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Payout Account Setup

Payout Account Setup

Configure your Stripe Connect account to receive affiliate commission payouts

Payout Account Setup

Before you can receive commission payments, you need to setup your payout account using Stripe Connect. This secure integration allows merchants to pay you directly.

Why Setup a Payout Account?

Required for Payment:

  • You must setup a payout account to receive commissions
  • Approved earnings cannot be paid without it
  • One-time setup process
  • Secure and encrypted

Benefits:

  • Direct deposits to your bank account
  • Fast payout processing
  • Secure payment handling
  • Transaction history tracking
  • Multiple currency support

Accessing Payout Settings

Navigate to your payout account settings:

  1. Click Settings in the sidebar
  2. Select the Payout Account tab
  3. You'll see your current account status

Direct URL: /settings?tab=payout

Note: Only affiliates see the Payout Account tab.

Account Status Indicators

No Account

What you see:

  • Gray "Not Setup" badge
  • "Setup Payout Account" button
  • No payout account message

What this means:

  • You haven't created a Stripe account yet
  • You cannot receive payments
  • Setup required before first payout
  • Quick 5-minute setup process

Setup Required

What you see:

  • Yellow "Setup Required" badge
  • Stripe account ID displayed
  • "Setup Payout Account" button
  • Incomplete details warning

What this means:

  • Stripe account created but incomplete
  • Additional information needed
  • Cannot receive payments yet
  • Must complete onboarding

Active Account

What you see:

  • Green "Active" badge
  • Stripe account ID
  • Email address
  • "Manage Payout Account" button
  • Checkmarks for enabled features

What this means:

  • Account fully setup and verified
  • Can receive payments
  • Payouts enabled
  • Ready to earn

Setting Up Your Account

Step 1: Start Setup

  1. Go to Settings → Payout Account
  2. Click "Setup Payout Account" button
  3. You'll be redirected to Stripe

What happens:

  • Creates Stripe Express account
  • Links account to your profile
  • Saves account ID
  • Opens Stripe onboarding

Step 2: Complete Stripe Onboarding

Stripe will guide you through providing:

Business Information:

  • Business type (Individual or Company)
  • Business name (if applicable)
  • Business address
  • Industry category

Personal Information:

  • Full legal name
  • Date of birth
  • Home address
  • Phone number
  • Last 4 digits of SSN (US) or ID number

Bank Account Details:

  • Bank name
  • Account holder name
  • Routing number
  • Account number
  • Account type (Checking/Savings)

Verification Documents:

  • Government-issued ID
  • Proof of address (if required)
  • Business documents (if company)

Step 3: Submit Information

  1. Review all entered information
  2. Agree to Stripe's terms
  3. Click "Submit"
  4. Wait for verification

Verification Time:

  • Instant: For most accounts
  • 1-2 business days: If manual review needed
  • Email notification when approved

Step 4: Return to refVenue

After completing Stripe onboarding:

  1. You'll be redirected back to Settings
  2. Refresh the page if needed
  3. Status should show "Active"
  4. Account ready to receive payments

Managing Your Account

Access Stripe Dashboard

Once setup is complete:

  1. Go to Settings → Payout Account
  2. Click "Manage Payout Account"
  3. Opens Stripe Express dashboard in new tab

In Stripe Dashboard you can:

  • View payout history
  • Update bank account
  • Change business information
  • Download tax documents
  • View transaction details
  • Manage payout schedule

Update Bank Account

To change your bank account:

  1. Click "Manage Payout Account"
  2. Go to Settings in Stripe
  3. Select Bank Accounts & Scheduling
  4. Click "Add bank account"
  5. Enter new account details
  6. Verify via micro-deposits

Important:

  • Can't remove last bank account
  • Verification may take 1-2 days
  • Update before payout date
  • Old pending payouts use old account

Update Business Information

To modify business details:

  1. Open Stripe Dashboard
  2. Go to Settings → Business Details
  3. Edit required fields
  4. Save changes
  5. May require re-verification

What you can update:

  • Business name
  • Business address
  • Phone number
  • Email address
  • Industry category

Understanding Payout Schedule

When You Get Paid

Merchant Controls Schedule:

  • Each merchant sets their own payout frequency
  • Common schedules: Monthly, bi-weekly, weekly
  • Shown on program details page
  • Cannot be changed by affiliate

Typical Flow:

  1. Conversion approved by merchant
  2. Added to next payout batch
  3. Payout processed on schedule date
  4. Funds sent to your bank
  5. Arrives 1-3 business days later

Example Timeline

Monthly Payout (Net 30):

  • Jan 15: Conversion approved
  • Feb 1: Included in monthly batch
  • Feb 1-2: Payout processed
  • Feb 3-5: Funds in your bank

Weekly Payout:

  • Monday: Conversion approved
  • Friday: Included in weekly batch
  • Friday-Saturday: Payout processed
  • Monday-Tuesday: Funds in your bank

Minimum Payout Threshold

Some programs may have minimum thresholds:

How it Works:

  • Example: $50 minimum
  • Approved earnings accumulate
  • Payout only when threshold reached
  • Carries over to next period if below

Example:

  • Week 1: $30 approved (no payout)
  • Week 2: $25 approved ($55 total)
  • Week 2: Payout of $55 processed

Check Thresholds:

  • View on program details page
  • Varies by merchant
  • Shown in program terms
  • Contact merchant to adjust

Tax Information

Form W-9 (US Affiliates)

What it is:

  • Tax form for US taxpayers
  • Provides Tax ID or SSN
  • Required for $600+ annual earnings
  • Submitted during Stripe onboarding

When to submit:

  • During initial account setup
  • Before receiving first payment
  • Updates when information changes

