How Freelancers Can Accept Card Payments (Stripe + Alternatives)

How Freelancers Can Accept Card Payments (Stripe + Alternatives)

Getting paid by check or bank transfer is slow. Clients have to write a check, mail it, wait for it to clear — or initiate a bank transfer that takes 3-5 business days.

Card payments are instant. Client clicks a link, enters card details, payment processes immediately. You get paid faster, clients pay easier.

This guide shows you how to accept card payments as a freelancer — from Stripe to alternatives.

📖 Part of our invoicing guide series: Card payments are part of the modern invoicing workflow. For the complete guide, see Simple Invoicing for Creatives & Designers.

---

Why Accept Card Payments?

Faster payments

Traditional methods:

• Check: 5-10 business days
• Bank transfer: 3-5 business days
• PayPal: 1-3 business days

Card payments:

• Instant (or within 24 hours)

You get paid faster. Clients pay when they receive the invoice, not weeks later.

Easier for clients

Traditional methods:

• Client has to write check
• Or log into bank
• Or set up transfer
• Multiple steps

Card payments:

• Click link
• Enter card details
• Done

Clients prefer card payments. It's faster and easier.

Professional appearance

Accepting card payments shows you're:

• Modern
• Professional
• Easy to work with
• Serious about your business

It builds trust and credibility.

Reduced payment delays

With checks/transfers:

• Client forgets to pay
• Check gets lost in mail
• Transfer takes days
• You have to follow up

With card payments:

• Client pays immediately
• Payment processes automatically
• No follow-up needed

Fewer payment delays.

---

How Stripe Payment Links Work

What is Stripe?

Stripe is a payment processor that lets you accept card payments online. It's the most popular option for freelancers and small businesses.

How it works:

1. You create a payment link (or use invoicing tool like inv.so)
2. Client clicks link (in email or on invoice)
3. Client enters card details (secure Stripe form)
4. Payment processes (instant)
5. You get paid (usually within 24 hours)

That's it. No complex setup, no merchant account needed.

Setting up Stripe:

1. Create Stripe account (free)

   • Go to stripe.com
   • Sign up
   • Verify email

2. Add business information

   • Business name
   • Business type
   • Bank account (for payouts)

3. Get approved (usually instant for freelancers)

4. Start accepting payments

   • Create payment links
   • Or use invoicing tool with Stripe integration

Setup takes 10-15 minutes. Then you can accept payments immediately.

Stripe fees:

• 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction (standard rate)
• Example: $1,000 invoice = $29.30 fee, you receive $970.70

You can:

• Pass fees to client (add 3% to invoice)
• Absorb fees yourself
• Split the difference

Most freelancers pass fees to client or build into their pricing.

---

Using Stripe with Invoicing Tools

Option 1: inv.so (Recommended)

How it works:

1. Create invoice in inv.so
2. Add Stripe payment link (automatic)
3. Send invoice
4. Client pays via link
5. Payment processes automatically

Pros:

• Automatic integration
• No manual setup
• Payment link included in invoice
• Status updates automatically

Cons:

• Requires inv.so subscription ($9/month after free tier)

Option 2: Stripe Invoicing

How it works:

1. Create invoice in Stripe dashboard
2. Send to client
3. Client pays via Stripe link
4. Payment processes automatically

Pros:

• Free (just Stripe fees)
• Direct integration
• Professional invoices

Cons:

• Basic invoice design
• Manual invoice creation
• Less customization

Option 3: Other Tools

Popular options:

• FreshBooks — Full accounting + Stripe
• Wave — Free invoicing + Stripe
• Bonsai — Freelancer tools + Stripe

All integrate Stripe for card payments.

