Integrating Stripe for WordPress: Boost Your Online Payment

Whether you are just offering some in-app purchases on your website or turning your WordPress website into an eCommerce store, payment processing is a critical part. To that end, it’s important to know how to integrate Stripe for WordPress. It unlocks robust payment features, reduces friction at checkout, and enhances customer trust.

Stripe’s robust payment processing capabilities, combined with WordPress’s flexibility, empower businesses to accept payments and handle global transactions with ease.

Through this blog, I’ll explain how the WordPress experts integrate Stripe into WordPress for payment processing and ensure the best of this feature on the website.

What is Stripe?

Stripe is a leading financial technology company that provides businesses with tools to accept and manage online payments. It offers a comprehensive suite of payment processing solutions, including support for credit and debit cards, digital wallets, and bank transfers.

Its platform is designed to handle everything from one-time payments to recurring subscriptions, making it a versatile choice for businesses of all sizes.

Stripe prioritizes security, offering built-in fraud prevention and compliance with global payment standards like PCI-DSS. With its ability to process payments in over 135 currencies and operate in more than 40 countries, Stripe is a powerful tool for businesses looking to scale globally.

How to Set Up Stripe for WordPress? (Without Plugin)

Setting up Stripe for WordPress involves a few key steps, and the process can vary slightly depending on whether you’re using a dedicated plugin or integrating it directly.

To start with, we assume you have already set up a WordPress website with an eCommerce plugin like WooCommerce. Let’s begin the process.

Step 1: Create a Stripe Account

Go to Stripe and sign up and log in. Navigate to Developers > API Keys in the Stripe dashboard.

Copy the Publishable Key and Secret Key (use test mode for development).

Step 2: Add Stripe Payment Form to WordPress

Open your WordPress theme files using an FTP client or file manager. Navigate to your theme folder (wp-content/themes/your-theme).

Open the functions.php file or create a custom PHP file and insert the following HTML form in your WordPress page or template file:

<form action="payment.php" method="POST">

    <script src="https://checkout.stripe.com/checkout.js" 
        class="stripe-button" 
        data-key="your_publishable_key" 
        data-amount="5000" 
        data-name="Your Site Name" 
        data-description="Product Description" 
        data-currency="usd">
    </script>

</form>

Replace “your_publishable_key” with your actual Stripe Publishable Key.

Step 3: Process Payments Using Stripe API

Create a new payment.php file in your theme directory. Add the following PHP code to handle the payment processing:

<?php

require 'vendor/autoload.php'; // Install Stripe SDK via Composer
\Stripe\Stripe::setApiKey('your_secret_key');

if ($_SERVER["REQUEST_METHOD"] == "POST") {
    try {
        $charge = \Stripe\Charge::create([
            'amount' => 5000, // Amount in cents
            'currency' => 'usd',
            'source' => $_POST['stripeToken'],
            'description' => 'Payment for Product',
        ]);

        echo "<h2>Payment Successful!</h2>";

    } catch (\Stripe\Exception\CardException $e) {
        echo "Error: " . $e->getMessage();
    }
}

?>

Replace ‘your_secret_key’ with your actual Stripe Secret Key.

Step 4: Install Stripe SDK (If Needed)

If your WordPress site allows SSH access, install the Stripe PHP SDK via Composer:

composer require stripe/stripe-php

This will create a vendor directory with the necessary Stripe files.

Step 5: Test the Integration

Enable test mode in Stripe. Use test card numbers like ‘4242 4242 4242 4242’ with any valid expiration date and CVC.

Make a test payment and check the Stripe Dashboard for transaction logs.

Step 6: Deploy in Live Mode

Switch API keys to live mode. Update your Stripe keys in payment.php and HTML form and test a real transaction with an actual credit card.

Now, you can accept stripe payments with ease. However, this method requires regular security updates and Stripe API maintenance. For that, you can hire our professional WordPress development experts.

How to Set Up Stripe for WordPress? (With Plugin)

Now we move to a more convenient way to integrate features and functionalities into WordPress websites, i.e. plugins. If you want to set up Stripe for WordPress, there are plugins available.

