Stripe Integration (including Stripe Connect)

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Stripe API Integration (including Stripe Connect)

Stripe Standard (Direct Payments)

Stripe Standard integration lets your OctopusPro account accept payments directly through Stripe’s secure gateway. Once enabled, customers pay your business (the platform) via credit card or digital wallet at checkout or on invoices, and Stripe processes the charge immediately. OctopusPro then automatically records the payment against the booking or invoice, eliminating manual entry.

  • Collecting Payments: When a customer books or views an invoice, OctopusPro presents Stripe’s checkout form. After the customer enters their card, Stripe immediately charges them. OctopusPro marks the invoice or booking as paid (or records a partial deposit, if you collect a deposit first). All payment details and receipts appear in your Stripe Dashboard and in OctopusPro’s booking/payment history.

  • Invoicing Workflows: You can send invoices via OctopusPro that include a Pay Now link. Customers click the link and pay through Stripe. Once paid, OctopusPro automatically applies the payment to the invoice. This streamlines billing: no more chasing customers or manual reconciliation. For example, a cleaning service could require a 50% deposit at booking and the balance after service; Stripe handles both transactions and updates the invoice status in OctopusPro.

Adding Your Stripe API Keys

  1. Open Stripe Dashboard

    • Log in with an administrator role. If you aren’t logged in, click here. 

    • If you don’t have a Stripe account yet, sign up at stripe.com.

    • Go to Developers → API keys.

  2. Copy the keys

    • Publishable key – visible on the page (starts with pk_ ).

    • Secret key – click Reveal live key (starts with sk_ ).
      Stripe shows your secret key once—store it in a password manager.

      Extraction of Stripe Publishable key and Secret key

  3. Paste into OctopusPro

    • Navigate to Settings → Financial Settings → Payment Methods → Stripe.

    • Enter the Publishable and Secret keys for Test Mode first, save, run a test payment.

    • When you’re ready to charge real cards, switch to Live Mode and paste the live keys.

Best practice – Never e‑mail or hard‑code the Secret key. If a key is exposed, roll it in Stripe, then update OctopusPro.

Stripe Connect (Marketplace Payouts)

For marketplace-style businesses, Stripe Connect enables automated payouts to multiple service providers (fieldworkers). When a customer pays, Stripe can split the funds and transfer each share to different connected accounts. OctopusPro uses this to pay your workers (connected Stripe accounts) and retain a platform commission. For example, Stripe’s docs illustrate a $100 payment being divided: Stripe fee (~$3.20), $70 sent to one provider, $20 to another, and a $6.80 platform fee. OctopusPro automates this process: you define the split or commission for each service, and Stripe handles the transfers. The customer sees one charge; Stripe routes the funds behind the scenes.

  • Enabling Stripe Connect: In your Stripe Dashboard, enable Connect and choose the account type (Standard is simplest). Then in OctopusPro go to Settings → Financial Settings → Payment Methods, select Stripe, and enter your Connect API keys (same as Standard). Toggle on “Stripe Connect” and save. OctopusPro is now in Connect mode.

  • Onboarding Fieldworkers: Each fieldworker (e.g. plumber, beautician, tutor) needs to connect their Stripe account. In the OctopusPro Fieldworker app or portal, you can send an invite or link. The worker logs into Stripe (or creates one) and authorizes your platform. This creates a Connected Account in Stripe. In OctopusPro, the worker is then linked to their Stripe account. When that worker completes a job, OctopusPro tags the payment to their connected account.

  • Split Payments & Platform Fees: Stripe Connect uses separate charges/transfers. You set an application fee (the platform fee) on each transaction. Upon payment, Stripe deducts its processing fee first, then transfers the rest. For example, with a 10% platform fee on a $200 booking, Stripe might take ~$5.80, transfer $20 to you, and send $174.20 to the worker’s account. You can even split payments among multiple workers if needed. All of this is handled automatically: OctopusPro initiates the charge and Stripe disburses the funds. When the charge settles, each connected account’s balance is updated and payouts to their bank accounts occur on Stripe’s schedule.

