Connecting Stripe
Stripe is a secure payment processing platform that allows you to accept credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets through Launchpad. Once connected, customers can pay for bookings online, and funds are deposited directly to your bank account.
Why use Stripe?
Connecting Stripe to Launchpad gives you:
Online payments — accept payments 24/7 through your booking system
Multiple payment methods — credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay
Secure transactions — bank-level security protects customer data
Automatic deposits — funds transfer to your bank account
Refund processing — handle refunds directly from Launchpad
Payment tracking — see all transactions in one place
Before you start
You'll need:
A Stripe account (create one free at stripe.com)
Your business ABN for verification
A bank account for receiving payouts
Owner or admin access in Launchpad
If you don't have a Stripe account yet, you can create one during the connection process.
Connecting your Stripe account
Go to Settings from the main menu
Click Integrations
Find Stripe in the Payment section
Click Connect with Stripe
Sign in to your Stripe account (or create a new one)
Review the permissions Launchpad is requesting
Click Authorise to complete the connection
You'll be redirected back to Launchpad
A green "Connected" badge will appear once the integration is active.
Verifying your Stripe account
Stripe requires identity verification before you can receive payouts. This is a regulatory requirement for all payment processors.
You may need to provide:
Business registration details (ABN)
Personal identification
Bank account information for payouts
Complete verification in your Stripe Dashboard to avoid payout delays.
Configuring payment settings
After connecting Stripe, configure how payments work:
Payment timing
Go to Settings > Payments
Choose when to collect payment:
- At booking — charge immediately - Deposit + balance — collect a deposit now, balance later - On arrival — capture card details, charge later
Currency settings
Launchpad processes payments in Australian dollars (AUD). This matches your Stripe account's default currency.
Receipt settings
Automatic receipts are sent to customers after payment. Customise these in your business settings.
Understanding Stripe fees
Stripe charges processing fees on each transaction:
Standard rate — 1.75% + $0.30 per successful card charge
International cards — additional fees may apply
These fees are deducted automatically before funds reach your bank account. Launchpad doesn't add any additional payment processing fees.
Processing refunds
When you refund a booking in Launchpad, the refund is processed through Stripe automatically:
Open the booking you need to refund
Click Refund
Choose full or partial refund
Confirm the refund amount
The refund is processed through Stripe
Refunds typically take 5-10 business days to appear on the customer's statement.
Note: Stripe's processing fees are not refunded when you issue a refund.
Viewing transactions
In Launchpad
View your payment history at Bookings. Each booking shows:
Payment status
Amount paid
Payment method
Transaction date
In Stripe Dashboard
For detailed transaction information, visit your Stripe Dashboard:
Full transaction history
Payout schedules
Dispute management
Fee breakdowns
Managing payouts
Stripe automatically transfers your balance to your bank account:
Default schedule — daily payouts
Payout timing — typically 2-3 business days after payment
Configure your payout schedule in your Stripe Dashboard.
Troubleshooting
Connection failed
Check you're signing in to the correct Stripe account
Ensure your browser allows pop-ups for the authorisation window
Try disconnecting and reconnecting
Payments not processing
Verify your Stripe account is fully activated
Check there are no holds on your account
Ensure your verification is complete
Refund issues
Confirm the original payment was successful
Check the booking status in Launchpad
Verify sufficient balance in your Stripe account
Payouts not arriving
Check your bank account details in Stripe
Review payout schedule settings
Look for any account verification requirements
Disconnecting Stripe
If you need to disconnect Stripe:
Go to Settings > Integrations
Find Stripe
Click Disconnect
Confirm the disconnection
Note: Disconnecting stops new payments but doesn't affect existing transactions or pending payouts.
Accepting online payments is essential for modern tourism businesses — Stripe makes it simple and secure.
