> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.loopit.co/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.loopit.co/billing/gateways.md).
# Gateways
{% hint style="info" %}
You’ll first need to **create** a **Stripe account** for your business. Once set up, you will connect your Stripe account to **Loopit**.
*(This Stripe account will be used to securely receive payments made by customers through their selected payment methods.)*
{% endhint %}
## What is Stripe?
Stripe is a **global online payment processing platform** that lets businesses accept payments (like credit and debit card transactions) securely over the internet. It handles things like authorising payments, processing charges, issuing refunds, and managing payment methods.
## Why do we need to Connect Stripe to Loopit?
Loopit doesn’t process payments itself — instead it **integrates directly with your Stripe account** so your business can accept and manage customer payments (e.g., card payments) through the Loopit platform. Without connecting Stripe, Loopit can’t capture or record actual payments made by customers.
## How to Create Stripe Account?
1. Go to [**stripe.com**](https://stripe.com/) and click **Start now**.
2. Enter your **email address**, create a **password**, and choose your **country**.
3. Verify your email address.
4. Log in to the [**Stripe Dashboard**](https://dashboard.stripe.com/).
5. Click **Activate your account**.
6. Select your **business type** (company, sole trader, individual, etc.).
7. Enter your **business details** (name, address, and industry).
8. Add your **bank account details** for payouts.
9. Complete **identity verification** (business and owner details).
10. Review the information and **submit** to activate your account.
## How to Connect Stripe in your Loopit Dashboard
1. Go to Settings > gateways > Click the 3 dots
{% hint style="info" %}
" Not Started " under status means nothing was done yet.
{% endhint %}
2. Enter your Stripe email address> click continue\
3. Enter your password on the next screen.
4. Enter the verification sent either to your email address or phone number:
5. If you didn't finish setting up your stripe account the next page during the process will ask you for business details or things that you still lack in your stripe account. (like the screenshots below)
\ 
6. Follow the next steps. Once youre done with all the steps, the page will prompt a successful connection message. (ie. *"Successfully connected your stripe account to Loopit"* )
7. When you go back to gateways tab from your loopit dashboard you will now see the stripe status as "completed" .
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