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

# Card payments (Stripe)

> Connect your Stripe account so patients can pay by card.

Patients pay invoices and deposits by card through your practice's own Stripe account. The money goes to your account, not Bilby's, and Bilby records each payment on the invoice. Taking payments is on [Billing and payments](https://docs.bilby.health/billing/overview).

## Set up card payments

1. Go to **Settings › Payments** and select **Set up payments**.
2. Stripe opens. Enter your practice's business details, ID and bank account. It takes about 5 minutes.
3. Stripe brings you back to Bilby when you finish.

If the card says Stripe still needs something, select **Continue Stripe setup**. If Stripe is reviewing your details, there's nothing to do; select **Refresh** later. Card payments are on once it shows as connected.

## What it costs

The Payments page shows whether Bilby adds a fee to card payments. Your practice also pays Stripe's own processing fees.

## Disconnect Stripe

On **Settings › Payments**, select **Disconnect**, then confirm. Patients can't pay online until you reconnect. Your Stripe account isn't deleted, and payouts in progress still reach your bank. **Reconnect Stripe** goes back to the same account.

## Troubleshooting payments

| Message | What to do |
| - | - |
| "Stripe could not be reached, so this payment status may be outdated." | Refresh later. |
| "Stripe could not start setup. Please try again, or contact Bilby support." | Try **Set up payments** again. If it keeps failing, contact Bilby support. |
| "Card payments cannot be set up yet. Please contact Bilby support so we can finish the Stripe setup." | Contact Bilby support. |


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