When to use Stripe
Square's built-in pay-over-time is Afterpay. If your customers specifically want Klarna or Zip — or your assistance-package checkout runs through Stripe — you connect Stripe, which supports Klarna, Zip, Afterpay, and Affirm. You can use either Square or Stripe at checkout depending on the pathway a customer takes.
| Checkout | Pay-later brands |
|---|---|
| Square | Afterpay |
| Stripe | Klarna, Zip, Afterpay, Affirm |
Set it up — step by step
~10 min
1. Create your Stripe account
stripe.com- Go to stripe.com and sign up (free).
- Complete business verification and connect your bank account for payouts.
~2 min
2. Turn on Klarna & Zip
Stripe Dashboard- In the Stripe Dashboard, go to Settings → Payment methods.
- Find Klarna → click Turn on. Find Zip → click Turn on.
- Stripe shows each option automatically to eligible customers at checkout. You still get paid in full, up front.
~3 min
3. Make a Stripe payment link
Stripe Dashboard- Go to Payments → Payment Links → create.
- Add your product/service and price (or an existing one).
- Create link → copy it and send it by text, email, or social. Klarna/Zip appear on the Stripe-hosted checkout.
Square vs Stripe — which to send? If Afterpay covers the customer, your Square link/invoice is simplest. If they want Klarna or Zip by name (or they're going through the Stripe assistance-package pathway), send the Stripe link. Same money to you either way.