Which Connect to use: Stripe Checkout vs. Stripe Express

Stripe Checkout or Stripe Express—how do you know which to use?

This guide is all about helping you get your head around the differences between the Connect integrations offered by Stripe Checkout and Stripe Express. We'll break down who each platform is designed for and where it shines, covering a bunch of different situations.

By the time you finish this, you can pick the one that perfectly matches your operation and your end user’s goals. We'll dig into things like how tricky they are to integrate, what the user onboarding and experience is like, how much admin work is involved with each, as well as who is liable for what so you'll have all the info you need to make a smart choice.

Use Case for Stripe Checkout's Connect Integration

The typical user for a Standard Stripe account would be a small business, entrepreneur or startup, a registered charitable organization that issues tax receipts for donation, or a traditional rewards-based crowdfunding creator where the end user would require some additional management and flexibility with how their payment account operated.

Standard accounts are managed by user, and your platform simply facilitates the connection between your site and their account. These accounts are fully managed by Stripe, meaning the user handles most of the account setup and Stripe manages the backend payment processes, including compliance and payouts. Stripe also provides additional documentation such as income tax receipts and other financial records.

This would be an appropriate use for the Standard Stripe Connect via Stripe Checkout.

Use Case for Stripe Express' Connect Integration

In the increasingly common scenario, crowdfunding platforms are being used for raising funds for personal causes such as medical and/or life expenses, versus the traditional backing for a product or business launch. As such, onboarding with Stripe, which considers credit card payments as being part the realm of business entities, becomes a bit challenging for end users that aren't registered businesses or non-profit organizations.

The typical user doesn't have a registered business or charity number; they don't have their own website nor business location; they don't have a business name nor organizational position.  They have their own name, home address, and a personal government identity number.

This is an appropriate use for Stripe Express.

Stripe Express is not suitable for corporations, registered charities issuing tax receipts, traditional reward-based crowdfunding for small businesses, startups, or entrepreneurial enterprises. 

A Side-by-Side Comparison

*Additional funding types to be added

Conclusion

To wrap things up, grasping the main differences between how Stripe Checkout and Stripe Express handle Connect integrations means you can pick the perfect solution for your platform and, more importantly, for your users. Whether you're helping established businesses or individuals raising money for personal stuff, choosing the right Stripe Connect integration is key for a smooth, compliant, and efficient payment experience for everyone.

For more information on setting up each integration, see:

• Stripe Express
• Stripe Checkout and Stripe Connect