> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.coachiq.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connecting Stripe to CoachIQ

> Connect your Stripe account to CoachIQ to start accepting payments, processing subscriptions, and managing transactions

<Info>
  **Where to find this**: Settings → Billing → Stripe
</Info>

## What you need

* Admin access in CoachIQ
* A Stripe account (you can create one during this process)

<Warning>
  Only CoachIQ admins can connect payment processing.
</Warning>

## Connect Stripe

<Steps>
  <Step title="Navigate to Stripe settings">
    From your CoachIQ dashboard:

    1. Click **Settings** in the left sidebar
    2. Select **Stripe Portal**

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/coachiq/9SJaPNIe0lJkQsrD/images/stripe-settings-location.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=9SJaPNIe0lJkQsrD&q=85&s=b3aedcd858e8b101ffc9a8115eed5240" alt="Stripe Settings Location" width="1716" height="2716" data-path="images/stripe-settings-location.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click Connect Stripe">
    Click the blue **Connect Stripe** button.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/coachiq/Btg9szWxV3LLGtL1/images/Connectstripe.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=Btg9szWxV3LLGtL1&q=85&s=acbec66c298ffb00c505176399395ac4" alt="Connect Stripe Button" width="576" height="388" data-path="images/Connectstripe.png" />
    </Frame>

    You'll be redirected to Stripe. If you already have a Stripe account, sign in. If not, you'll create one now.

    <Tip>
      Have multiple Stripe accounts? Make sure you're logged into the correct one before authorizing.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Authorize CoachIQ">
    Stripe will ask you to authorize CoachIQ to access your account.

    CoachIQ needs this access to:

    * Process payments on your behalf
    * Create and manage products
    * Handle subscription billing
    * Issue refunds
    * Sync transaction data

    Click **Connect** to authorize.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm connection">
    After authorization, you'll return to CoachIQ.

    The Stripe settings page now shows:

    * **Status**: Connected (green)
    * **Account**: Your Stripe email
    * **Mode**: Test or Live

    <Check>
      **Connected.** You can now accept payments.
    </Check>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Test mode vs. live mode

Stripe provides two environments:

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Test Mode">
    **Use for setup and testing**

    * No real money processes
    * Use Stripe's test card numbers
    * Test booking flows, subscriptions, refunds
    * Safe environment for experimenting

    Switch to Test Mode in your Stripe dashboard to test payments without charging real cards.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Live Mode">
    **Real payments with real money**

    * Production environment
    * Charges actual credit cards
    * Money deposits to your bank
    * Switch to Live Mode when ready to accept real payments

    Your first payout takes 7-10 days. After that, payouts follow your Stripe schedule (typically daily or weekly).
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

<Info>
  CoachIQ automatically syncs with whichever mode is active in Stripe. Toggle between modes in your Stripe dashboard.
</Info>

Once Stripe is connected:

* **Payments section activates**: Create products, view transactions, manage subscriptions
* **Real-time sync**: All transactions, refunds, and subscription changes sync automatically
* **Customer data flows**: Payment methods and billing information sync between platforms

## Related articles

* [Understanding CoachIQ Payments](/payments/getting-started)
* [Stripe Dashboard Basics](/payments/stripe-dashboard)
* [Creating Your First Product](/payments/product-builder)