Connecting Stripe

Overview

Stripe Connect allows eligible BeatMantra producers to connect their own Stripe account to BeatMantra and use Stripe for eligible marketplace payment and payout processing.

Connecting Stripe is part of setting up your producer payout configuration. It allows BeatMantra to associate your producer account with a Stripe-connected account while Stripe handles its own account onboarding, verification and payment requirements.

Both Free and Pro producers can connect Stripe. You do not need to upgrade to Pro simply to connect a Stripe account.

Creating a Stripe connected account is not the same as completing Stripe onboarding. BeatMantra only considers Stripe fully connected after the required onboarding conditions have been completed.

Who Can Connect Stripe?

Stripe Connect is available to eligible producers on BeatMantra's Free and Pro plans.

Your account should be properly set up as a producer before starting Stripe onboarding. BeatMantra may also require your payout information to be configured before you can fully use marketplace selling and payout features.

What Stripe Connect Does

Stripe Connect creates a connection between your BeatMantra producer account and a Stripe-connected account. This allows BeatMantra to identify the Stripe account associated with you when eligible payments are processed.

Stripe remains responsible for its own account verification and compliance requirements. This means Stripe may request additional information before your account is able to receive payouts.

Before You Connect Stripe

Before starting the connection process, make sure you are using the correct Stripe account and that the information you provide to Stripe is accurate.

• You are signed into the correct BeatMantra producer account.
• Your producer profile is complete.
• You have access to the email associated with your account.
• You are prepared to provide information requested by Stripe.
• Your legal and account information is accurate.
• You are connecting your own Stripe account.

Where to Connect Stripe

Stripe is connected from your BeatMantra Payout Settings.

1. Sign in to your BeatMantra producer account.
2. Open your Producer Dashboard.
3. Open Payout Settings.
4. Locate the Stripe Connect section.
5. Select Connect Stripe Account.

Starting Stripe Onboarding

When you select Connect Stripe Account, BeatMantra starts the Stripe Connect onboarding process and sends you to Stripe's secure onboarding flow.

Depending on your account and Stripe's requirements, Stripe may ask for personal, business, identity or payout information.

Follow the instructions displayed by Stripe and provide the requested information accurately.

Stripe Account Creation vs. Connection

One important part of the Stripe Connect process is understanding the difference between an account being created and an account being fully connected.

Stripe can create the connected account before you have completed every onboarding requirement. Therefore, BeatMantra may have a Stripe account ID associated with your producer profile even while your Stripe setup is still incomplete.

This does not mean that the account is ready for payouts.

What Happens If You Cancel Stripe Onboarding?

You can leave the Stripe onboarding process before completing it. If you do, your Stripe account may already exist, but the onboarding process remains incomplete.

BeatMantra identifies this state as an incomplete Stripe setup rather than treating the account as fully connected.

When this happens, return to Payout Settings and select Continue Stripe Setup to continue the onboarding process.

Canceling Stripe onboarding does not necessarily delete the Stripe connected account. If an account was already created, you may be able to continue the existing onboarding process.

Stripe Setup Statuses

BeatMantra uses the status of your Stripe onboarding to determine what should be displayed in Payout Settings.

Not Connected

You have not started the Stripe connection process. BeatMantra displays Connect Stripe Account.

Setup Incomplete

A Stripe connected account has been created, but the required onboarding process has not been completed. BeatMantra displays Continue Stripe Setup.

Continue the Stripe onboarding process before relying on the Stripe account for eligible payouts.

Connected

Stripe onboarding has been completed and the connected account meets the required conditions for BeatMantra to consider the Stripe connection ready.

BeatMantra checks the Stripe account status rather than simply checking whether a Stripe account ID exists.

Completing Stripe Onboarding

To complete the setup, continue through Stripe's onboarding process until Stripe confirms that the required information has been submitted.

Stripe may request additional information depending on your account, location and verification requirements. If Stripe asks for more information, complete the requested steps before expecting the account to become fully active.

Stripe Verification

Stripe may verify information provided during onboarding. Verification requirements can differ between accounts.

Depending on Stripe's requirements, you may be asked for information such as:

• Legal name.
• Contact information.
• Address information.
• Identity information.
• Business information when applicable.
• Bank or payout information.

Always provide accurate information that belongs to the person or business associated with the Stripe account.

How BeatMantra Determines Stripe Readiness

BeatMantra does not treat the existence of a Stripe account ID as proof that Stripe onboarding is complete.

The Stripe account status is checked to determine whether the required onboarding and payout capabilities are available.

