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.
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, ACH/BECS/SEPA bank debits where available, and currency conversion for international clients all come along.
Connect in five minutes
- Go to Settings → Billing → Billing details → Complete Stripe setup.
- Stripe's hosted flow opens: confirm your business details, ID, and bank account.
- Once approved (usually instant for sole traders, longer for businesses requiring KYC review), payments are live.
- 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
Stripe's published fees apply: 2.9% + $0.60 per card or wallet transaction in the US, with similar structures in the UK, EU, and Australia in local currency. ACH/BECS/SEPA bank debit is cheaper at 1.9% + $0.60.
Adding 2.9% + $0.60 to your prices doesn't fully cover the fee. The formula that does: final charge = (base price + $0.60) ÷ (1 − 0.029). You can also toggle pass processing fee to client under Settings → Billing → Payment settings. Check your local laws first; some jurisdictions restrict card surcharges.
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. Or let the client add their card themselves during intake or in the portal.
With a saved card, you charge invoices in one click instead of asking for card details every time.
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). Stripe fee is added at checkout, transparently shown to client.
Round prices to the nearest $5. Practice eats the 2.9%, simpler for clients, less to explain.
Group invoices over $500, prompt clients to pay via bank debit. The lower ACH fee adds up on big 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 Stripe's processing fees?
2.9% + $0.60 per card transaction in the US. 1.9% + $0.60 for ACH bank debits. UK, EU, AU have similar structures in local currency. Stripe publishes the exact rates per country.
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 toggle pass-through fees in Payment settings and Stripe applies the fee on top at checkout.
Can I pass processing fees to my clients?
Yes, Settings → Billing → Payment settings → Edit → Processing fee → toggle on. 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 in the portal or at intake.
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.