# Stripe in Italy Open a Stripe account What information is needed to open a Stripe account? Obligation to upload proof of identity and address, or company incorporation documentation How much does Stripe cost? ### Accept payments * What cards and payment methods does Stripe accept? * How can I accept payments from virtual cards like Expedia's, for example? * What currencies can I accept? * How can I make a refund? * Is it possible to send a payment receipt by e-mail to my customers in Italian? * Does Stripe offer 3D Secure (Verified by Visa / MasterCard SecureCode)? ### Wire transfers * How long does it take for the funds to be credited to my bank account? * Can I have a bank account in a currency other than the euro? * How can I change the description on the statement descriptor? ### Taxes and accounting * How is VAT handled with Stripe? * How can I carry out the bank reconciliation? ### Stripe products Stripe Checkout Stripe Elements Stripe Connect Stripe Billing Stripe Sigma Stripe Radar Stripe Atlas ### Various * What integrations can I use to complete the service offered by Stripe? * Is Stripe Safe? * What are the methods used by Stripe to limit the risk of fraud? * Disputes and cancellations: what are they and how are they managed by Stripe? * How can I make sure I've set up Stripe correctly? ### Glossary Frequently used words ### Open a Stripe account What information is needed to open a Stripe account? To open a Stripe account in Italy you need: * An Italian tax code * A physical address in Italy (where you can receive mail) * A valid identification document * A VAT ID (if you are registered for VAT) or a Codice Fiscale (if you are not registered for VAT) A bank account that can be in: * A eurozone country where Stripe is present and the currency is in Euro (EUR) * Great Britain in Pounds Sterling (GBP) * United States in Dollars (USD) * Sweden to Swedish Krona (SEK) * Norway to Norwegian Krone (NOK) * Denmark to Danish Krone (DKK) ### Obligation to upload proof of identity and address, or company incorporation documentation In certain countries, Stripe is required to collect, verify, and retain information about individuals or companies associated with a Stripe account. This obligation is enshrined in regulations and our financial partners and are intended to promote transparency and prevent individuals from using complex corporate structures to conceal funding from terrorist organizations, money laundering, tax evasion or other financial wrongdoing. One of the main reasons why we manage to activate accounts so quickly is our one-of-a-kind registration process. When a Stripe account is registered, we use the information entered by the user to systematically verify the company and the individuals associated with it. To complete the verification process, we may eventually contact you to request a copy of your photo ID, documents proving the correctness of your address or company constitutive documentation. If your driving license or ID card is uploaded, we may request that both sides of the document be uploaded. To make the process as simple and secure as possible, we direct users directly to the Stripe Dashboard, where they will find a notification at the top right of the screen. The whole procedure can be completed within the Dashboard and it is even possible to use your own webcam. We take privacy and security very seriously. For security reasons, we do not accept copies of identity documents sent by email. Our Privacy Policy explains the methods and purposes for the collection, use, disclosure and protection of any personal data provided to us. ### How much does Stripe cost? See our [pricing guide](https://stripe.com/it/pricing) for up-to-date pricing information. ### Accept payments What cards and payment methods does Stripe accept? Stripe accepts payments made with Visa, MasterCard and American Express cards. Most of the prepaid cards - such as Postepay - and ATMs issued by the main banking institutions adhere to the Visa and MasterCard circuits, and are therefore supported by Stripe. In addition, for European customers, we offer the payment methods iDEAL (54% of online payments in the Netherlands), Bancontact (30% of payments in Belgium), P24 (45% of payments in Poland), Sofort (15% of online payments in Germany) and Giropay (also very present in Germany). We also support payments via SEPA Direct Debit (bank debit). We also allow Italian merchants to accept payments via Alipay, Apple Pay and Google Pay, our partners. You will find a complete guide on payment methods at the following link: [https://stripe.com/payments/payment-methods-guide](https://stripe.com/payments/payment-methods-guide) ### How can I accept payments from virtual cards like Expedia's, for example? Do not hesitate to [contact us](/?contact=true) to