Form 1099 (US Affiliates)

What you receive:

  • Annual tax form for earnings $600+
  • Issued by merchants in January
  • Reports commission income
  • Use for tax filing

How to access:

  • Emailed by Stripe in January
  • Available in Stripe Dashboard
  • Under Documents section
  • PDF format for download

International Affiliates

Tax Forms:

  • Form W-8BEN: Non-US individuals
  • Form W-8BEN-E: Non-US entities
  • Required during setup
  • Determines withholding rates

Withholding:

  • May be subject to US tax withholding
  • Depends on tax treaty
  • Shown in payout details
  • Varies by country

Troubleshooting

Account Setup Fails

Problem: Can't complete Stripe onboarding

Try:

  1. Use a different browser
  2. Disable browser extensions
  3. Clear cookies and cache
  4. Try incognito/private mode
  5. Contact Stripe support

Common Issues:

  • Pop-up blocker enabled
  • Outdated browser
  • VPN interference
  • Ad blocker conflict

Verification Delayed

Problem: Account stuck in "Setup Required"

Reasons:

  • Manual review in progress
  • Additional documents needed
  • Information mismatch
  • High-risk industry

Solution:

  1. Check email for Stripe messages
  2. Upload requested documents
  3. Verify information accuracy
  4. Wait for review completion
  5. Contact Stripe support after 48 hours

Payout Not Received

Problem: Expected payout didn't arrive

Check:

  1. Is account status "Active"?
  2. Are earnings status "Approved"?
  3. Did you meet minimum threshold?
  4. Is it past the payout date?
  5. Is bank account verified?

Common Causes:

  • Earnings still pending
  • Below minimum threshold
  • Payout schedule not reached
  • Bank account issue
  • Processing delay

Bank Account Rejected

Problem: Can't add bank account

Common Issues:

  • Incorrect routing number
  • Invalid account number
  • Account already linked elsewhere
  • Unsupported bank type
  • Name mismatch

Fix:

  1. Verify account details
  2. Contact your bank
  3. Try different account
  4. Use checking vs savings
  5. Ensure name matches

Access Denied to Dashboard

Problem: Can't open Stripe Dashboard

Try:

  1. Click "Manage Payout Account" again
  2. Clear browser cookies
  3. Try different browser
  4. Disable pop-up blocker
  5. Contact support

Security & Privacy

Data Protection

What Stripe Stores:

  • Bank account details
  • Personal information
  • Transaction history
  • Tax documents
  • Identity verification

How it's Protected:

  • Bank-level encryption
  • PCI DSS compliant
  • Secure data centers
  • Regular security audits
  • GDPR compliant

Account Security

Best Practices:

  1. Use strong password
  2. Enable two-factor authentication
  3. Don't share login credentials
  4. Monitor account activity
  5. Report suspicious activity

Stripe Security Features:

  • Login notifications
  • Device management
  • Activity logs
  • Secure authentication
  • Fraud monitoring

Privacy Considerations

What Merchants See:

  • Your payout account exists
  • Payment processing status
  • Payout amounts sent
  • Transaction IDs

What Merchants DON'T See:

  • Your bank account details
  • Personal tax information
  • Full Stripe dashboard
  • Other merchants' payments

Best Practices

Setup Early

Why setup immediately:

  • Ready when first conversion happens
  • Avoid payment delays
  • Complete verification early
  • Start earning faster

Don't wait until:

  • First conversion approved
  • Payout date arrives
  • Minimum threshold reached
  • You need the money

Keep Information Current

Regular Updates:

  • Update bank account changes
  • Notify address changes
  • Update phone/email
  • Renew expired documents

Why it matters:

  • Avoid payout failures
  • Prevent account suspension
  • Maintain compliance
  • Reduce verification delays

Monitor Payouts

Weekly Check:

  • View payout history
  • Verify amounts match
  • Check for failed payments
  • Track approval rates

Monthly Reconciliation:

  • Compare to My Earnings page
  • Match with program payouts
  • Verify tax withholding
  • Save statements

Getting Help

Payout Account Issues

Contact Stripe Support:

  • Email: support@stripe.com
  • Phone: Available in dashboard
  • Chat: In Stripe dashboard
  • Help Center: stripe.com/support

When to contact Stripe:

  • Verification problems
  • Bank account issues
  • Payout delays
  • Technical errors
  • Security concerns

Commission Issues

Contact Merchant:

  • Use program's support contact
  • Check program details page
  • Allow 1-2 business days response
  • Include conversion IDs
  • Be specific about issue

When to contact merchant:

  • Conversion approval delays
  • Commission amount disputes
  • Payout schedule questions
  • Program-specific issues

Platform Issues

Contact refVenue Support:

When to contact us:

  • Account linking problems
  • Dashboard errors
  • Integration issues
  • General platform questions

FAQs

Can I change my bank account?

Yes, at any time through the Stripe Dashboard. Changes take effect for future payouts.

How long does verification take?

Usually instant. Manual review may take 1-2 business days.

Can I use PayPal?

No, refVenue uses Stripe Connect for direct bank deposits only.

Are there any fees?

No fees for affiliates. Stripe and refVenue don't charge you for receiving payments.

What if I don't have a bank account?

You need a bank account to receive payouts. Consider opening one or using a digital bank like Chime or Revolut.

Can I have multiple payout accounts?

One account per profile. All programs pay to the same account.

What happens to pending earnings?

They remain in pending status until you setup your payout account. No earnings are lost.

Is my information secure?

Yes. Stripe is bank-level secure, PCI compliant, and trusted by millions of businesses worldwide.

Next Steps

My EarningsJavaScript Tracking