesses page ...this is NOWHERE to be seen in the entire page (refer Stripe restricted businesses page ), I would exhibit all through screenshots here but this website does not allow links or attachments. Making an appeal is fruitless because while they assure you of a f air review, their conclusion is an exact copy paste job of the first email that suspends your account.

Dear Stripe, if for some secret reason, you do not wish for a merchant to do business with you, it might be more respectable to simply come out and say "Hey we don't want your business because MEH". You advertise yourself as a leading gateway provider for small and big businesses yet for no good reasons heckle and shut down accounts in an arbitrary fashion and that too without a notice period so that the merchant may transition to another gateway without facing much loss. Please don't believe if they respond to this review with "please reach out to heretohelp "at" stripe" because I have done that and its just the same team that closed the account in the first place.

To by honest...if will be possible to give zero, i will give zero.

Here is the story, and i hope, i will read LOT OF PEOPLE.

I started my online business 15 months ago. I get info, that Stripe is very good provider...it was, till today.

Whole 15 months everything goes well. I think, one time it was problem, and i solved with support - on their chat.

But today, i get notification, that i need verified my account. They ask for Proof of business, invoice of customer and bank statement.

I sent all fo them. To be honest, i was expecting, that about hour it will be okey. After two hours, i wrote them email, because support chat and phone wasnt avaliable.

I get info, that account is still reviewing. After 6 hours...i get notified, that my account is RISKY :D
I should notice, that i was selling DIGITAL product !

I also mentioned, that if customer wasnt okey with product, i sent them refund - it happend 4 times from more than 200.

So when i get email about ,,Risky" - i sent them email, that i am protesting for this and i want to know exact reason - WHAT is risky???

I didnt get answer on email for yet...but i get info on facebook. I was so angry, that i wrote them on facebook, i sent them also my personal IG, what is meta verified (to proof, that i am not scammer) and they respond was : ,, they checked the account again and they nothing to add about what they sent me earlier"...

They refuse to communicate via Phone...they refuse to communicate at all.

So for me, it looks like fraud.

I have about 550€+ on stripe...so i am curious

Lastly, the person, who is commenting here the reviews - dont bother about your email what you are writing to people here. I red experiences on Reddit, where people wrote, that they wrote on the email, but they get negative info.

Normal company WHO CARES about their customers, they will be avalaible for the communication, and not refusing it. Amen.

As a small business owner who relied on Stripe for payment processing, I am deeply disappointed and frustrated with the recent actions taken by the company. Despite implementing stringent fraud prevention measures and diligently following all guidelines, Stripe has abruptly closed my account without prior notice, citing unauthorized payments.

It is important to highlight that the payments in question were made by customers through my website, over which I have no control once the transaction is initiated. Despite my best efforts and the utilization of advanced fraud prevention tools provided by Stripe, including the Radar system, I find it unjustifiable to hold me solely responsible for transactions that were purportedly unauthorized.

Furthermore, I wish to bring attention to the fact that Stripe has repeatedly declined numerous legitimate payments, citing vague reasons such as "code do not honor," without providing adequate explanations or avenues for resolution. This has resulted in significant inconvenience and financial loss for my business.

Most egregiously, Stripe has taken unilateral decisions to refund customers, locking a substantial amount of funds from my account, despite the fact that all products have been promptly shipped and delivered to customers. This unilateral action not only undermines my business operations but also disregards my rights as a merchant.

In light of these unjust actions, I am left with no choice but to pursue legal recourse against Stripe. I have submitted all required documents detailing my business operations and transactions to Stripe, and I demand a fair and transparent review of my account. Failure to address these concerns and provide a satisfactory resolution will leave me with no option but to seek legal intervention to safeguard my rights and interests.

It is my hope that this review serves as a cautionary tale for other merchants considering using Stripe's services, highlighting the risks of arbitrary account closures and unilateral refund decisions without due process or consideration for the merchant's perspective.

In conclusion, I urge Stripe to rectify this situation promptly, uphold its commitment to fairness and transparency, and restore access to my account without further delay.

Sincerely,

I looked into Stripe as a way to collect payment from US clients. (I am in Canada). I had a salesperson contact me to discuss options and fees. I was told that I could accept ACH (transfers) at the rate of 0.8% which was acceptable. I went through all of the work of setting up my account in Stripe, my products etc. and when it came time to select accepted payment types, that was not an option. I spent about an hour with support and they let me know that I cannot accept ACH with a Canadian Account. The salesperson was fully aware of my location and my desire to use ACH as a payment method. I processed my first payment because I had already invoiced a customer, and I paid 3.7% on a $1000 invoice. Ouch.

