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How to set up payment methods

Without an active payment method, your customers can't pay for their order. Enable cash on delivery in one click, or connect PayPal / Stripe to collect by card. About 4 minutes.
schedule 4 minutes school Beginner

Before you start

  • Your store is created and you are logged in to your admin area.
  • For PayPal or Stripe: have your account credentials (API keys) ready. Not needed for cash on delivery.

Without an active payment method, your customers can't pay for their order. It's the essential step before selling.

What you'll learn

  • Understand the 3 payment families: online, on delivery, bank transfer.
  • Enable a payment method in one click.
  • Set up an online payment (PayPal, Stripe) with your keys.

Step by step

Step 1 — Open “Payment” and pick a family

In the left-hand menu, click Payment. At the top, choose the payment family (marker ①):

  • Online payment — PayPal, Stripe (credit card).
  • Payment on delivery — cash, check, on receipt.
  • Bank transfer — wire transfer.
Why? Each family groups methods that are set up the same way. You find your way faster.
Payment methods screen: families (marker 1), Enable toggle (marker 2), Settings button (marker 3)
①②③ Pick the family, enable the method, open its settings.
lightbulbTip. Start with payment on delivery: it's a favorite for many buyers and enables in one click.

Step 2 — Enable a method

On the card of the method you want (e.g. Cash, On delivery), flip the “Enable” toggle (marker ②). The method turns Active and is offered to your customers.

To tweak its options, click “Settings” (marker ③).

Why? An “Active” method shows at checkout. Without enabling, it stays hidden.
lightbulbTip. The “X / 7 active” counter, top right, reminds you how many methods your customers are offered.

Step 3 — Set up online payments (PayPal, Stripe)

In the Online payment family, cards show “Unavailable” until configured (marker ④). Click “Settings” (marker ⑤) and enter your keys (PayPal credentials or Stripe API keys). The method then becomes enableable.

Why? PayPal and Stripe collect the card payment on your behalf: they need your credentials to pay the money into your account.
Online payment family: PayPal card (marker 4) and Settings button to enter keys (marker 5)
④⑤ PayPal / Stripe: “Unavailable” until you enter the keys in “Settings”.
warningHeads up. Your payment keys are sensitive. Never share them. Get them from your PayPal account or your Stripe dashboard.

Expected result

Enabled methods appear in green (Active) and in the “Overview” at the top of the screen. At checkout, your customer sees the list of methods you enabled and picks one.

With at least one active method, your store can collect its first orders.

Expert tips

  • Offer at least two methods. One online payment + one on delivery covers most buyers.
  • Reduce friction. Too many payment methods can complicate the choice: keep the ones that matter to your customers.
  • Test before launch. Place a test order to check that payment works end to end.
  • Reassure. A “secure payment” padlock and familiar logos (Visa, PayPal) build trust.

Common mistakes

MistakeWhy it's a problemThe fix
No method enabledThe customer can't complete their order.Enable at least one payment method.
PayPal/Stripe enabled without keysPayment fails or stays “Unavailable”.Enter your keys in “Settings” before enabling.
Test keys in productionReal payments are never collected.Use “live” (real) keys at launch.
Not testing the flowA checkout blocker goes unnoticed.Place a test order before opening the store.

Frequently asked questions

Which payment method should I start with?

Payment on delivery enables in one click, with no external account — ideal to launch. Then add an online payment (PayPal or Stripe) to collect by card.

Where do I find my PayPal or Stripe keys?

In your PayPal account (developer section) or your Stripe dashboard (Developers → API keys). Copy them into the method's “Settings”.

Can I enable several methods at once?

Yes. Enable as many as you like: the customer picks theirs at checkout. The “X / 7 active” counter tracks the total.

Is payment on delivery safe?

The customer pays on receipt (cash or at the counter). Simple and reassuring, but confirm orders to limit unclaimed parcels.

What does “Unavailable” on a card mean?

The method exists but isn't configured yet. Open its “Settings”, fill in what's missing (keys), then enable it.

How do I test a payment?

Place an order from your store. For cards, PayPal and Stripe offer a test mode (test keys) before switching to live.

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