How do I start taking payments through CounselMore Auto Payment Processing Powered by Stripe?

Stripe Connect allows you to accept online payments directly from your clients through CounselMore. Once set up, you can create payment links and receive payments that are automatically transferred to your bank account.

CounselMore uses Stripe Express accounts, which provide a streamlined onboarding experience while giving you access to your own Stripe Dashboard for complete payment management.

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What You'll Need

• An active CounselMore account
• A valid email address
• Business or personal information for identity verification
• Bank account details for receiving payments

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Step 1: Access Your Accounting Settings

1. Log in to your CounselMore account
2. Navigate to Settings → Integrations
3. Scroll to the Stripe section (if available)

Step 2: Create Your Stripe Connect Account

1. Click the Create or Link Stripe Account button
2. CounselMore will create a Stripe Express account using your profile information:
   • Business Type: Individual (default)
   • Account Type: Express
   • Your name (from your CounselMore profile)
   • Your email address
   • Your company name (if provided)
   • Country: US
   • Capabilities: Card payments and transfers

Note: The account is created automatically with a unique Stripe Connect ID (e.g., acct_xxxxx), but you'll need to complete onboarding before you can accept payments.

Step 3: Complete Stripe Onboarding

After your account is created, you'll see a Stripe Dashboard button:

1. Click Stripe Dashboard to open the Stripe verification process
2. You'll be redirected to Stripe's secure onboarding flow
3. Complete the required steps:
   • Verify your identity (provide personal information)
   • Add business details (if applicable)
   • Connect your bank account (where you'll receive payments)
   • Review and accept Stripe's terms

Important: You must complete all onboarding steps before you can accept payments. Stripe requires this information for regulatory compliance.

Complete Stripe Onboarding - Link Behavior:

• If the link expires or becomes invalid, you'll be redirected back to CounselMore
• Simply click Complete Stripe Onboarding again to dive back in
• The link is valid for a limited time, so complete the process promptly

Step 4: Access Your Stripe Dashboard

Once onboarding is complete:

1. Return to Settings → Integrations → Stripe
2. Click the Dashboard button to access your Stripe Connect dashboard
3. The system will:
   • Verify your account capabilities are active (specifically transfers capability)
   • Generate a secure login link to your Stripe Dashboard (behind the scenes)
   • Open the dashboard in a new window
4. From the dashboard, you can:
   • View all transactions and payouts
   • Update bank account information
   • Manage payment settings and preferences
   • Download tax documents and statements
   • View detailed payment analytics

 

Payment Processing Timeline

• Payments are processed immediately when clients complete checkout
• Payouts to your bank account typically take 2-7 business days (depending on your bank)
• First payout may take slightly longer due to Stripe's verification process
  
  

Sending an Invoice with a Stripe Payment Link

Once your Stripe Connect integration is active:

1. Create or open an invoice in CounselMore.
2. You will now see a new option to “Include Stripe Payment Link.”
3. Enable this option before sending the invoice to the family.
4. Send the invoice as usual.

When this option is selected, a secure payment link generated by Stripe will appear in the invoice your client receives.

What Families See

When parents or students receive the invoice:

1. The invoice email will include a Stripe payment link.
2. By clicking the link, they can submit payment using their preferred method (credit card, debit card, etc.).
3. Payment processing is handled securely through Stripe.
   
   

How Payments Sync Back to CounselMore

After the family submits payment through Stripe:

1. The invoice is automatically marked Paid in CounselMore.
2. A “Record Payment” line item is automatically added to the invoice to reflect the successful Stripe transaction.
3. Your Accounting tab updates in real time, so payment status and totals remain accurate without manual entry.
   
4. No manual updates are required.

Viewing Transaction History and Balance

To review all payment activity processed through Stripe:

1. Go to Settings → Integrations → Stripe Account Integration.
2. Click Open Stripe Dashboard.
3. Inside the Stripe Dashboard, you can view:

• Complete transaction history
• Payouts and available balance
• Processing details and receipts

This allows you to monitor payment flow, reconcile finances, and confirm deposits directly within Stripe.

 

If you need help getting started, contact us at support@counselmore.com