  • Use Cases: This setup is ideal for multi-provider services. Mobile Beauty: Customers book home hair or massage appointments. After payment, Stripe sends the majority to the stylist’s account and your commission to the platform. Home Services (HVAC, Plumbing): A customer books an emergency repair. The $150 charge is split so the technician gets $135 and you keep $15. Tutoring or Delivery Marketplaces: Stripe Connect makes it easy to compensate each participant without manual splitting.

Automation & Benefits: Using Stripe Connect means no manual payouts. OctopusPro automatically manages commissions (platform fees) and connected-account transfers. Everything is logged in Stripe’s dashboard. Compliance burdens (like KYC verification of workers) are handled by Stripe’s platform as part of the Connect process. You simply reconcile payments in one place. This reduces accounting work and scales smoothly as you add more fieldworkers.

Troubleshooting Tips (Connect): If a fieldworker’s payout is missing, check that their Stripe account is fully verified (additional identity info may be required before transfers). Incomplete KYC will hold funds. Verify that each connected account’s bank details are correct. You can view payout schedules and holds in the Stripe Dashboard under Balances → Payouts. If platform fees aren’t applied, ensure the correct commission is set in the OctopusPro service or project settings. Integration errors often trace back to mis-entered API keys or leaving Connect disabled. As always, confirm that your Stripe account has no restrictions

Stripe Branding Presence during OctopusPro Transactions

Stripe’s logo appears automatically inside the secure card‑entry frame that customers see when they

  1. Save a card on file for future use, or
  2. Pay for a new booking at checkout.
  3. Pay for an invoice.

The branding is injected by Stripe Elements to signal that the form is PCI‑compliant and processed on Stripe’s servers. No action is required on your part—OctopusPro simply renders the hosted field and Stripe handles the security.

Security & Compliance

Stripe is highly secure and compliant. It is certified as a PCI DSS Service Provider Level 1 – the strictest standard in the payments industry. This means sensitive card data is never stored on your servers; Stripe encrypts and tokenizes all card information. OctopusPro communicates with Stripe over HTTPS and never handles raw credit card numbers. You should keep your Stripe API keys secret and only share access with trusted admins.

Other security best practices: use Stripe’s built-in fraud tools (Radar) and enable 3D Secure authentication to reduce chargebacks. Keep your OctopusPro software updated and use strong passwords and two-factor authentication on admin accounts. For marketplaces, Stripe manages KYC and tax-reporting on behalf of connected accounts. Both OctopusPro and Stripe comply with GDPR/data protection – customer payment data is encrypted in transit and in Stripe’s vault.

By relying on Stripe’s infrastructure, you inherit its audits (SOC 1/2) and standards. In short, integrating Stripe (Standard or Connect) means your payment flows meet industry security and compliance requirements without extra effort. Always review Stripe’s security guidelines for updates, and periodically test your integration in Stripe’s Test Mode to ensure everything is working securely.

How OctopusPro Stores Cards Securely

  • When a customer enters card details, the data travels directly to Stripe over an encrypted (TLS) connection.

  • Stripe returns a token (or a Customer ID with a Payment‑Method ID for cards on file).

  • OctopusPro saves only the token – it never stores card numbers, expiry dates, or CVV codes.

  • All raw card data stays on Stripe’s PCI‑DSS Level 1 servers.

Why tokens matter

  • You can charge the card later (balances, recurring services) or refund it without ever seeing the PAN.

  • Your PCI burden is minimal (usually SAQ A).

  • Stripe handles encryption, 3‑D Secure, fraud screening, and KYC checks.

By keeping keys secure and relying on Stripe’s tokenisation, you stay compliant while offering a seamless, secure checkout and effortless repeat billing.

