Setting Up Payments
Before any parent can pay for registrations, you need to connect a Stripe account. This is standard identity verification (KYC) plus a bank account to receive payouts. It takes about 5 minutes, and once it’s done, you’re ready to accept money.
Why Stripe?
Stripe is the payment processor used by Shopify, Deliveroo, and millions of other businesses. We use Stripe Connect Expressso payments go directly from parents to your academy’s bank account — AcademyOS never handles the money. This keeps you in full control and removes PCI compliance burden from your shoulders.
- Your academy receives 100% of the registration amount you set.
- Stripe’s card processing fee + our platform fee is added to checkout — paid by the parent, not you.
- Available in 40+ countries across Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific.
Find the Stripe Setup Link
We create a Stripe Connect account for you automatically during academy sign-up.
The email titled 'Activate [your academy] — set your password' contains a 'Complete Stripe Setup' button. This is the easiest entry point.
Right after you finish the onboarding form, the confirmation screen has a 'Start Stripe Setup' button.
Once you log in, the dashboard shows a checklist until Stripe is live. There's a 'Resume Stripe Setup' button there too.
- Clicking Start opens Stripe’s hosted form in a new tab — you can always come back to AcademyOS without losing your place.
- The link is tied to your academy — don’t share it or have someone else complete it on your behalf.
Fill In Your Academy Details
Stripe needs basic business information so it can verify your identity.
The name registered with your local authority — e.g. 'Bierton Football Club'. If you're unincorporated, it's the name the academy trades under.
Limited company, unincorporated association, non-profit, sole proprietor, or charity — Stripe supports them all.
The address on your bank account or registration documents. PO boxes are not accepted.
Pick 'Amateur Sports Team or League' or the closest match. This helps Stripe apply the right rules and fees.
Director / Representative Identity
One person takes responsibility for the account — usually the chairman or academy director.
Match what's on your passport or driving licence.
Must be over 18.
Stripe uses this for identity matching against your ID document. Not published anywhere.
Passport, driving licence, or national ID. You can photograph it with your phone — Stripe handles the upload.
Stripe asks whether you're a director/owner. Select the option that reflects your relationship with the academy.
- The name on the ID must match the name on the bank account. If they don’t match, Stripe will reject the verification.
- Don’t use someone else’s details. Stripe cross-checks identity against public records and will suspend the account if details don’t line up.
Bank Account for Payouts
Where your registration money lands.
Sort code + account number (UK) or equivalent IBAN / routing number for your country. Stripe validates these in real time.
Default is rolling — each payment is paid out 7 days after it clears. You can switch to weekly or monthly payouts from the Stripe dashboard once you're live.
Matches the country of the bank account. If you're in the UK, payouts are in GBP; US bank, USD; etc.
- You can use a dedicated academy bank account or a personal account, depending on how you’re structured.
- Stripe supports most high-street banks and challengers (Monzo, Starling, Revolut Business, etc.) — the validation is automatic.
Return to AcademyOS
Stripe redirects you back automatically.
When you click Submiton Stripe’s final page, you’re redirected back to AcademyOS. We check the status in real time:
Green tick — You’re live
Charges and payouts are both enabled. Share your registration link with parents.
Pending review
Usually clears in a few minutes. For some company types it can take up to 24 hours. You’ll get an email from Stripe when it’s done.
More info needed
Stripe will email you exactly what’s missing — usually a clearer photo of an ID or a matching address document. Use the resume link to pick up where you left off.
If You Get Interrupted
Closed the Stripe tab? Phone died? No problem. Stripe onboarding links are one-time use, but you can always generate a fresh one:
- The welcome email’s “Complete Stripe Setup” button keeps working until setup is done.
- Your admin dashboard shows a “Resume Stripe Setup” banner at the top until you finish.
- Registrations are automatically blocked until Stripe confirms charges are enabled — you can’t accidentally accept payments you can’t receive.
Frequently asked
How much does Stripe charge?›
Stripe’s card processing fee is approximately 1.5% + 20p per transaction in the UK, or 2.9% + 30¢ in the US. This is charged to the parent at checkout, on top of the registration fee you set.
When do I get paid?›
Stripe’s default payout schedule is rolling — each payment is settled to your bank 7 days after it clears. You can switch to weekly or monthly payouts once your account is active, from the Stripe dashboard.
Can I use a personal bank account?›
Yes, if your academy is unincorporated or you’re registered as a sole proprietor. For limited companies and charities, Stripe will ask for a business account that matches the registered entity.
What if I already have a Stripe account for something else?›
AcademyOS creates a dedicated Stripe Connect Express account for your academy — it’s separate from any existing Stripe account you might have. This keeps your academy’s finances cleanly separated.
What if Stripe rejects my account?›
Stripe will email you explaining exactly what’s needed. Most rejections are resolved by uploading a clearer photo of the ID or providing a matching proof-of-address. Our support team can help if you’re stuck.
Can parents pay by direct debit or just card?›
Card by default. We can enable local payment methods (direct debit, Apple Pay, Google Pay, SEPA, etc.) per country from our side — ask support if you need something beyond card.
Ready for the day-to-day?
Once Stripe is live, see how parents actually pay and how you track revenue.
Parent Payments & Billing