Stripe Connect Setup Guide

To receive payouts from subscription revenue on Lovai, you need to connect a Stripe account. Lovai uses Stripe Connect Express, which means Stripe handles identity verification and payouts directly — Lovai never holds your funds.

This guide walks you through the complete setup process.

Step 1: Go to Payment Settings

1. Log in to Lovai and go to Settings → Payments.
2. Click "Connect Stripe Account".
3. You will be redirected to Stripe's onboarding flow.

Step 2: Create or Connect a Stripe Account

If you already have a Stripe account, you can connect it. Otherwise, Stripe will guide you through creating a new account.

• Enter your email address and a secure password.
• Select your country of residence (this determines your payout currency and tax treatment).
• Choose between Individual or Business account type.

Note for Japan: Japanese providers will need to verify their identity using a government-issued ID. Individual accounts require your My Number (マイナンバー) or a copy of your residence card/driver's license. Business accounts require a corporate registration number (法人番号).

Step 3: Complete Identity Verification

Stripe requires identity verification to comply with financial regulations (KYC — Know Your Customer). You will be asked to provide:

• Your full legal name and date of birth.
• Your home address.
• A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or residence card).
• For higher-volume providers, Stripe may request additional documentation.

Verification typically takes a few minutes to a few hours. In some cases, Stripe may take up to 2 business days for manual review.

Step 4: Add a Bank Account for Payouts

After identity verification, add your bank account:

• For Japan: enter your bank name, branch name, account type (ordinary/current), and account number.
• For other countries: enter your bank account number and routing number (or IBAN for EU countries).

Stripe supports payouts in the local currency of your country. Japanese providers receive payouts in Japanese Yen (JPY).

Payout Schedule

Stripe Connect Express uses a 7-day rolling payout schedule by default:

• Funds from a paid subscription become available for payout 7 days after the transaction.
• Payouts are then sent to your bank account on Stripe's standard schedule (usually daily or weekly depending on your settings).
• The first payout may take an additional 7–14 days while Stripe verifies your bank account.

You can view your payout history and adjust payout frequency in your Stripe Dashboard.

Common Denial Reasons and How to Fix Them

Identity verification failed

Cause: The ID document is blurry, cropped, or does not match the information entered.
Fix: Re-upload a clear, unobstructed photo of your ID. Ensure the name and date of birth on the ID exactly match what you entered.

Address mismatch

Cause: The address you entered does not match records (utility bill, bank statement, etc.).
Fix: Upload a recent utility bill, bank statement, or official document showing your name and address. Documents must be dated within the last 3 months.

Bank account not supported

Cause: Some bank accounts are not supported by Stripe (e.g., savings accounts in certain countries, or accounts at certain regional banks).
Fix: Try a different bank account (ordinary checking account at a major bank). Stripe supports most major Japanese banks including Mitsubishi UFJ, Sumitomo Mitsui, Mizuho, Japan Post Bank, and others.

Additional verification required

Cause: Stripe requires additional documentation for your account (more common for business accounts).
Fix: Check the email from Stripe and your Stripe Dashboard for the specific documents requested. Respond promptly — Stripe may pause payouts if documentation is not provided within the requested timeframe.

Account flagged for review

Cause: Unusual activity or Stripe's automated risk systems flagged your account.
Fix: Contact Stripe Support directly from your Stripe Dashboard. Lovai cannot intervene in Stripe account disputes. If you believe the flag is in error, provide supporting documentation to Stripe.

Re-linking Your Stripe Account

If you need to disconnect and reconnect your Stripe account (for example, to switch to a different Stripe account):

1. Go to Settings → Payments.
2. Click "Disconnect Stripe Account".
3. Re-connect with the new Stripe account by clicking "Connect Stripe Account" again.

Important: Disconnecting does not cancel any pending payouts already in Stripe's pipeline. Those will still be paid to the previously connected bank account.

Still Need Help?

For Stripe-specific account issues, contact Stripe Support directly — Lovai cannot access your Stripe account details.

For Lovai-specific payment questions, contact support@lovai.app.