enable them! ### What currencies can I accept? In Italy, Stripe offers settlement of transactions in 135 currencies. You will find the complete list of supported currencies in Italy on this page: [https://stripe.com/docs/currencies#presentment-currencies](https://stripe.com/docs/currencies#presentment-currencies) ### How can I make a refund? When a customer makes a payment, you have the option to refund it via the [API](https://stripe.com/docs/api/refunds/create) or the [Dashboard](https://dashboard.stripe.com/dashboard). To refund a payment on the Dashboard, open the payment page and click on the "Refund" button. You can choose whether to refund the total or partial amount. Depending on the bank, your customer will see the refund on their statement between 5 and 10 days later. ### Is it possible to send a payment receipt by email to my customers in Italian? We offer the possibility to send receipts to your customers (and also to yourself) for each payment made: [https://stripe.com/docs/receipts](https://stripe.com/docs/receipts) ### Does Stripe offer 3D Secure (Verified by Visa / MasterCard SecureCode)? Of course! Stripe supports payment processing via 3D Secure. Read more in our [documentation](https://stripe.com/docs/sources/three-d-secure). 3D Secure is a system for verifying the customer's identity before making an online purchase. With 3D Secure, the customer is automatically redirected to a page created by his bank, where he is asked to enter an additional password before completing the payment with his card. Being an authentication system, 3D Secure helps prevent fraud. Stripe offers other methods of [fraud prevention](https://stripe.com/docs/disputes/prevention), allowing the verification of the identity of customers. These tools include automatic CVC verification and cardholder address, as well as automatic anti-fraud systems. ### Wire transfers ### How long does it take for the funds to be credited to my bank account? Wire transfers to your bank account are made every day, and these funds are effective after 7 days (we are actively working to reduce this waiting time). For example, a payment received on August 1st will be deposited into your bank account on August 8th, and the August 2nd payment will be available on August 9th. You can choose the frequency of these transfers (every week, every month) or use the manual mode, and in this case it will be up to you to make the transfers regularly. You can change the frequency of wire transfers in the [Dashboard](https://dashboard.stripe.com/test/dashboard). For more information about the other countries, you can consult the following page: https://support.stripe.com/questions/ach-direct-debit-payment-settlement-time ### Can I have a bank account in a currency other than the Euro? Certainly. You can link bank accounts located in: * A eurozone country, where Stripe is present, and with the Euro currency (EUR) * Great Britain with Pounds currency (GBP) * United States with Dollars (USD) currency * Sweden with currency Swedish krona (SEK) * Norway with currency Norwegian krone (NOK) * Denmark with Danish krone currency (DKK) * Switzerland with currency Swiss Franc (CHF) For more information about the other countries, you can consult the following page: [https://stripe.com/docs/payouts#supported-accounts-and-settlement-currencies](https://stripe.com/docs/payouts#supported-accounts-and-settlement-currencies) ### How can I change the description on the statement descriptor? We know how important it is to have the correct statement descriptor displayed on your customers' statements. This type of information will allow customers to recognize the payment made on your site, thus avoiding possible disputes. You can change the statement descriptor directly from the Dashboard, in the "Business settings" area of ​​the account. Here is a small shortcut you can follow: [https://dashboard.stripe.com/account](https://dashboard.stripe.com/settings/account?support_details=true) It is possible to enter a number of characters between 5 and 22, which contain at least 5 letters and do not include special characters <,>,, 'or ". Find out more in our documentation: [https://stripe.com/docs/account#public-business-information](https://stripe.com/docs/account/manage#public-business-information) ## **Taxes and accounting** ### How is VAT handled with Stripe? Invoice VAT on payments To apply VAT to your customers, you need to include the VAT rate in the total amount you pay through Stripe. Although at the moment we do not automatically calculate the VAT, there are several additions that allow you to do this: * [Avalara](https://www.avalara.com/us/en/index.html) * [Billbo](https://github.com/piesync/billbo) * [Octobat](https://www.octobat.com/) * [Quaderno](https://quaderno.io/) * [Taxamo](https://www.vertexinc.com/) It