Stripe is one of the most difficult merchants to work with as a stand-alone or integration. I have used Square, Fortis, and Stripe and the difference is clear. A software that I use recently offered an integration pay option. After using it for a couple of months they have paused deposits and threatened cancellation after repeatedly providing what they have asked for. They wanted to know what product or services we provide, and what transactions we would be using the merchant for, very simple, right?
We provided them with detailed information about our 8-year-old private medical practice that sells no products. Now they want biometric data, or else... what next? They are not a partner to work with and will shut you down even after providing them what they ask for?!

My journey with Stripe has been a tumultuous one, marked by unexpected account closures, compliance hurdles, and a significant freeze on our funds. Initially, our account was erroneously closed on March 2, 2024, due to unauthorized payments—a situation we quickly clarified by providing all requested documentation, proving the error on their part. Stripe acknowledged the mistake and reinstated our account, which led us to believe in their reliability once more.

However, the relief was short-lived. On March 2, 2024, our account was once again inexplicably blocked, with Stripe requesting additional documents. Despite promptly providing everything asked of us, Stripe decided to keep our account closed, leaving €1700 in limbo and opting to refund our customers for orders that had already been shipped—a decision that not only affected our cash flow but also our reputation with customers.

The most challenging aspect of this ordeal has been the lack of clear communication and the arbitrary decision-making process from Stripe's end. Each account suspension came without warning and with little explanation, leaving us in a difficult position to manage our business finances and customer expectations effectively.

While Stripe did reach out via DM after we voiced our frustrations on social media, the situation underscores the need for more transparent, fair, and efficient resolution processes within Stripe's operations. Businesses rely on their payment processors not just for transactional purposes but as partners in their growth and operational stability. When that trust is shaken, it takes more than just reinstating an account to rebuild it.

In sharing my experience, I hope for two outcomes: that Stripe takes this feedback seriously to improve their processes and communications, and that other businesses learn from our story to advocate for themselves proactively in similar situations. The digital payment landscape is foundational to modern commerce, and it's crucial that providers like Stripe prioritize reliability, transparency, and support for their clients.

I've had nothing but positive experiences in selling my digital products on Stripe. The few times I've had to use they're support to solve something they have been fast and really helpful. Payouts happen within a couple of days from each sale and goes straight to my bank account. Website is super easy to use and has a tone of features by yet they are able to make it easy to use.

Customers get their products immediately. They even showed up in the group chat thanking us for welcoming them. Gave the evidence and they still sided with the customer. Took the funds immediately and started taking 25% of our funds plus fees like they are a part owner in our business.

Asked to cancel the account but said we still have to wait 60 days for our thousands of dollars in funds they have held ransom.

Our business is educational so don't even reply with that high risk bs. Steer far away

They looked into it, and still didn't give us our money

I requested a full refund I was only given a small credit. I have NOT received any products to thiss day

Stripe account suspended after 10 days of use and having received €25,000 out of +200 payments.

The only explanation is "we have recently identified payments on your Stripe account that do not appear to have been authorised by the customer."

But they refuse to tell me which payment it is exactly. In my dashboard, no disputes or refund requests have been made.

They decided to suspend my account and therefore refund all my customers.

I sell digital services, so all my customers have already had their purchases delivered.

So I worked for free for +10 days and lost +25,000 euros.

I sent +3 emails, only one reply from a person called "monique" who simply repeat the automatic suspension message.

They should at least have blocked the funds for several months, for example, and seen that my business is real, and that it's real customers behind the payments.

Don't waste your time, unless you want to lose your money.

A Dire Warning from the Front Lines: Avoid Stripe at All Costs

Fellow netizens, brace yourselves for a tale of digital woe, a saga of frustration so intense that it could curdle your morning coffee. I'm here to sound the alarm against Stripe, a company that not only shattered my trust but also left me questioning the very fabric of online decency.

Let's cut to the chase: I was a user, a mere digital explorer, dabbling with my own funds in what I assumed was a safe and reputable platform. How naive I was! Upon making some deposits, the unthinkable happened, my account was axed, chopped down in its prime without rhyme or reason. The message I received? A jumble of words so perplexing, it would leave even the Enigma machine scratching its head.