This distinction prevents producers from mistakenly believing that their account is ready to receive payouts simply because Stripe created an account during onboarding.

After You Complete Stripe Onboarding

After returning to BeatMantra, your Stripe connection status is refreshed using the current status of your connected Stripe account.

If the required Stripe conditions have been satisfied, your Payout Settings page will show:

Stripe Account Connected

If the required conditions have not been satisfied, BeatMantra will continue to show the setup as incomplete so you can return to Stripe and finish the required steps.

Stripe and Your Beat Sales

Connecting Stripe does not automatically publish your beats or create license pricing. Stripe connection is one part of your overall producer selling setup.

Before selling beats, make sure your storefront, beats, licenses, pricing and payout configuration are properly completed.

Stripe for Free Producers

Free producers can connect Stripe without upgrading their BeatMantra subscription solely for the purpose of connecting Stripe.

Your Free plan status does not prevent you from completing Stripe onboarding. However, the commercial terms, platform fees or other limitations associated with your BeatMantra plan may still apply to eligible sales.

Stripe for Pro Producers

Pro producers can also connect Stripe and use the same Stripe onboarding process.

Upgrading to Pro can provide additional BeatMantra features, but Stripe connection itself is not restricted to Pro producers.

Stripe and Other Payout Methods

Stripe is part of BeatMantra's broader payout configuration. Depending on your account and available options, you may also configure a local payout destination such as a bank account or mobile money account.

These payout configurations can serve different purposes within BeatMantra's payment system. Connecting Stripe does not necessarily replace every other payout method available to your account.

Using Grey for International Banking

For producers in Africa and other regions where international banking can be difficult, services such as Grey can make it easier to hold and receive supported foreign currencies through digital multi-currency accounts.

Grey offers eligible users access to foreign-currency account details in supported markets. For eligible users in Ghana, for example, Grey provides access to supported foreign currency accounts that can be used for receiving international payments.

This can be especially useful for producers who work with international clients, music companies, digital platforms and other businesses that pay in foreign currencies.

Grey and Stripe Are Separate Services

Grey and Stripe perform different functions and should not be treated as the same type of financial service.

• Grey provides digital multi-currency accounts and international money-management services for eligible users.
• Stripe provides payment processing and Stripe Connect capabilities for eligible businesses and individuals.
• BeatMantra connects eligible producer accounts to supported payment and payout infrastructure.

Having a Grey account does not automatically make a producer eligible for a Stripe account in another country. Stripe has its own country, business, identity and verification requirements.

Can Grey Be Used With Stripe?

Grey provides digital bank-account details for supported currencies and countries. Whether those details can be used for a particular Stripe account or Stripe Connect setup depends on the Stripe account's country, payout requirements and Stripe's verification rules.

If you intend to use Grey as part of your Stripe setup, verify that your specific Stripe account and Grey account are eligible for the intended use before relying on the arrangement.

A Grey account can provide legitimate international banking capabilities, but it does not by itself establish eligibility for a Stripe account in another country.

Why Grey Can Be Useful for African Producers

International payment infrastructure can be difficult for producers in some African markets. A digital multi-currency account can provide another way to receive supported foreign currencies and manage international earnings.

For an eligible producer in Ghana, for example, Grey may provide access to foreign-currency account details that can make receiving certain international payments easier.

This can be valuable when working with overseas clients, companies, platforms and collaborators.

Before Using Grey With Stripe

If you want to use Grey as part of your international payout setup, complete the verification process with Grey first.

• Complete your Grey verification requirements.
• Make sure your Grey account is fully active.
• Confirm that the required currency account is available to you.
• Confirm that the account details are issued to you or your legitimate business.
• Check the current Stripe requirements for your Stripe account country.
• Confirm with Grey that your account can be used for the intended payment flow.

Important: A Foreign Bank Account Is Not the Same as a Foreign Business

Having foreign-currency banking details does not automatically mean that you are a resident or business owner in that country.

For example, having UK account details through a digital financial service does not by itself mean that you operate a UK business.

When creating or verifying a Stripe account, use information that accurately represents your real legal and business circumstances.

Do not use a foreign bank account to misrepresent your country, identity, address or business location to Stripe.

For Producers Who Legitimately Operate in the UK

If you genuinely operate a business in the United Kingdom, you may be able to apply for a UK Stripe account provided you satisfy Stripe's requirements for opening an account there.

Depending on Stripe's current requirements, this can involve legal entity information, tax information, physical location, phone number, identity verification, website information and qualifying banking information.

A producer who genuinely operates in the UK should provide their actual UK business information during Stripe onboarding rather than relying solely on foreign banking details.