Choosing the right Stripe mode

Use this mode When your platform… Core features you need Typical industries & examples
Stripe Standard
(direct payments)
  • Collects money only for your own business.
  • Does not need to split funds with third‑party sellers or contractors.
  • Card and wallet checkout (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
  • Saved cards via Stripe Customer objects
  • Automatic invoices & refunds
  • Basic payout schedule to your bank account
  • Solo consultants charging per session (e.g. physiotherapist)
  • Local cleaning firm paid in full after each job
Stripe Connect
(platform / marketplace)
  • Must split each payment between your platform and one or more service providers.
  • Needs Stripe to handle KYC, tax forms, and payouts to those providers.
  • Destination or separate charges with automatic revenue share
  • Fieldworker onboarding (Standard / Express connected accounts)
  • Automated KYC, W‑9/W‑8, 1099/K forms where required
  • Fine‑grained payout control (daily, weekly, instant)
  • Tutoring marketplace paying each tutor 70 % per lesson
  • On‑demand plumbing platform splitting $150 charge: $15 fee to platform, remainder to plumber

How to decide in 30 seconds

  1. Single payee per charge? — Use Stripe Standard.
  2. Multiple payees or revenue share? — Use Stripe Connect.
  3. Still unsure? Start with Standard; you can migrate to Connect later without changing customers’ saved cards.
Quick checklist before you integrate
  • Corporate structure: Marketplaces and franchises almost always need Connect.
  • Compliance load: Connect off‑loads KYC, AML, and local tax reporting to Stripe. Standard leaves compliance with you.
  • Fee model: Connect carries a small per‑payout platform fee; Standard does not. Factor this into margins.
  • Developer effort: Both modes use the same API keys; enabling Connect simply adds payout‑split parameters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is Stripe Connect?

Stripe Connect is Stripe’s “marketplace” payment stack. It lets a platform (like OctopusPro) — called the Platform Account — charge a customer once, keep a platform fee, and automatically send the remainder to one or more Connected Accounts (your field‑workers, vendors, tutors, etc.). It also handles KYC, tax forms, and payouts on your behalf.

2. How is Stripe Connect different from regular Stripe Payments?

Feature Stripe Payments (Standard) Stripe Connect
Primary use‑case A single business taking payments for itself Marketplaces or franchises paying out to third parties
Payee per charge One (your business) One or many (platform + providers)
Payouts To your own bank account only Automatic payouts to each Connected Account
Compliance / KYC Your responsibility Stripe collects and verifies each provider’s identity

Think of Stripe Payments as a digital cash register, and Stripe Connect as a full escrow & revenue‑share engine.

3. Are there extra fees for Stripe Connect inside OctopusPro?

OctopusPro does not add a surcharge, but Stripe applies Connect fees on top of the card‑processing fee (a small percentage per payout or per connected transfer, depending on your country and Connect account type). Always check https://stripe.com/pricing for the latest schedule in your region.

4. Is integrating Stripe with OctopusPro secure?

Yes. Stripe is PCI‑DSS Level 1 certified. All card data is tokenised and stored on Stripe’s servers, not inside OctopusPro. OctopusPro only saves a non‑sensitive token for future charges. Use strong API keys, enable two‑factor authentication on your Stripe Dashboard, and keep your OctopusPro admin passwords up to date.

5. How fast do field‑workers get paid?

Standard payouts land in the worker’s bank account in 1–3 business days once the charge settles. Faster options include Instant Payouts (available in some regions, for an extra Stripe fee) and custom weekly schedules.

6. Can I set a custom platform fee or commission per job?

Absolutely. In OctopusPro you define the Application Fee (fixed amount or %) at the service, worker, or booking level. Stripe deducts that fee before transferring the remainder to the Connected Account.

7. Stripe Connect isn’t working — what should I check first?

  1. API keys – make sure the secret and publishable keys are correct and in Live mode.
  2. Connect toggle – confirm “Enable Stripe Connect” is switched on in OctopusPro settings.
  3. Connected Account status – the field‑worker must finish Stripe onboarding; any “Verification needed” hold will block payouts.
  4. Payment status – Stripe only pays out on successful, captured charges. Pending or failed payments will not trigger a payout.

If the checklist doesn’t resolve the issue, contact OctopusPro support with the booking ID and your latest Stripe event log.

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