is important to know that VAT rules depend on the nature of what you sell, the type of customers you sell to and where they are located. We recommend that you consult an accountant to determine the specific regulation that applies to your business. ### Invoice VAT on subscriptions If you need to invoice VAT on a subscription, you can use the tax_percent parameter when creating the subscription to set the VAT rate to apply. The final amount of the tax will be automatically calculated based on the net amount of the invoice and added to the total, taking into account any discounts and "invoice items." ### VAT on Stripe fees From 2022 through June 30, 2025, Stripe charged Italian VAT to Stripe fees charged to users domiciled in Italy. For services provided after June 30, 2025, Stripe will provide services through Ireland and will not charge VAT. If you think you may need to self-account (“reverse charge”) for local VAT in your jurisdiction on the services received from Stripe (product and service fees), we recommend contacting a tax advisor or accountant for support. Stripe will deliver a tax invoice to your Dashboard that includes monthly activity on your Stripe account. This is not an e-invoice.   You can learn more about this here. ### How can I carry out the bank reconciliation? For bank reconciliation, we recommend downloading the [Balance export](https://dashboard.stripe.com/balance): every single transaction on your account, such as payments, refunds and disputes (all operations that affect the amount of wire transfers) are listed here, making accounting for certain periods very easy time. [Payments exports](https://dashboard.stripe.com/payments) provides more detail on each payment made, which can be useful for customer service but is not intended for accounting purposes. The Payments export also includes data on failed transactions and does not treat refunds in the same way, which means that this export will automatically be different from the [Monthly Report](https://dashboard.stripe.com/settings/legacy_exports). Stripe also allows you to download reports in [Quickbooks format](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/global/). ## **Stripe products** ### Stripe Checkout [Checkout](https://stripe.com/payments/checkout) is a pre-integrated payment module optimized for the customer conversion rate, especially on mobile. A / B tests are regularly performed and optimized on the Checkout module to maximize customer conversion to simplify and speed up payment on all devices. In addition, Checkout allows you to save your bank details and offer one-click payment to anyone who has already made a purchase on your site. Checkout is available in [various languages](https://stripe.com/docs/payments/checkout#features), including Italian. ### Stripe Elements [Elements](https://stripe.com/docs/payments/elements) allows you to integrate Stripe directly on your site by creating a payment module that can be completely customized and adapted according to the payment experience you prefer to offer for your customers. Some examples of modules created using Stripe Elements can be found in our documentation: [https://stripe.com/docs/stripe-js#examples](https://stripe.com/docs/payments/elements#examples) ### Stripe Connect We developed [Stripe Connect](https://stripe.com/connect) to allow you to perform all marketplace payment transactions: debit end customers, register merchants, define and collect your commission, and automate wire transfers for your merchants. Stripe Connect is available in Italy in two modes: "Standard" and "Custom." You will find a detailed explanation on the differences between these two modes here. Do not hesitate to [contact us](/?contact=true) for further information. ### Stripe Billing With Stripe, you can design, implement and manage any type of subscription plan, all through the Dashboard. In just a few clicks, you can build a plan, enroll customers and manage payments (both via credit card and any other accepted payment method, primarily SEPA debit on current account). [Stripe Billing](https://stripe.com/billing) allows you to flexibly set consumption period and billing deadlines, bill customers according to consumption, offer volume discounts, set up coupons, etc. ### Stripe Sigma [Stripe Sigma](https://stripe.com/sigma) is a "Data Analytics" tool directly integrated into your Dashboard that allows you to create customized SQL reports. ### Stripe Radar [Stripe Radar](https://stripe.com/radar) provides customizable anti-fraud tools, powered by machine learning and the collective intelligence of the Stripe network. ### Stripe Atlas [Atlas](https://stripe.com/atlas) makes setting up a company in the United States very easy. Specifically, Atlas allows you to create