Configure Stripe Payments

If your organization sells courses or uses subscription plans, connect a Stripe account to process learner payments. SkillStream uses Stripe Connect so payouts go directly to your bank account.

Before You Begin#

• You need a Stripe account. Create one free at stripe.com.
• Your Stripe account must be activated (not just created) — Stripe requires identity verification before live payouts.
• You need Admin access in SkillStream.

Step 1: Connect Your Stripe Account#

1. Go to Admin → Payments → Settings.
2. Click Connect Stripe account.
3. You are redirected to Stripe to authorize the connection.
4. Sign in to your Stripe account (or create one).
5. Complete the Stripe onboarding form:
   • Business type and legal name
   • Bank account for payouts
   • Identity verification (required for payouts)
6. Click Submit on Stripe and you are redirected back to SkillStream.
7. Your Stripe account status shows as Connected.

Step 2: Configure Your Payment Settings#

After connecting:

1. Go to Admin → Payments → Settings.
2. Set your Currency (used for all transactions in your organization).
3. Set the Platform fee if you are using revenue sharing with instructors (e.g., 20% platform fee, instructors receive 80%).
4. Toggle Test mode ON initially to test the payment flow without real charges.
5. Click Save settings.

Step 3: Test the Payment Flow#

With test mode enabled:

1. Create a paid course (set a price on the course settings page).
2. Open the course in an incognito window and attempt to purchase it.
3. Use Stripe's test card: 4242 4242 4242 4242, any future expiry, any CVC.
4. Confirm the purchase completes and the course is accessible.
5. Check Admin → Payments → Orders to see the test order.

Step 4: Go Live#

When you are confident the flow works:

1. Go to Admin → Payments → Settings.
2. Toggle Test mode OFF.
3. Click Save settings.

Real card charges are now processed. Test orders are separate from live orders and do not appear in your live orders list.

Step 5: Activate Instructor Payouts (Optional)#

If instructors sell their own courses and receive a share of revenue:

1. Go to Admin → Payments → Settings → Instructor payouts.
2. Enable Instructor revenue sharing.
3. Set the default instructor payout percentage (e.g., 70%).
4. Instructors connect their own Stripe accounts at My Account → Payout settings.

Payouts to instructors happen automatically per your Stripe payout schedule.

Disconnect Stripe#

To disconnect:

1. Go to Admin → Payments → Settings.
2. Click Disconnect Stripe account.
3. Confirm in the dialog.

Warning: Disconnecting Stripe disables all payment processing. Existing orders are not affected, but new purchases will fail until you reconnect.

Troubleshooting#

"Stripe account not activated" Complete the Stripe identity verification. Log in to stripe.com → Settings → Account → Complete your profile.

Webhook errors in Stripe dashboard SkillStream registers a webhook automatically on connection. If you see failures in your Stripe dashboard, go to Admin → Payments → Settings and click Re-register webhooks.

Payouts are not arriving Check your Stripe dashboard for payout status. Stripe typically processes payouts within 2–7 business days for new accounts. Ensure your bank account details are correct in Stripe.