How to Connect Stripe to WooCommerce

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Overview

This guide provides step-by-step instructions to connect Stripe to WooCommerce, start with Test Mode (even without a Stripe account), and transition to Live Mode to accept real payments.

Start with Test Mode (No Stripe Account Needed)

If you don’t have a Stripe account, you can still enable Test Mode to set up and simulate payments. Test Mode doesn’t process real payments and allows you to test checkout functionality.

Step 1: Enable Test Mode in WooCommerce

  1. Log into WordPress Admin.
  2. Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
  3. Search for WooCommerce Stripe Payment Gateway.
  4. Click Install Now, then Activate.
  5. Go to WooCommerce > Settings > Payments.
  6. Find Stripe (Credit Card / Debit Card) and Enable it.
  7. Click Manage next to Stripe.
  8. Toggle Enable Test Mode ON.
  9. Click Save Changes.

Step 2: Run Test Payments

  1. Visit your website’s checkout page.
  2. Use the following test card numbers:
    • Visa: 4242 4242 4242 4242
    • MasterCard: 5555 5555 5555 4444
    • AMEX: 3782 822463 10005
    • Declined Payment Test: 4000 0000 0000 0002
  3. Enter any future expiration date (e.g., 12/30).
  4. Use any CVC (e.g., 123 for Visa/MasterCard, 1234 for AMEX).
  5. Complete checkout and verify the order in WooCommerce > Orders.

Connect a Stripe Account for Live Payments

To accept real payments, you’ll need a Stripe account. You can create or connect one through WooCommerce.

Scenario 1: You Do Not Have a Stripe Account

If you don’t already have a Stripe account, follow these steps:

Step 1: Create a New Stripe Account

  1. Go to WooCommerce > Settings > Payments.
  2. Click Manage next to Stripe.
  3. Click Create or Connect an Account.
  4. Fill out Stripe’s signup form with:
    • Business information
    • Personal details
    • Banking details
  5. Agree to Stripe’s terms and authorize WooCommerce.
  6. Stripe will redirect you back to WooCommerce.

Step 2: Configure Stripe in WooCommerce

  1. Verify that Live API Keys are auto-filled (WooCommerce > Settings > Payments > Stripe).
  2. Set up a webhook in WooCommerce:
    • Click Configure Connection in the Stripe settings under Account Details.
    • WooCommerce will guide you to connect the webhook.
  3. Enable payment methods (Credit Cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay).
  4. Set Charge Immediately or Authorize & Capture Later.
  5. Click Save Changes.

Scenario 2: You Already Have a Stripe Account

If you already have a Stripe account, follow these steps:

Step 1: Connect Your Stripe Account

  1. Go to WooCommerce > Settings > Payments.
  2. Click Manage next to Stripe.
  3. Click Connect with Stripe.
  4. Log into your Stripe account and authorize WooCommerce.
  5. Once redirected back to WooCommerce, confirm Live API keys are present.

Step 2: Configure Stripe in WooCommerce

  1. Verify API Keys under WooCommerce > Payments > Stripe.
  2. Set up the webhook using the Configure Connection button under Account Details in WooCommerce.
  3. Enable Payment Methods (Credit/Debit Cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay).
  4. Choose Charge Immediately or Authorize & Capture Later.
  5. Click Save Changes.

Switching to Live Mode

Reminder: Test Mode must be disabled to accept real payments!

Step 1: Disable Test Mode

  1. Go to WooCommerce > Settings > Payments.
  2. Click Manage next to Stripe.
  3. Toggle Test Mode OFF.
  4. Ensure Live API keys are present (these should be auto-filled if you connected your Stripe account).
  5. Click Save Changes.

Step 2: Verify Live Transactions

  1. Place a small real payment to confirm successful transactions.
  2. Check WooCommerce > Orders to verify order processing.
  3. Ensure webhooks and payment methods are functioning correctly.

Final Notes

Start with Test Mode to avoid real charges during setup. Use WooCommerce’s “Configure Connection” button to set up webhooks without needing manual setup in the Stripe Dashboard.  Ensure Stripe account verification is complete (bank details, ID verification). Enable only credit card payments for compatibility (Spencer’s recommendation). Check WooCommerce > Orders after every change to confirm proper payment logging. Once satisfied, turn OFF Test Mode and start accepting payments!