What If Stripe Is Not Available to You?

Stripe availability varies by country and by Stripe product. If Stripe Connect is not available to you, do not attempt to bypass Stripe's country or verification requirements.

Instead, review the payout methods available through BeatMantra for your account and location.

Depending on your configuration, local bank and mobile-money payout methods may be available.

Why BeatMantra Does Not Recommend Account Workarounds

BeatMantra wants producers to have payment accounts that remain usable over the long term.

Attempting to bypass country or verification requirements can lead to additional verification, payment restrictions, payout delays or account limitations.

The safest approach is to connect an account that accurately represents where you and your business actually operate.

Why Multi-Currency Accounts Can Still Be Valuable

Even when Stripe is not the right option for a producer, a legitimate multi-currency account can still be useful for international business.

• Receive supported foreign currencies.
• Hold balances in supported currencies.
• Receive international payments using supported account details.
• Convert foreign currency into your local currency.
• Move funds to supported local payout destinations.

Availability, currencies and account features depend on the provider, your country and your account eligibility.

Keeping Your Stripe Account Active

Completing onboarding is not necessarily the end of your Stripe account requirements. Stripe may request additional information later.

• Monitor your Stripe account for verification requests.
• Respond to Stripe requests when necessary.
• Keep your legal and business information accurate.
• Keep your payout information up to date.
• Make sure your Stripe account remains in good standing.

Common Problem: Stripe Still Shows Setup Incomplete

If BeatMantra still shows Setup Incomplete after you have entered some information, Stripe may still require additional onboarding or verification steps.

Return to Stripe using Continue Stripe Setup and check whether there are outstanding requirements.

Common Problem: I Started Stripe but Cancelled

If you started onboarding and then cancelled, your Stripe account may still exist. This is expected for some Connect onboarding flows.

You do not necessarily need to start from scratch. Open Payout Settings and select Continue Stripe Setup to resume the onboarding process.

Common Problem: Stripe Says It Is Complete but BeatMantra Does Not

BeatMantra refreshes the connected Stripe account status when you return from onboarding.

If BeatMantra does not immediately show the account as connected, allow the status refresh to complete and check your Stripe account for any remaining requirements.

If the issue continues after Stripe confirms that your account is fully configured, contact BeatMantra Support and include the relevant Stripe account status information.

Common Problem: I Cannot Connect Stripe

If the Connect Stripe button does not start onboarding, first refresh the BeatMantra dashboard and try again.

If the problem continues, check whether you are logged into the correct BeatMantra account and whether your producer account is active.

Persistent errors should be reported to BeatMantra Support with the exact error message displayed on screen.

Security

Stripe onboarding takes place through Stripe's secure account onboarding experience. BeatMantra does not require you to send your Stripe password to BeatMantra Support.

The same principle applies to third-party financial services such as Grey. Only provide sensitive financial information through the provider's official account and verification process.

• Never share your Stripe password with anyone.
• Never send authentication codes to another person.
• Never share your Grey login credentials.
• Only connect accounts that belong to you.
• Review the account you are connecting before continuing.
• Keep your BeatMantra and financial accounts secure.

Best Practices

• Connect Stripe before publishing your first commercial beat.
• Complete the entire Stripe onboarding process.
• Use accurate legal and payment information.
• Check for outstanding Stripe verification requirements.
• Keep your payout settings up to date.
• Do not assume an account is connected just because a Stripe account was created.
• Check your BeatMantra Payout Settings before relying on Stripe for settlements.
• If using Grey or another financial service, verify that your account is eligible for the intended use.

Stripe Connection Checklist

• BeatMantra producer account is active.
• Stripe connection has been started.
• Stripe onboarding has been completed.
• Required verification information has been submitted.
• Stripe payout capabilities are enabled where required.
• BeatMantra shows the Stripe account as connected.
• Your other payout settings are configured where applicable.

International Payments Checklist for African Producers

• Confirm whether Stripe Connect is available for your actual country and account.
• If using Grey, complete Grey's verification and activate the required currency account.
• Confirm the account details and currency supported by your financial provider.
• Make sure your payment account information accurately represents you or your legitimate business.
• Never use a foreign address or identity simply because foreign bank details are available to you.
• Check BeatMantra Payout Settings after completing your payment setup.

Ready to Sell?

Once your Stripe setup is complete and your other payout requirements are configured, you can continue preparing your BeatMantra storefront, uploading beats, configuring licenses and publishing your music for artists to discover and purchase.

Stripe connection is only one part of becoming ready to sell on BeatMantra. Always review your complete payout, licensing and storefront configuration before publishing.