---
title: "Setting up a Stripe account for paid subscriptions and digital products"
updated: 2026-10-01
---

# Setting up a Stripe account for paid subscriptions and digital products

## Who is this article for?

**Audience:** beehiiv Users

**Workspace User Role:** [Members and Admins](https://www.beehiiv.com/support/article/27753463738263-workspace-user-roles-and-permissions-overview)

**Plan:** [All Plans](https://www.beehiiv.com/pricing?ref=kb_upgradebox_paidplans&kb_article)

In order to sell paid [digital products](https://www.beehiiv.com/support/article/36315392222615-creating-digital-products-to-sell-on-your-website) or offer [paid subscriptions](https://www.beehiiv.com/support/article/23080261008279) within beehiiv, you will need to first connect a Stripe account to process credit card payments. [Free digital products](https://www.beehiiv.com/support/article/39024852575767) do not require a Stripe account.

This article walks through how to connect your Stripe account to these aspects, manage payment options for your subscribers, and answers common questions about setting up Stripe on beehiiv.

In order to set up this integration, you will need to have an active Stripe account. You can [sign up and register here for Stripe](https://dashboard.stripe.com/register).

> **Reminder**
>
> The account that you use for paid subscriptions and digital products is separate from the publication-specific [Stripe Express account](https://www.beehiiv.com/support/article/30065237532823-how-to-set-up-a-stripe-express-account-for-monetization) that you create for paid recommendations or Ad Network. For info on other Stripe accounts you may encounter on beehiiv, please refer to our [overview article explaining types of Stripe accounts](https://www.beehiiv.com/support/article/30064926230679-types-of-stripe-accounts-used-in-beehiiv).

Once you have an active Stripe account, all you have to do is connect your beehiiv account with your Stripe account by following the instructions below. 

---

## How to set up a Stripe account for paid subscriptions and digital products

### For paid subscriptions

1.  From the left panel, go to [**Subscriptions**](https://app.beehiiv.com/monetize/subscriptions/overview).
2.  Your **Subscriptions** area will open on the **Overview** tab. Click on **Create your first paid tier**.  
      
    **![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/42532112935191)**  
    Alternately, if you started the process before, your experience may look slightly different and your paid subscription dashboard will open instead. Click on the [**Tiers tab**](https://app.beehiiv.com/monetize/subscriptions/paid_tiers) **\> + New Tier**.   
    ![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/42532113680151)
3.  If you haven’t already, you’ll be prompted to Enable paid subscriptions. Click on **Enable** to move to the next step.   
    ![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/42532112936087)
4.  Once enabled, you’ll be prompted to **Connect stripe account**. Select your country, then click **Connect to Stripe**. Once done, jump to step one of ‘Connecting to Stripe’ below.  
    ![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/42532112936983)

### For digital products

1.  From the left panel, go to [**Products**](https://app.beehiiv.com/monetize/products) **> + New product**.   
      
    ![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/42532113685527)
2.  You can create a free product without connecting to Stripe, but a paid digital product requires a Stripe connection. Select **Paid product** then click on **Next**.
3.  A modal will pop up and you’ll be prompted to **Connect stripe account**. Select your country, then click **Connect to Stripe**. Once done, jump to step one of ‘Connecting to Stripe’ below.  
    ![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/42532112938775)

### Connecting to Stripe 

1.  You’ll be brought to a Stripe portal where you’ll need to enter the email address that you use for your Stripe account, then click on **Submit**.   
      
    ![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/42532112939031)
2.  Next, add the password for your Stripe account and click on **Submit**.   
    ![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/42532112940311)
3.  You’ll be asked to verify your login by inputting the code that was sent to the mobile phone attached to your Stripe account.   
    ![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/42532112941463)
4.  Next, you’ll be asked if you would like to use your saved name and address which will be shown, or you can also click on **Create a new business**. Make your selection, then click on **Continue**.    
    ![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/42532113687575)
5.  You’ll need to provide some business details, then click on **Continue**.   
    ![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/42532112943639)
6.  An overview of your selections will be presented to you. Review all of the details, and if all is correct, then click on **Agree and submit**.   
    ![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/42532113688087) ![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/42532113689495)
7.  The integration will be initiated. Once connected, a new account will appear in your Stripe dashboard. To access it, click your account name in the top left corner of Stripe and select the account associated with your beehiiv paid subscriptions. Revenue from paid subscriptions will appear there. 

> **Tech Note**
>
> In rare scenarios, Stripe may not support certain currencies with the beehiiv setup due to country restrictions imposed by Stripe. This issue is beyond our control. Please refer to [Stripe’s global availability](https://stripe.com/global) and reach out to Stripe support should you need assistance.

---

## Offering Stripe payment options for your subscribers

Stripe payment options are available through Stripe’s external checkout experience and are not supported within internal pricing blocks on your website.

Publications offering [paid subscriptions](https://www.beehiiv.com/support/article/23080261008279) or [digital products](https://www.beehiiv.com/support/article/36315392222615-creating-digital-products-to-sell-on-your-website) on beehiiv can choose their own payment methods through Stripe’s external checkout. Offering multiple payment options can reduce friction at checkout, improve the subscriber experience, and increase the likelihood that free readers convert into paying customers.

By default, subscribers can pay using most major credit and debit cards, as well as Apple Pay and Google Pay. From your Stripe settings, you can also enable additional payment methods such as bank account transfers, region-specific card payments, Cash App Pay, and more.

> **Tech Note**
>
> Some region-specific payment options may also be enabled automatically when offering subscriptions or products in supported currencies.

---

## How to update paid subscription payment options in Stripe

_The following steps take place within Stripe and reflect the best available guidance at the time of writing. As Stripe is a third-party partner, these steps may change without notice._

1.  From your Stripe account dashboard, click on the **Settings icon**. 
2.  On the Settings page, under **Product settings**, select **Payments**. 
3.  The Payments page will open on the **Checkout and Payment links** tab. Click on the **Payment methods** tab. 
4.  You’ll see a list of payment configurations [set up within your Stripe account](https://www.beehiiv.com/support/article/12643795789335). Select the option associated with your beehiiv account.
5.  A list of enabled and disabled payment methods will appear.
    -   Click on a payment method to open its settings.
    -   In the modal, click **Turn on** to enable it.
    -   To disable a method later, return to the same modal and click **Turn off**.

> **Tech Note**
>
> Some payment methods may require additional configuration or verification within Stripe before they can be enabled.

---

## Frequently asked questions about setting up a Stripe account

I live outside the United States and I’m having trouble setting up my Stripe account. Can beehiiv help?

Stripe does not support all countries. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on availability in your region, refer to [Stripe’s supported countries list](https://stripe.com/global).  
  
If you're located in India, Stripe is currently available by invitation only. [Follow this link to request an invitation.](https://support.stripe.com/questions/stripe-accounts-are-invite-only-in-india)

I’m trying to upgrade but I’m encountering a ‘400 Stripe Setup Error.’ What am I doing wrong?

If you encounter a 400 Stripe error when trying to access your beehiiv Upgrade page, it typically indicates that Stripe needs additional information to complete your account setup. Log in to your Stripe account to provide the required details. For further assistance, visit [Stripe’s support site](https://support.stripe.com/).

If I set up a Stripe account for my paid subscriptions, do I need to set up another Stripe account for digital products?

No. Both paid subscription payments and digital product orders are processed through the same connected Stripe account. And if you are offering [free digital products](https://www.beehiiv.com/support/article/39024852575767-using-free-digital-products-as-lead-magnets) only, you do not need to connect a Stripe account at all.