Stripe Connect & Payouts
This is how you actually get paid. EZTalent uses Stripe Connect to send money directly to your bank account. It's the same system used by Lyft, DoorDash, and Shopify - so yeah, it's legit. Let's get you set up.
What is Stripe Connect?
Stripe is one of the biggest payment processors in the world. Stripe Connect is their tool for sending money to people like you - creators, freelancers, anyone who gets paid through a platform.
Why We Use It
- It's secure - Bank-level encryption keeps your info safe
- It's fast - Most payouts arrive in 1-3 business days
- It's global - Works in 45+ countries with 135+ currencies
- It handles taxes - Sends you 1099s if you're in the US
This is a simplified version of Stripe designed for people receiving payouts. It's linked to your EZTalent profile but managed by Stripe.
Setting Up Stripe Connect
You need to do this before you can get paid. Don't worry - it's mostly just filling out forms.
What You'll Need
- Your EZTalent account (obviously)
- A government-issued ID (passport, driver's license, or national ID)
- Your bank account details
- Tax info (SSN if you're in the US, varies by country)
Step by Step
- Go to Settings > Payments in your EZTalent dashboard
- Click "Connect with Stripe" - You'll leave EZTalent briefly
- Create a Stripe account (or sign into an existing one)
- Fill out your personal info - Name, birthday, address, phone
- Verify your identity - Upload your ID
- Add your bank account - This is where your money goes
- Review and submit - Double-check everything
- Return to EZTalent - You'll be redirected automatically
If you stop halfway, your account won't work properly. If something interrupts you, go back to Settings > Payments and click "Continue Setup" to pick up where you left off.
Identity Verification
Stripe needs to verify you're a real person. This is a legal requirement (blame financial regulations, not us).
What Documents Work
| Document Type | What's Accepted |
|---|---|
| Government ID | Passport, driver's license, national ID card |
| Proof of Address | Utility bill, bank statement, government letter (sometimes required) |
| Selfie | Photo of you holding your ID (sometimes required) |
Taking a Good ID Photo
Bad photos are the #1 reason for verification delays. Here's how to do it right:
- Good lighting - No shadows, no glare
- All four corners visible - Don't crop any part of the ID
- Everything readable - If you can't read your name, neither can they
- High resolution - Don't use a blurry photo
- Not expired - Check the date on your ID
How Long Verification Takes
| Scenario | Time |
|---|---|
| Automatic approval | Instant to a few minutes |
| Manual review needed | 1-3 business days |
| Additional docs requested | Depends on how fast you respond |
Check your status anytime in Settings > Payments. Stripe will also email you updates.
Adding Your Bank Account
This is where your money goes. Get it right the first time to avoid payout failures.
Payout Options
| Method | Where | How Fast |
|---|---|---|
| Bank (ACH) | US | 1-2 business days |
| Bank (Wire) | International | 2-5 business days |
| Debit Card | US (Instant Payouts) | Within minutes |
What Info You'll Need
For US bank accounts:
- Bank name
- Your name (as it appears on the account)
- Routing number (9 digits)
- Account number
- Checking or savings
For international accounts:
- Bank name and address
- Your name
- IBAN or account number
- SWIFT/BIC code
- Currency
One wrong digit in your account number = failed payout = delayed money. Take your time here.
Changing Your Bank Account Later
- Go to Settings > Payments
- Click "Manage Stripe Account"
- Navigate to bank account settings
- Add new account or update existing
How Long Until You Get Paid?
Let's break down the full timeline from "campaign done" to "money in bank":
| Stage | Typical Time | What's Happening |
|---|---|---|
| Campaign Complete | - | Brand says the work is done |
| Brand Approves Settlement | 1-7 days | Brand reviews everything and signs off |
| Admin Review | 1-3 business days | We double-check and approve the payout |
| Stripe Processing | 1-2 business days | Stripe sends the money |
| Bank Processing | 1-3 business days | Your bank receives and posts the funds |
Realistic Expectations
- Best case: 3-5 business days after campaign completion
- Average: 5-10 business days
- Worst case: 2-3 weeks (if there are delays or disputes)
Track your payout status anytime in Dashboard > Earnings.
Understanding Your Payout Amount
Here's exactly how the math works:
| Component | Formula | Example ($1,000 campaign) |
|---|---|---|
| Campaign Budget | What the brand paid | $1,000.00 |
| Platform Fee (15%) | Budget × 0.15 | -$150.00 |
| Your Payout | Budget × 0.85 | $850.00 |
We cover Stripe's processing fees. That 15% platform fee is all-inclusive - you get exactly 85% with nothing else deducted.
Troubleshooting
Stripe Account Problems
"My account says Restricted or Limited"
- Cause: Something's missing in your verification
- Fix: Log into Stripe, look for alerts, complete what's needed
"My verification got rejected"
- Cause: Usually a bad ID photo or mismatched info
- Fix: Retake the photo with better lighting, make sure name matches exactly
"I can't finish the setup"
- Cause: Browser issues or session timeout
- Fix: Clear your cache, try a different browser, or use your phone
Payout Problems
"My payout failed"
- Cause: Wrong bank details, closed account, or bank restrictions
- Fix: Check your bank info in Stripe, contact your bank if needed
- Note: Failed payouts auto-retry, but contact us if it keeps failing
"My payout is delayed"
- Cause: Bank holidays, verification issues, or manual review
- Fix: Check Stripe for alerts, wait 1-2 extra days
- Contact us if it's been more than 5 business days
"I got the wrong amount"
- Cause: Currency conversion, multiple campaigns combined, or error
- Fix: Check your earnings dashboard for the breakdown
- Contact us if it doesn't match after accounting for the 15% fee
Bank Account Problems
"My bank account won't verify"
- Cause: Micro-deposit verification not completed
- Fix: Look for two small deposits from Stripe in your bank account, then enter those amounts in Stripe
"I can't add my bank account"
- Cause: Unsupported bank or country, or wrong format
- Fix: Check if your country is supported, verify account number format
- Alternative: Try adding a debit card instead (where available)
Your Stripe Dashboard
You have direct access to Stripe to manage your payment settings.
How to Access It
- Go to Settings > Payments
- Click "Manage Stripe Account" or "View Stripe Dashboard"
What You Can Do There
- See all your payout history and details
- Update your bank account info
- Download tax documents (1099s)
- Update personal information
- Complete any pending verification steps
- See upcoming payouts
Security Tips
Your payment info is sensitive. Keep it safe:
- Use a strong, unique password for your Stripe account
- Turn on two-factor authentication - Stripe supports it
- Check your payouts regularly - Catch anything weird early
- Never share login details - EZTalent and Stripe will never ask for your password
- Use secure networks - Don't manage finances on public WiFi
We will never email you asking for your password or full bank details. Only enter sensitive info on official sites: eztalent.app or stripe.com. Check the URL before logging in anywhere.
Where Stripe Works
Stripe Connect is available in 45+ countries. The big ones:
- United States
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Most EU countries
- Japan
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- And many more...
If Stripe isn't available in your country, email us at info@eztalent.app and we'll figure out an alternative.
Getting Help
For EZTalent Issues
- Email: info@eztalent.app
- For: Payout status, settlement questions, anything on our end
For Stripe Issues
- Access support through your Stripe Express dashboard
- For: Verification problems, bank account issues, technical Stripe stuff