Now, I know what you're thinking: 'Perhaps there was a misunderstanding?' But no, my friends, this was no mere mishap. This was a full-blown case of digital betrayal. Xenophobia? In this day and age? It's like stumbling upon a dinosaur in your backyard – shocking, outdated, and frankly, unacceptable.

But here's the kicker – and please, prepare your pitchforks – Stripe has the gall to carry on as if they're the guardians of digital integrity. Pardon me while I scoff! If there were an Olympic event for customer service failures, Stripe would take home the gold, leaving competitors in the dust with their baffling policies and shadowy practices.

So, here's my unfiltered advice: avoid Stripe like a computer virus. Don't give them the satisfaction of another victim caught in their web of confusion and disappointment. There are myriad options out there in the vast expanse of the internet, platforms that will treat you with the respect and fairness you deserve.

In closing, consider this not just a review, but a clarion call to all who venture online: steer clear of Stripe. Your sanity, and your digital wellbeing, will thank you for it.

Stripe is still holding on to $35,000 of MY MONEY simply because they state that my business is of "high-risk." It makes absolutely no sense how they can hold on to my money that I spent on ads, on products, etc.

If my business does not work for them, why don't they simply give me back MY MONEY and I will work with another payment processor. We are an honest business and never ever did anything wrong. Customers are happy with our products and purchasing again and again.

Stripe have said I will never see this money again simply because it states on their terms and conditions that if they believe its high risk they can keep your money.

Its sad and disappointing to say the least. I have written to them countless times and I always receive the same email answer.

DO NOT USE STRIPE AT ALL COSTS. Completely ruined my life.

Don’t bother using stripe. They try to intervene which payment should be processed and which one shouldn’t be. I had a digital art site which they terminated the payment twice. Not worth the time setting it up at all. Better choose another provider so you don’t waste your time.

Awful service and wasting money. A customer received his 2 products, then he didn't like the product and instead of return it made a complain to his bank and Stripe accepted it. The customer has the 2 products and the money back. Anymore I'll use Stripe.

They refunded all transactions and charged me $25 per refund.
Without notice they emailed to say they would close my account, refund every single transaction and charge me for it.
I appealed etc and showed proof of people getting the subscription and opening the emails (our product is a digital email subscription program).

Response I got:
Firstly, we really appreciate your eagerness to continue working with us. However, we are required to follow strict guidelines on the types of businesses we can and can't support. In this case, after a thorough review of your account, it does seem like your business presents a higher level of risk than we can currently support. Because of this we’ve determined that we still won’t be able to accept payments for your business moving forward.

We’re sorry we can’t be of more help, but these restrictions are firm and in order to protect our processes, we are unable to provide further details regarding the reason for your account's closure.

Initial Compliance and False Hope (Sept 2023 - Jan 2024)

Stripe's Initial Request for Information (September 28, 2023): Stripe sought additional details about our business for compliance, temporarily suspending our payouts.

Our Comprehensive Response: We provided detailed information about our products, marketing strategies, and logistics, fully complying with Stripe's request.

Account Reactivation (October 1, 2023): Stripe reactivated our account, recognizing our compliance, which initially seemed like a positive development.

This early interaction with Stripe created an illusion of understanding and support for our business operations, which was dramatically disrupted by their later actions.

2024: Crisis Intensifies Despite Account Reopening

Enhanced Holiday Marketing Efforts: Our increased advertisement spending resulted in significant sales growth.

Unexpected Account Closure (January 1, 2024): Despite adhering to the vetted business model, Stripe abruptly closed our accounts at the height of our holiday sales without any prior warning or clear explanation.

Account Re-Review and Reopening (January 8, 2024): After considerable effort and communication with Stripe, our account was re-reviewed and reopened. The reason given for the initial closure is as follows:
“It looks like some transactions on your account were misidentified as unauthorised, which led us to close your account. This was a mistake on our end, and we've just re-enabled your account. We're very sorry….”

However, this has not resolved our issues as our funds remain inaccessible since January 1st.

The Vicious Cycle Continues..
Chargebacks and Fund Delays: The initial account closure by Stripe initiated a damaging cycle of chargebacks, leading to further delays in fund access (which we still do not have!).

Broken Support System: Our repeated attempts to seek help through Stripe's support channels, including emails to “heretohelp@stripe”, were met with automated, unhelpful responses, showcasing a deeply flawed support system.

