Stripe Payment Integration

# Stripe Payment Integration RecSystems uses Stripe as its payment processor, providing secure, reliable payment processing for your rental business. This guide covers the technical setup and configuration of Stripe within RecSystems. ## What You'll Learn - Understanding the Stripe integration - Initial Stripe setup - Configuring payment settings - Managing API keys - Setting up webhooks - Testing vs production modes - Troubleshooting common issues ## Integration Overview ### How RecSystems Uses Stripe - **Connected Accounts**: Each RecSystems account connects to Stripe - **Secure Processing**: All card data handled by Stripe - **PCI Compliance**: Maintained by Stripe ### What Stripe Handles - Card validation - Payment processing - Customer records - Refund processing - Receipt generation - Fraud detection - PCI compliance ## Initial Setup ### Prerequisites Before starting: - Business bank account - Tax ID or SSN - Business verification documents - Physical business address ### RecSystems Handles Setup **Note**: RecSystems support team typically handles initial Stripe setup for you. If setting up yourself: 1. Contact RecSystems support 2. Provide business information 3. Complete Stripe verification 4. Connect bank account 5. Configure payout schedule ## Payment Configuration ### Access Payment Settings Navigate to: **Dashboard → Settings → Payments** ### Configurable Options **Deposit Settings**: - Deposit percentage (0-100%) - Minimum deposit amount - When deposit is required - Balance due timing **Payment Types**: - Credit cards (enabled by default) - ACH/bank transfers (optional) - Cash/check recording - Gift card acceptance **Receipt Options**: - Automatic email receipts - Receipt customization - Business information display - Custom receipt messages ## Testing Payments ### Test Mode Benefits - Try payment flows safely - Test error scenarios - Train staff without risk - Verify integration ### Test Card Numbers **Successful Payment**: - Number: `4242 4242 4242 4242` - Any future expiry - Any CVC - Any ZIP **Declined Payment**: - Number: `4000 0000 0000 0002` - Tests failed payments **Insufficient Funds**: - Number: `4000 0000 0000 9995` - Simulates NSF ### Testing Workflow 1. Enable test mode 2. Create test booking 3. Use test card 4. Verify in Stripe dashboard 5. Check booking status ## Production Setup ### Going Live Checklist - [ ] Business verification complete - [ ] Bank account connected - [ ] Tax information provided - [ ] Test transactions successful - [ ] Staff trained on procedures ### Switching to Production 1. Complete Stripe verification 2. Flip test switch to live 3. Process a small transaction 4. Monitor first real payments ## Stripe Dashboard ### Accessing Stripe 1. Log into Stripe directly 2. Or via RecSystems link 3. View all transactions 4. Manage disputes 5. Download reports ### Key Sections **Payments**: All transactions **Customers**: Saved cards **Refunds**: Refund history **Disputes**: Chargebacks **Reports**: Financial data **Settings**: Configuration ## Common Scenarios ### Processing Refunds 1. Initiate booking change in RecSystems 2. Refund processes via Stripe 3. Customer notified 4. Funds returned (5-10 days) 5. Booking status updated ### Failed Payments **Common causes**: - Insufficient funds - Expired card - Incorrect details - Bank decline - Fraud prevention **Resolution**: 1. Customer notified 2. Can retry payment 3. Update card details 4. Alternative payment method ### Saved Cards - Stored securely by Stripe - Only last 4 digits visible - Can process future charges - Customer can remove - Used for deposits/balances ## Fee Structure ### Stripe Fees **Standard pricing**: - 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction - International cards may vary - No monthly fees - No setup fees **Additional fees**: - Refund fees (sometimes) - Chargeback fees ($15) - International transfers - Currency conversion ### RecSystems Fees - Separate from Stripe - Contact sales for details ## Security Features ### Built-in Protection - SSL encryption - Tokenization - 3D Secure support - Fraud detection - PCI compliance ### Fraud Prevention **Stripe Radar**: - Machine learning fraud detection - Custom rules available - Risk scoring - Automatic blocks ### Customer Authentication - Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) - 3D Secure when required - Reduces fraud - Improves approval rates ## Troubleshooting ### Payment Won't Process 1. Check internet connection 2. Verify card details 3. Confirm sufficient funds 4. Check Stripe status 5. Review error message ### Webhook Failures - Check RecSystems logs - Verify endpoint URL - Confirm signing secret - Review Stripe webhook logs - Contact support ### API Key Issues - Verify correct environment - Check key permissions - Ensure not expired - Confirm account access - Update if needed ### Customer Disputes 1. Respond quickly (7 days) 2. Provide documentation 3. Include receipts 4. Show terms accepted 5. Prove service delivered ## Best Practices ### Daily Operations - Review payments daily - Check for failures - Process refunds promptly - Monitor for fraud - Verify deposits ### Monthly Tasks - Reconcile accounts - Review transaction fees - Check dispute status - Update bank info if needed - Download statements ### Security Maintenance - Review user access - Monitor unusual activity ## Advanced Features ### International Payments - Multiple currency support - Automatic conversion - Local payment methods - Country-specific requirements ### Recurring Payments - For repeat customers - Subscription-style rentals - Automatic charging - Payment schedules ### Connect Platform - Multi-location businesses - Franchise operations - Split payments - Separate reporting ## Getting Help ### RecSystems Support - First point of contact - Integration issues - Configuration help - Best practices - Troubleshooting ### Stripe Support - Technical API issues - Account verification - Dispute assistance - Security concerns - Banking questions ## Related Guides - [Payment Processing](../03-revenue-optimization/payment-processing.md) - Using payments - [Booking Workflow](../01-daily-operations/booking-workflow.md) - Payment in bookings - [Support Tickets](../06-troubleshooting/support-tickets.md) - Getting help - [SmartWaiver Integration](./smartwaiver.md) - Other integrations --- *Integration Tip: Always test payment flows in test mode before going live. This prevents customer issues and builds staff confidence.*