Integrating Stripe for ACH and Credit Card Transaction Processing

Integrating Stripe for ACH and Credit Card Transaction Processing

Stripe Overview

Stripe is a leading online payment processing platform that allows businesses to seamlessly accept payments through credit cards, debit cards, ACH transfers, and other digital payment methods. Known for its robust security, ease of integration, and global reach, Stripe provides businesses with the tools needed to manage online transactions efficiently.

Stripe is the integrated payment processor for CustomBooks™, enabling your customers to pay directly from emailed sales orders and sales invoices. Once set up, it also allows you to charge payments directly from the Cash Receipt document.

Setting Up Stripe in CustomBooks™

Integrating Stripe with CustomBooks™ is a straightforward process that enables you to start accepting payments from your customers quickly and securely. In this section, we'll guide you through the necessary steps to connect your Stripe account with CustomBooks™, ensuring smooth and efficient payment processing for sales orders, invoices, and cash receipts.
  1. Create an account with Stripe.
  2. Log in to your Stripe account and connect your bank account for your payouts. Stripe has full instructions on their site for this process.
  3. Log in to CustomBooks™, go to Admin Panel > Integrations.
  4. On the Embedded Tab, select 'Payments' in the Functionality drop-down. Look for Stripe and click the gear icon.
  5. Click the Connect to Stripe button. A confirmation screen will appear, indicating that the connection was successful. You can then close the window.
  6. Complete the configuration options now available in the Stripe integration settings.
    1. Enable/Disable Credit Cards.
    2. Enable/Disable ACH, as needed.
    3. Bank Account: The account that will receive transfers from Stripe. Account Type: Bank/Cash and Cash Equivalents.
    4. Stripe Clearing Account: The account that will hold the sales receipts until they are transferred to your bank account. Account Type: Bank/Cash and Cash Equivalents.
    5. Stripe Bank Fees Account: The account that will record the Stripe Transaction Fees. Account Type: Expenses.
    6. Stripe Refund Account: The account that will record refunds processes through Stripe. Account Type: Contra Sales.
    7. If you wish to automatically send a Cash Receipt to the customer upon processing their payment, check the checkbox.
    8. If you wish to automatically create a Bank Deposit document when Stripe transfers money to your Bank Account, check the checkbox.


Note: Settings are Saved automatically.

Payment Methods

Your customers will be able to pay via Credit Card or ACH. Once you've enabled these payment methods in Stripe, the 'Make Payment' button will automatically appear in the body of Sales Orders and Sales Invoices emails. Customers can then make full or partial payments, which will be recorded in their Customer Record in CustomBooks™.

If you've selected the 'Automatically send Cash Receipt to customer when Stripe payment has been processed' checkbox, the customer will receive a Cash Receipt upon successful payment. Stripe will periodically transfer funds into your bank account. If you’ve enabled the 'Automatically create Bank Deposit when transfer from Stripe has been processed' checkbox, a Bank Deposit will be created in CustomBooks™, and the corresponding Cash Receipts will be marked as deposited.

Enabling Credit Cards and ACH Payment Methods

To enable your customers to pay via Credit Cards or ACH through Stripe, follow these simple steps:
  1. In your Stripe dashboard, go to Settings > Payments > Payment Methods tab.
  2. On the Payment Methods tab, you’ll find options for various payment methods.
    1. To allow payments via credit cards, turn on Cards. For more details on processing credit cards in CustomBooks™ via Stripe, please refer to this knowledge base article.
    2. To enable ACH payments, turn on ACH Direct Debit. For more details on enabling ACH payments in CustomBooks™ via Stripe, please refer to this knowledge base article.



Once these options are enabled, your customers will be able to use the selected payment methods when paying through CustomBooks™ sales orders and sales invoices.

Emailing Sales Orders and Invoices with a 'Make Payment' Button

With CustomBooks™, you can simplify the payment process by emailing Sales Orders and Invoices that include a 'Make Payment' button. This feature allows your customers to pay quickly and easily online. Follow these steps to set it up:
  1. Connect to Stripe: Ensure that you have completed the steps to connect your Stripe account to CustomBooks™. This is necessary for enabling online payments.
  2. Email the Sales Order or Invoice: When you email a Sales Order or Sales Invoice to a customer, the email will automatically include a 'Make Payment' button. Customers can click this button to make a payment for a Sales Invoice or a pre-payment for a Sales Order.
  3. Customer Payment Process: Upon clicking the 'Make Payment' button, the customer will be directed to the payment screen. Here, they can enter the payment amount and click 'Make Payment' to proceed.
  4. Payment Options: In the Payment Options window, customers can choose their preferred payment method, enter their information, and provide either credit card or ACH details.
  5. Transaction Processing: Stripe will securely process the credit card or ACH transaction and deposit the funds directly into your bank account.







Processing In-Person or Over-the-Phone Credit Card and ACH Payments Using Stripe

You can process credit card payments directly within CustomBooks™. After a one-time setup and registration of the customer's card, you can easily process payments through the Cash Receipt.

Registering Customer's Card or ACH Debit Bank Account in CustomBooks™

  1. Log in to CustomBooks™.
  2. Open the Customer Card by navigating to List > Customers. Find the customer, then double-click their name to open their record.
  3. On the Payment Methods tab, click the Add drop-down, then select either Add Card or Add ACH Debit Bank Account.
  4. Enter the customer information and credit card details or ACH bank information.


Upon successful registration, the card may be used at any time to process payments.

Processing Customer Payments in CustomBooks™

Once you’ve stored a customer’s credit card details in their company record in CustomBooks™, you can easily charge or pay an invoice without re-entering the card information. Follow these steps to process a payment using the saved credit card:
  1. Create a Cash Receipt. You can either create a new Cash Receipt or generate one directly from the Sales Invoice.
  2. Initiate the Payment. Click the Generate drop-down button, select Charge with, and then choose Stripe.
  3. Complete the Payment. Click Save or Save and Close to complete the process. The customer’s card will be charged, and a transaction number will be automatically recorded on the Cash Receipt.


By integrating Stripe with CustomBooks™, you optimize the payment process, allowing for secure and efficient credit card and ACH transactions. This integration helps simplify your financial operations, giving you more time to focus on growing your business. If you need additional information or have any questions, don’t hesitate to explore the available resources or reach out for support.

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