Ongoing Financial and Reputational Damage: The continual delay in accessing our funds, coupled with the increasing chargebacks, poses a severe risk of liquidation for our business. It also threatens to blacklist us from payment processors and erodes the trust of our customers.

Government and Regulatory Bodies: Ineffective Response
UK Government - Small Business Commissioner's Liz Barclay’s Response: "I understand that this too will have a negative impact on your cashflow. Since these practices were first brought to our attention in the summer, we have been gathering complaints and experiences, and have raised our serious concerns with Minister for Small Business and his Office. However, currently there is no legislation that allows us to act on your behalf" - This response highlights a complete lack of legislative support for UK businesses in our situation.

Financial Conduct Authority's Neutral Position: The FCA maintained their stance of impartiality, offering no direct assistance or intervention in our dispute with Stripe. Their advice was for us to consider business loans, a suggestion that does not address the immediate issue with Stripe.

Immediate Need for Fund Release: We reiterate our urgent appeal to Stripe to release our withheld funds to prevent our business from irreversible financial damage. The lack of access to these funds severely hampers our ability to fulfill customer orders and sustain operations.

Call for Reform: This ongoing crisis underlines the need for UK regulatory reform to protect small businesses from arbitrary/automated decisions of large payment processors.

In conclusion, despite Stripe reopening our account, our crisis persists. We find ourselves in a destructive financial loop, exacerbated by Stripe's ineffective support system. Continual responses of 'under review' have led us nowhere, deepening our financial distress. Repeated attempts to reach out to 'heretohelp@stripe' result in automated, non-assistive replies, edging us closer to potential liquidation and the threat of being blacklisted by major payment processors. Stripe's conduct, reminiscent of a corporate-style social credit system, leaves us powerless and jeopardizes our directors' future entrepreneurial endeavors, especially with the looming risk of being barred from Visa/Mastercard networks due to Stripe’s actions and the incoming chargebacks caused by the delays. Such practices are in stark contradiction to the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) regulations, highlighting an urgent need for stronger regulatory measures to safeguard small businesses against such unchecked and consequential decisions.

Stripe closed my account for literally no reason, saying that my business is high risk and that they'll refund the money to my customers, who I know how happy they are with their purchases ..Stripe are going insane they'LL bankrupt a lot of small businesses.

You ruining lifes of tons of our employees, because of this! I’m a small biz losing my life.

Email support is a non-sense they'll never answer, Stripe please don't answer this Thread by saying contact us on Support @stripe.com or account @stripe.com or heretohelp @stripe.com .. because I've already contacted several times non response.

This is clearly a Scam, they are illegaly putting their hands on others money without any intent to ever release them or an algorithm fault that I should pay for by every single $ I have.

And for those who'll start answering you did something wrong, no I don't have any disputes, no I don't sell any prohibited products, no I don't dropship I have my own supply.

Who can help me with this case please answer.

About Email Verification
I have provided all the required submission documents as requested, but I am offering FACEBOOK to sell products on my site, I don't know why this issue is triggered, and I can't find any submission entry regarding email verification. Is STRIPE forcibly closing my account for no reason? I am a legitimate company, selling legally online, and I cannot accept this kind of banditry.
I finished my identity verifying on Dec,22 when I finished my STRIPE account. None of my orders have been disputed or even failed. I can't understand what this email is trying to tell me. Shouldn't we small business entrepreneurs use STRIPE? Will STRIPE charge me for processing the order in these two days?
I even think STRIPE is a scam! Because STRIPE doesn't have online customer service and shut down my account at will, I've seen this happen to a lot of people on REDDIT as well. If not, I hope I can guarantee my rights through legal means!!

Stripe had verified all of my documents and approved for me to use it as a payment gateway for my customers. After weeks of customers purchasing with us, they simply said that our business was not compatible with Stripe and they simply PAID BACK ALL OF MY CUSTOMERS. All of my hard work, all the money I spent on ads and products, all thrown away. Even though I had mo chargebacks or customer complaints. $30K thrown away. I am taking legal action but I would not advise any one to use stripe. I have had other friends have the same issue. DO NOT USE STRIPE. They respond to all of these bad reviews telling everyone they can “simply email them” and they will get back to you but they never do. Absolute scammers.

They closed my account and refunded money to buyers of products already sold and sent on BigCartel. I lost money. Their support ghosted me for few days and then answered with “copy and paste” answers. I highly recommend to use PayPal Business and forget Stripe.