--- title: How do I start taking payments through CounselMore Auto Payment Processing with Stripe description: Accept payments from you clients directly through CounselMore with the Stripe Integration. --- [Skip to content](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/how-do-i-accept-payments-through-counselmore#main-content) English Show submenu for translations [![CounselMore College Planning Software Knowledge Base](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logos/CMLogo_CCS_wide_trans-w2000-1.gif?width=1116&height=125&name=CMLogo_CCS_wide_trans-w2000-1.gif)](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/?hsLang=en) Open main navigation Close main navigation - English Show submenu for translations Select below, or search by topic - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Knowledge Base : CounselMore Support](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/?hsLang=en) 2. [SETTINGS MENU & CUSTOMIZATIONS](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/settings-menu-customizations?hsLang=en) 3. [Settings - Integrations](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/settings-menu-customizations?hsLang=en#settings-integrations) # How do I start taking payments through CounselMore Auto Payment Processing with Stripe ## Setting Up Stripe Connect for Online Payments 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. --- #### 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 --- ### 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) ### ![](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Nov-15-2025-02-10-43-5880-AM.png?width=670&height=316&name=image-png-Nov-15-2025-02-10-43-5880-AM.png) ### Step 2: Create Your Stripe Connect Account 1. Click the **Create or Link Stripe Account** button ![](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Nov-15-2025-02-12-30-9345-AM.png?width=376&height=78&name=image-png-Nov-15-2025-02-12-30-9345-AM.png) 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: ![](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Nov-15-2025-02-14-58-0595-AM.png?width=401&height=215&name=image-png-Nov-15-2025-02-14-58-0595-AM.png) 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 After connecting your Stripe account through **Settings → Integrations → Stripe Connect**, you can begin accepting payments directly through your CounselMore invoices.  #### Sending an Invoice with a Stripe Payment Link Once your Stripe Connect integration is active: 1. [Create or open](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/accounting-marking-payment-as-received?hsLang=en) an invoice in CounselMore. 2. You will now see a new option to **“Include Stripe Payment Link.”![](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Nov-15-2025-02-29-50-9731-AM.png?width=458&height=337&name=image-png-Nov-15-2025-02-29-50-9731-AM.png)** 3. Enable this option before sending the invoice to the family.![](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Nov-15-2025-02-30-49-6265-AM.png?width=459&height=379&name=image-png-Nov-15-2025-02-30-49-6265-AM.png) 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**.![](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Nov-15-2025-02-34-01-3128-AM.png?width=461&height=254&name=image-png-Nov-15-2025-02-34-01-3128-AM.png) 2. By clicking the link, they can submit payment using their preferred method (credit card, debit card, etc.). ![](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Nov-15-2025-02-34-43-8230-AM.png?width=567&height=349&name=image-png-Nov-15-2025-02-34-43-8230-AM.png) 3. Payment processing is handled securely through Stripe. ![](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Nov-15-2025-02-36-26-0113-AM.png?width=576&height=187&name=image-png-Nov-15-2025-02-36-26-0113-AM.png) #### How Payments Sync Back to CounselMore After the family submits payment through Stripe: 1. The invoice is automatically marked **Paid** in CounselMore. ![](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Nov-15-2025-03-06-49-4087-AM.png?width=641&height=230&name=image-png-Nov-15-2025-03-06-49-4087-AM.png) 2. A **“Record Payment”** line item is automatically added to the invoice to reflect the successful Stripe transaction. ![](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Nov-15-2025-03-06-07-4323-AM.png?width=670&height=240&name=image-png-Nov-15-2025-03-06-07-4323-AM.png) 3. Your **Accounting tab** updates in real time, so payment status and totals remain accurate without manual entry. ![](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Nov-15-2025-02-37-02-3501-AM.png?width=536&height=188&name=image-png-Nov-15-2025-02-37-02-3501-AM.png) 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. **💰 Accumulated total balance provides users the opportunity to grab the lowest possible transaction rates available!!** #### Additional Resources: - [Stripe Payments - FAQ](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/stripe-payments-faq?hsLang=en) - [New Accounts Training : Settings \> Accounting Set up - Time Tracking, Invoicing & Payments, Stripe Integration - CounselMore Pay - Set up Billing Profiles](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/accounting-marking-payment-as-received?hsLang=en) *If you need help getting started, contact us at **support@counselmore.com*** **Community Learning Events Hosted by CounselMore Members** **[- Join live events Now!](https://www.counselmore.com/study-hall-edsoftware)** Sample a meeting below where community members teach each other about invoicing, time tracking and follow up.   - [ACCOUNT SET UP](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/account-set-up?hsLang=en#main-content) - [New Account - SELF GUIDED SET UP](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/account-set-up?hsLang=en#new-account-self-guided-set-up) - [New Account - FREE LIVE TRAINING](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/account-set-up?hsLang=en#new-account-free-live-training) - [New Account - MULTI LICENSE ACCOUNT SET UP](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/account-set-up?hsLang=en#new-account-multi-license-account-set-up) - [New Account - COLLEGE SEARCH NAVIGATION](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/account-set-up?hsLang=en#new-account-college-search-navigation) - [New Account - PARENT & STUDENT USERS](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/account-set-up?hsLang=en#new-account-parent-student-users) - [CLIENT MANAGEMENT](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/client-management?