Stripe is one of two payment processors your organization can connect to receive donations through HopeGives. When you connect Stripe, you're setting up a Stripe Express account connected to HopeGives' own Stripe platform. HopeGives is the merchant of record for these transactions, and funds are transferred to your connected account after each donation.
What You'll Need
- Your organization's legal name, EIN, and banking details
- Information to verify your organization during Stripe's Express onboarding (this may include a representative's identity details, depending on your organization type)
- Admin-level access to your HopeGives organization dashboard
How to Connect Stripe
- Go to Your Dashboard — Log in to HopeGives and head to your dashboard homepage
- Open Your Organization — Under "Your Organizations," click on your organization
- Click General Settings — Select "General Settings" from the left-hand menu
- Choose Stripe — Select Stripe as your payment option
- Complete Express Onboarding — You'll be redirected to Stripe to verify your organization and connect your bank account
- Return to HopeGives — Once onboarding is complete, your organization is ready to receive donations through Stripe
Stripe Fees
Stripe's processing fee is not a single flat rate — it varies based on the card network and the donor's location. See Stripe's official pricing page for the current, authoritative rate schedule.
| Payment Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Standard (Visa, Mastercard, Discover) | 2.9% + $0.30 |
| American Express | ~3.5% + $0.30 |
| International cards | +1% on top of the applicable rate |
| Currency conversion | +1% additional |
Is there a nonprofit rate?
Not at this time. Because HopeGives is the merchant of record on Stripe transactions, Stripe's nonprofit discount does not apply.
How Fees Appear on Your Stripe Express Dashboard
| Line Item | What It Includes |
|---|---|
| Total | Full amount charged, including any tip |
| Processing fee / HopeGives fee | One combined line — covers the Stripe processing fee and the tip (if any) |
| Net | Amount transferred to your organization |
Can I Change Processors Later?
Yes. You can return to General Settings at any time to disconnect Stripe and connect a different processor. Only users with admin-level access to your organization can view and update payment settings.
Note: Changing your processor only applies to new campaigns created after the change. Any existing campaign will remain on the processor it was created with.
What If Onboarding Doesn't Finish?
No problem — if you're interrupted partway through Stripe's Express onboarding, just head back to General Settings and pick up right where you left off.
Need a hand? Our support team is happy to walk you through Stripe setup or answer any questions along the way.