Troubleshooting Guide

Stripe Payment Link Not Working?

Your Stripe payment link isn't working or customers can't complete checkout? Here's a complete guide to diagnose and fix common Stripe payment link issues.

Quick Fixes to Try First

Check if the payment link hasn't expired (Stripe links can be set to expire)
Verify the link URL is correct and complete (no missing characters)
Try opening the link in an incognito/private browser window
Check if Stripe is experiencing outages at status.stripe.com
Ensure your Stripe account is activated (not still in test mode)
Verify the product/price still exists in your Stripe dashboard
Check if the customer's payment method is supported
Try creating a new payment link to see if the issue persists

Common Stripe Link Issues & Solutions

Payment Method Not Supported

The customer's card or payment method isn't accepted. This often happens with non-EU cards or specific card types.

Fix: Enable more payment methods in your Stripe Dashboard under Settings > Payment Methods. Add iDEAL, SEPA, Apple Pay, and Google Pay for broader coverage.

3D Secure / SCA Authentication Failure

European banks require Strong Customer Authentication (SCA). If the 3D Secure popup doesn't load or times out, the payment fails.

Fix: Ensure your integration supports 3D Secure. Ask the customer to try a different browser, disable popup blockers, or use a different card.

Link Expired or Deactivated

Stripe payment links can expire if set with a deadline, or if you manually deactivated them in the dashboard.

Fix: Check the link status in Stripe Dashboard > Payment Links. Create a new link if the old one expired. Set links to 'No expiry' for permanent use.

Currency Mismatch

The payment link is set to a currency the customer's card doesn't support, or Stripe can't process for their region.

Fix: Create payment links in your primary currency (EUR for Europe). Stripe automatically converts for international customers if you enable automatic currency conversion.

Account in Test Mode

Your Stripe account might still be in test mode, or you used test mode API keys to create the payment link.

Fix: Switch to live mode in your Stripe Dashboard (toggle at top-left). Recreate the payment link using live mode. Test cards won't work in live mode.

Browser or Network Issues

Ad blockers, VPNs, strict firewalls, or outdated browsers can prevent Stripe Checkout from loading properly.

Fix: Ask the customer to disable ad blockers and VPN, try a different browser (Chrome/Safari), or use a mobile device. Stripe requires JavaScript enabled.

Why Stripe Payment Links Sometimes Fail

While Stripe is reliable, payment links have some inherent limitations:

  • Limited payment methods: Only methods enabled in your Stripe account work (cards, Apple Pay, etc.)
  • No iDEAL by default: Dutch iDEAL payments require separate activation in Stripe
  • Complex 3D Secure: SCA authentication can fail with certain bank apps or popup blockers
  • No built-in reminders: You can't send automatic payment reminders for unpaid links
  • Limited customization: Basic branding options, no custom fields or conditional logic

Better Alternatives to Stripe Payment Links

PayRequest Smart Links

Accept 20+ payment methods via Stripe, Mollie, or PayPal. Built-in reminders, analytics, and custom branding.

0% platform fee

PayRequest Invoice Links

Professional invoices with payment links. Auto-reminders, partial payments, and dunning automation.

0% platform fee

Bank Transfer / SEPA via Ponto

Direct bank transfers with zero fees. Automatic reconciliation and instant confirmation.

Free

Still Not Working? Contact Stripe

If none of the above solutions work, reach out to Stripe support:

Stripe Support
Chat or email support
Stripe Status
Check for outages

Tired of Stripe Link Problems?

PayRequest uses Stripe under the hood but adds 20+ payment methods, automatic reminders, and payment tracking. Fix payment issues before they happen.

Try PayRequest FreeStripe + PayRequest