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Clients - Biographical Banners](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/client-management?hsLang=en#clients-biographical-banners) - [Clients - Assignments tab](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/client-management?hsLang=en#clients-assignments-tab) - [Clients - Files tab](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/client-management?hsLang=en#clients-files-tab) - [Clients - Messages tab](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/client-management?hsLang=en#clients-messages-tab) - [Clients - Accounting tab](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/client-management?hsLang=en#clients-accounting-tab) - [Clients - Quicklist](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/client-management?hsLang=en#clients-quicklist) - [Clients - Contacts](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/client-management?hsLang=en#clients-contacts) - [Clients - Fin Fit tab](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/client-management?hsLang=en#clients-fin-fit-tab) - [ADMISSIONS DATA & SEARCH NAVIGATION](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/admissions-data-search-navigation?hsLang=en#main-content) - [College Data](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/admissions-data-search-navigation?hsLang=en#college-data) - [College List - Columns](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/admissions-data-search-navigation?hsLang=en#college-list-columns) - [College Data - App Tracker](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/admissions-data-search-navigation?hsLang=en#college-data-app-tracker) - [GOOGLE-DRIVE](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/google-drive?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Google Drive Settings](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/google-drive?hsLang=en#google-drive-settings) - [Google Drive - Master Folders](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/google-drive?hsLang=en#google-drive-master-folders) - [Google Drive - Document Management](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/google-drive?hsLang=en#google-drive-document-management) - [SETTINGS MENU & CUSTOMIZATIONS](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/settings-menu-customizations?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Settings - My Business](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/settings-menu-customizations?hsLang=en#settings-my-business) - [Settings - Branding](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/settings-menu-customizations?hsLang=en#settings-branding) - [Settings - Default Data Columns](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/settings-menu-customizations?hsLang=en#settings-default-data-columns) - [Settings - Routine Assignments](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/settings-menu-customizations?hsLang=en#settings-routine-assignments) - [Settings - Webmaster](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/settings-menu-customizations?hsLang=en#settings-webmaster) - [Settings - Broadcast Station](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/settings-menu-customizations?hsLang=en#settings-broadcast-station) - [Settings - Reporting](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/settings-menu-customizations?hsLang=en#settings-reporting) - [Settings - Professional Log Books](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/settings-menu-customizations?hsLang=en#settings-professional-log-books) - [Settings - Toolbox](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/settings-menu-customizations?hsLang=en#settings-toolbox) - [Settings - Texting Set up](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/settings-menu-customizations?hsLang=en#settings-texting-set-up) - [Settings - Accounting Setup](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/settings-menu-customizations?hsLang=en#settings-accounting-setup) - [Settings - Integrations](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/settings-menu-customizations?hsLang=en#settings-integrations) - [SALES & DEMONSTRATIONS](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/sales-demonstrations?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Sales, Free Trials, Demonstrations](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/sales-demonstrations?hsLang=en#sales-free-trials-demonstrations) - [MEMBER BENEFITS](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/member-benefits?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Community Resources](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/member-benefits?hsLang=en#community-resources) - [Member Benefits](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/member-benefits?hsLang=en#member-benefits) - [Customer Service Support](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/member-benefits?hsLang=en#customer-service-support) - [Privacy Policies](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/member-benefits?hsLang=en#privacy-policies) - [Sales Lead Tools](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/sales-lead-tools?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Directory](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/sales-lead-tools?hsLang=en#directory) [![Chill listening crop-3](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/seminarsBadge-gold.png?width=26&height=26&name=seminarsBadge-gold.png "Chill listening crop-3")](http://counselmore.com) Please note that CounselMore is a robust college planning platform with multiple integrations. Copyright © 2025, CounselMore