Approved Fast, Reviewed Later
Getting started is quick. Stripe can review your business later and ask for more information, or pause your account.2
Stripe Holds & Shutdowns
One Email Can Shut Down Your Sales.
1.6 / 5 on Trustpilot · 17,500+ reviews1
Stripe makes it easy to start. But its own rules let it close your account at any time and hold your money until it decides the risk is gone.23
Protect My BusinessSee the alternative ↓ACCOUNT NOTIFICATIONAction required
Your account has been closed
PayoutsPaused
Funds on hold:release date not set
1.6 / 5
Stripe's Trustpilot rating, from 17,500+ reviews. More than half are 1 star. Reviewers often mention unexpected account closures and delayed payouts.1
What Happens on Shutdown Day
A possible sequence. Not every closure follows these steps.
- 01
Card payments stop
Access to payment services can end.
- 02
Payouts pause
Expected deposits may be delayed.
- 03
Your money is held
A reserve may remain after closure.
- 04
Customers can't pay you
Without another checkout, sales can stop.
The Real Risk
Accounts Can Be Paused or Closed
Stripe's agreement lets it close your account at any time, with notice. Then you can't take card payments.2
Your Money Can Be Held
Stripe can hold part or all of your money in a reserve, released only when it decides the risk is gone.3
Hard to Reach a Person
Many business owners say it was hard to get answers once their account was frozen.4
There's a Much More Beautiful Way to Get Paid.
Your own payment system, approved up front and supported by real people.
- Free review
- Approved before you switch
- Easy checkout, uninterrupted payments
Stripe Questions
Why did Stripe freeze my account?
Stripe can pause an account if it sees risk, suspects a problem, or needs more information about your business. Check your Stripe emails for the reason.
Can Stripe hold my money?
Yes. Stripe can hold money in a reserve and releases it only when it decides the risk is gone. There is no set date.
How do I avoid a Stripe shutdown?
Any payment account can be reviewed. A payment system that is fully reviewed up front, a real person who knows your account, and a backup plan lower your risk.
What is a good alternative to Stripe?
A payment system set up just for your business and approved up front, so a surprise review is far less likely. Merchantify sets it up, connects your checkout and supports you with real people.
Why Put Your Business at Risk?
Get a free review of your Stripe setup and rates. We'll help you explore a better way to get paid.
Get My Free Review