Stripe Setup
Connect your Stripe account to accept credit card payments and more through your widget.
Prerequisites
Before you start, you’ll need:
- A Stripe account — Sign up here if you don’t have one
- API keys from your Stripe Dashboard
Getting your API keys
Open the Stripe Dashboard
Go to dashboard.stripe.com/apikeys and sign in to your Stripe account.
Copy your keys
You’ll need two values:
- Publishable Key — Starts with
pk_live_(live) orpk_test_(test) - Secret Key — Starts with
sk_live_(live) orsk_test_(test). Click Reveal to show it.
Stripe automatically provides both test and live keys. Toggle Test mode in the dashboard to switch between them.
Connecting Stripe to your widget
Open the Add-ons tab
- Open your widget in the Creator
- Click the Add-ons tab
- Scroll to Payments and toggle it on
Connect your account
- Click Connect Account
- Select Stripe as your provider
- Enter your Publishable Key and Secret Key
- The environment is automatically detected from your key prefix:
- Keys starting with
pk_test_/sk_test_→ Sandbox - Keys starting with
pk_live_/sk_live_→ Live
- Keys starting with
- Give your connection a name (e.g., “My Stripe”)
- Click Connect
Shareables will validate your keys with Stripe before saving. If the keys are invalid, you’ll see an error message.
Unlike PayPal, Stripe auto-detects whether you’re using test or live keys based on the key prefix. You can still manually override the environment if needed.
How Stripe checkout works
When a visitor clicks a payment button on your widget:
- A payment modal opens with a Pay with Stripe button
- The visitor clicks the button and is redirected to Stripe’s hosted checkout page
- They enter their payment details on Stripe’s secure page
- After a successful payment, they are redirected back to your widget with a success message
Unlike PayPal (which uses a popup), Stripe uses a full-page redirect to their hosted checkout. This means the visitor briefly leaves your widget but returns automatically after completing or cancelling the payment.
Sandbox testing
Stripe’s test mode lets you simulate payments without real charges.
Using test card numbers
When connected in test mode, use Stripe’s test card numbers to simulate different scenarios:
| Card Number | Scenario |
|---|---|
4242 4242 4242 4242 | Successful payment |
4000 0000 0000 0002 | Card declined |
4000 0000 0000 3220 | Requires 3D Secure authentication |
For all test cards, use:
- Any future expiry date (e.g., 12/34)
- Any 3-digit CVC (e.g., 123)
- Any name and postcode
Testing a payment
- Connect your widget using test mode keys (
pk_test_/sk_test_) - Publish your widget and open it
- Click a payment button
- On the Stripe checkout page, enter a test card number
- Complete the payment
- Verify you’re redirected back with a success message
You can view all test transactions in your Stripe Dashboard under test mode.
Going live
When you’re ready to accept real payments:
- Go to your Stripe Dashboard and switch off Test mode
- Copy your Live Publishable Key and Secret Key
- In Shareables, either:
- Update your existing connection with the live keys (the environment will auto-switch to Live), or
- Create a new connection with live keys
Make sure your Stripe account is fully activated before going live. Stripe may require you to verify your identity and business details before processing real payments.
PayPal vs Stripe: which should I choose?
| PayPal | Stripe | |
|---|---|---|
| Checkout experience | Popup window (stays on your page) | Redirect to Stripe’s checkout page |
| Payment methods | PayPal balance, bank, cards via PayPal | Credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay |
| Buyer account needed? | PayPal account required | No account needed |
| Setup complexity | Requires Business account + API app | Just copy API keys |
| Best for | Buyers who prefer PayPal, international sales | Card payments, simplest setup |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Stripe Business account?
No. Stripe offers a single account type that works for individuals and businesses. You may need to complete identity verification depending on your country.
What payment methods can buyers use?
Stripe’s hosted checkout supports credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other methods depending on the buyer’s country and your Stripe account settings.
Why does the buyer leave my widget?
Stripe uses a hosted checkout page for security. This ensures card details are handled entirely by Stripe and never pass through your widget. The buyer is automatically redirected back after payment.
Are there processing fees?
Shareables does not charge any fees. Stripe’s standard processing fees apply — typically 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction in the US. Fees vary by country and payment method. Check Stripe’s pricing page for details.
Related
- Payments Overview — General payments setup and configuration
- PayPal Setup — Alternative payment provider
- Email Notifications — Configure payment email notifications