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GlossaryBilling & payments

Stripe Connect

Stripe product letting a SaaS platform connect the club's bank account and process payments directly on its behalf, without funds flowing through the platform's account.

Definition

Stripe Connect is Stripe's product designed for marketplaces and SaaS platforms processing payments on behalf of many sellers or entities. In a SaaS-managed sports club (like OneClub), Stripe Connect lets each club have its own connected account: fee, ticket and levy payments flow directly to the club's IBAN, not through the platform's account.

Advantages: 1) simpler regulatory compliance for the platform (no PSP role), 2) direct liquidity for the club (funds arrive every 2-7 days depending on config), 3) full traceability (Stripe issues certificates, receipts and invoices), 4) KYC/AML delegated to Stripe. The platform can retain a small service fee per operation.

When does it apply?

Applies when the club operates with a SaaS platform offering Stripe Connect as the engine for card and optionally SEPA payments. The alternative is for the club to have its own standalone Stripe account, which forces it to manage the full technical integration. Connect is the default in vertical SaaS (OneClub and similar).

Practical example

C.D. Padel Granada signs up to a SaaS platform using Stripe Connect. During onboarding, it connects its IBAN, uploads its tax ID, scans board minutes and signs Stripe's terms online. Stripe activates the account in 24-48 hours. Thereafter, when a family pays enrolment with Visa, Stripe processes the transaction and deposits the amount (minus Stripe fee: 1.4% + €0.25 for EU cards) in the club's IBAN in 2-7 days. The platform may additionally charge a service fee.

Common mistakes

  • Skipping KYC: if Stripe asks for docs and they're not provided, payouts pause.
  • Wrong IBAN: transfers are held until corrected.
  • Skipping Stripe invoices: Stripe fees are deductible expenses when properly documented.
  • Confusing Connect with standalone Stripe: Connect is managed by the platform; standalone is managed by the club.

Related terms

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