---

Stripe Alternatives

PayPal

How it works:

• Create PayPal invoice
• Client pays via PayPal
• Funds available in PayPal account
• Transfer to bank (1-3 days)

Fees:

• 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction

Pros:

• Widely recognized
• Easy setup
• Good for international clients

Cons:

• Slower than Stripe
• Less modern interface
• Can hold funds (sometimes)

Square

How it works:

• Create Square invoice
• Client pays via Square link
• Payment processes
• Funds in account (1-2 days)

Fees:

• 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction

Pros:

• Good for in-person + online
• Simple interface

Cons:

• Less popular than Stripe
• Fewer integrations

Bank Transfer (ACH)

How it works:

• Client initiates bank transfer
• Money transfers directly to your account
• Takes 3-5 business days

Fees:

• Usually free (or small fee)

Pros:

• No processing fees
• Direct to bank

Cons:

• Slow (3-5 days)
• Manual process
• Client has to initiate

Check

How it works:

• Client mails check
• You deposit check
• Funds clear (5-10 days)

Fees:

• Free (just postage)

Pros:

• No processing fees
• Traditional method

Cons:

• Very slow (5-10 days)
• Can get lost
• Manual process

---

How to Add Payment Links to Invoices

Method 1: Using inv.so

1. Create invoice
2. Payment link automatically generated
3. Link included in invoice email
4. Client clicks to pay

No manual setup needed.

Method 2: Using Stripe Directly

1. Create payment link in Stripe
2. Copy link
3. Add to invoice (as text or button)
4. Client clicks to pay

Manual but free.

Method 3: Using Other Tools

Most invoicing tools (FreshBooks, Wave, Bonsai) include payment links automatically when you connect Stripe.

---

Payment Link Best Practices

1. Include link in invoice email

Don't just send PDF. Include payment link in email so client can pay immediately.

2. Make link prominent

Put link:

• In email body
• On invoice itself
• In payment terms section

Make it easy to find.

3. Explain payment process

In email:

Payment can be made via the link below with a credit or debit card.
Payment is instant and secure.

Set expectations.

4. Offer multiple payment methods

If client prefers:

• Bank transfer
• Check
• Other method

Be flexible. Card payments are fastest, but offer alternatives.

5. Follow up if not paid

If payment link not used:

• Send friendly reminder
• Offer alternative payment method
• Don't assume they saw the link

---

Handling Payment Fees

Option 1: Pass fees to client

How:

• Add 3% to invoice total
• Or add line item: "Payment processing fee (3%)"

Example:

Project Total: $1,000
Payment Processing Fee (3%): $30
───────────────────────────────
Total Due: $1,030

Client pays fees. You receive full amount.

Option 2: Absorb fees yourself

How:

• Don't add fees to invoice
• Fees deducted from payment
• You receive net amount

Example:

Invoice: $1,000
Stripe fee: -$29.30
You receive: $970.70

You pay fees. Client pays invoice amount.

Option 3: Build into pricing

How:

• Include fees in your rates
• Don't mention fees separately
• Client pays one price

Example:

Brand Identity: $2,400 (includes all fees)

Fees built in. No separate line item.

Most freelancers pass fees to client or build into pricing.

---

Security & Trust

Stripe security:

• PCI compliant — Meets highest security standards
• Encrypted — All card data encrypted
• Secure — You never see card details
• Trusted — Used by millions of businesses

Clients trust Stripe. It's secure and professional.

Building client trust:

• Use reputable processor (Stripe, PayPal, Square)
• Explain security (if asked)
• Show trust badges (on invoice/website)
• Be transparent (about fees, process)

Trust builds confidence.

---

FAQs

How long does it take to get paid with Stripe?

Usually 24-48 hours after payment processes. First payment might take longer (7 days) for new accounts.

Can I accept international payments?

Yes. Stripe accepts cards from most countries. Fees might be slightly higher for international cards.

What if a client's payment is declined?

Stripe will notify you. Contact client to:

• Check card details
• Try different card
• Use alternative payment method

Do I need a business license to use Stripe?

Usually no. Stripe works for freelancers and individuals. Check Stripe's requirements for your country.

Can I refund payments?

Yes. You can refund payments through Stripe dashboard. Refunds process within 5-10 business days.

What about chargebacks?

Stripe handles chargebacks. If client disputes payment, Stripe will contact you. Provide evidence, and Stripe will resolve.

Chargebacks are rare for legitimate invoices.

---

Ready to accept card payments? Try inv.so free — Stripe integration included, no setup required.