a company in Delaware (C-corporation or LLC), open a USD bank account at Silicon Valley Bank, and give you access to consulting services from PwC and Orrick, and $ 5K of Amazon credits. Web Services. And of course a Stripe account located in the United States. To access Atlas, click here: [https://stripe.com/atlas#join](https://stripe.com/atlas#join) ## **Various** ### Is Stripe Safe? Stripe is certified as a Level 1 Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard ([PCI)](https://www.pcisecuritystandards.org/) service provider, the highest level of security certification in the payment industry. We are audited by the same company that audits Google, Apple and Amazon. You can see our certification on the [Visa website](https://www.visa.com/splisting/searchGrsp.do?companyNameCriteria=stripe). Stripe saves your customers 'payment information for you (your customers' sensitive bank details never touch your servers) - this gives you the ability to control the entire customer experience without having to be responsible for complex PCI requirements. To ensure data protection, it is sufficient for you: * Obtain and use an [SSL certificate](https://stripe.com/docs/security) to secure payments on your site, * Use [Stripe.js](https://stripe.com/docs/js) or [Checkout](https://stripe.com/payments/checkout) to accept payment details and send them to Stripe servers without them passing through your servers. ### What are the methods used by Stripe to limit the risk of fraud? All Stripe users automatically benefit from fraud protection systems, at no additional cost. The core component is Radar, the machine learning system developed internally by Stripe to provide maximum protection against fraud in real time. Our fraud prevention system analyzes hundreds of different characteristics for each debit attempt in real time to protect Stripe users from fraudulent activity. Transactions deemed fraudulent are automatically blocked. More information at this link: [https://stripe.com/docs/radar](https://stripe.com/docs/radar) We also have various resources to reduce the risk of fraud on your account: * [https://stripe.com/docs/guides/fraud](https://stripe.com/docs/guides/fraud) ### Disputes and cancellations: what are they and how are they managed by Stripe? Sometimes it can happen that some transactions are contested by your customers. At Stripe, we call these disputes "chargebacks." When this happens, Stripe provides all the tools you need to defend your position. In fact, you will be able to upload all the necessary information and evidence through the Dashboard and Stripe will take care of forwarding all the documentation to your customer's bank. The entire decision making process can take up to 60 days. Importantly, reviewing the information provided and deciding who won the dispute is in the hands of the bank. When a dispute is filed, the bank automatically refunds the full amount to the customer. The amount of the initial payment and a commission of € 15 (imposed by the banks to cover the costs of the dispute) are taken from your Stripe account. Stripe automatically withdraws the entire refunded amount and this fee from your Stripe account. At the end of the review process, if you win the dispute, Stripe will refund you the full amount, including the € 15 chargeback. You can find all the information relating to disputes and chargebacks here: * [https://stripe.com/docs/disputes](https://stripe.com/docs/disputes) ### How can I make sure I've set up Stripe correctly? All Stripe accounts offer a test area. To try Stripe before activating your account, we recommend that you only use the test [API keys](https://dashboard.stripe.com/test/apikeys) and our [test card numbers](https://stripe.com/docs/testing#cards). ## **Glossary** ### Frequently used words The Dashboard is now available in Italian! However, we have thought of translating the words used most often here to avoid confusion from English: * Balance: Saldo * Card/bank statements: Estratto conto * Chargeback: Storno * Coupons: Sconti * Customer: Cliente * Dashboard: Bacheca (dove puoi accedere a al tuo account Stripe e tutti i movimenti) * Declined payment: Pagamento rifiutato * Disputes: Contestazione * Invoice: Fattura * Invoice item: Prodotto o servizio che viene fatturato e aggiunto ad un piano di abbonamento * Machine learning: Apprendimento automatico * Marketplace: Piattaforma * Payments: Pagamenti * Plans: Piani (di abbonamento) * Receipt: Ricevuta * Refund: Rimborso * Reversal: Rimborso effettuato pochi minuti dopo il pagamento, nel caso di un “reversal” il pagamento iniziale non appare sull'estratto conto del cliente * Statement descriptor: Descrizione sull'estratto conto * Subscriptions: Abbonamenti * Transfer: Bonifico * User: Utente (persona che ha un account Stripe)