Step 1: Create a Stripe Account

Go to Stripe and sign up or log in. Navigate to Developers > API Keys in the Stripe dashboard.

Copy the Publishable Key and Secret Key for later use.

Step 2: Choose a Stripe Payment Plugin

Several plugins support Stripe payments. The most popular ones include:

• WooCommerce Stripe Payment Gateway
• Payment Plugins for Stripe WooCommerce
• WP Simple Pay

You need to analyze the options and choose the best WordPress plugin based on the installations, features, and of course, reviews.

Step 3: Install and Configure the Stripe Plugin

To install the plugin:

• Log in to your WordPress Admin Dashboard.
• Go to Plugins > Add New.
• Search for “Stripe”.
• Install and activate your preferred plugin.

After the installation, configure the API settings, along with any setup necessary for credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, local gateways, and more.

Step 4: Test the Integration

Enable Test Mode in the plugin settings. Use Stripe’s test card number (4242 4242 4242 4242) to simulate a payment.

Ensure the payment process works smoothly and that you receive test payments in your Stripe dashboard.

Step 5: Go Live

Once testing is complete, disable Test Mode in the plugin settings. Your Stripe integration is now live and ready to start accepting payments.

Step 6: Add a Payment Form (Optional)

If you’re using a plugin like WP Simple Pay, you can create payment forms without WooCommerce. Go to WP Simple Pay > Add New to design and embed payment forms on any page or post.

Check your Stripe Dashboard regularly to monitor transactions, refunds, and customer activity.

If none of the available plugins serve your cause, get our WordPress plugin development services. We’ll help create a plugin that is suitable to your website and functional requirements.

Why Integrate Stripe for WordPress Site?

Integrating Stripe with your WordPress site offers numerous advantages, primarily centered around streamlining payment processing and enhancing the customer experience. Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits:   

Enhanced Payment Methods Flexibility

Stripe supports various payment methods, including credit and debit cards, digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay), and bank transfers, catering to diverse customer preferences.

Improved Checkout Experience

Stripe’s optimized checkout flows minimize friction, leading to higher conversion rates. Customers can complete purchases quickly and securely. It also supports recurring payments for better convenience.

Robust Security

Stripe adheres to stringent security standards (PCI DSS Level 1), ensuring that sensitive payment data is handled securely, building customer trust.

Subscription Management

For businesses offering recurring services, Stripe provides powerful subscription management tools, simplifying billing and revenue tracking.

Global Reach

Stripe supports transactions in multiple currencies, enabling businesses to expand their reach and cater to international customers.

Fraud Prevention

Stripe’s advanced fraud detection and prevention tools help protect businesses from potentially fraudulent transactions, minimizing financial risks with respect to payment details.

Other Advantages

• Seamless Integration: When using a well coded plugin, Stripe can be integrated into WordPress with relative ease.
• Detailed Reporting and Analytics: Stripe provides comprehensive reporting and analytics, giving you valuable insights into your sales and customer behavior.
• Mobile Optimization: Stripe’s checkout is mobile-friendly, ensuring a smooth payment experience for customers on all devices.
• Increased Professionalism: Using a well known and trusted payment gateway, like stripe, increases the professional look of your website.

In essence, integrating Stripe with your WordPress site empowers you to create a secure, efficient, and user-friendly payment system. You can start accepting payments through customers’ desired method, ultimately driving sales and fostering customer loyalty.

FAQs on Stripe for WordPress

Let’s Conclude

Integrating Stripe with WordPress is a powerful way to streamline online payments, whether you’re running an eCommerce store, a membership site, or a simple donation platform.

With its robust security, global currency support, and seamless integration options, Stripe helps offer a smooth and reliable checkout experience. With plugins like WooCommerce Stripe Payment Gateway or WP Simple Pay, even non-technical users can set up and manage payments with ease.

So, need help with adding the latest functionalities into your website? Then hire our professional WordPress development services today!