Monetization Guide

How to Create a Stripe Paywall

Monetize your content with a paywall powered by Stripe. Lock articles, videos, courses, or features behind a subscription or one-time payment.

What is a Paywall?

A paywall restricts access to content until users pay — either a one-time fee or recurring subscription. Popular examples include The New York Times, Substack newsletters, and online course platforms.

Before Payment
Content locked, preview only
Stripe Payment
Card, Apple Pay, etc.
Access Granted
Full content unlocked

Types of Paywalls

Content Paywall

Lock articles, blog posts, or guides behind a payment or subscription.

News articlesResearch reportsPremium guides

Video Paywall

Monetize video content with pay-per-view or subscription access.

Online coursesWebinar recordingsTutorial series

Membership Paywall

Create a members-only area with exclusive content and features.

Community accessMember forumsExclusive resources

Software/SaaS Paywall

Restrict app features or API access based on subscription tier.

Premium featuresAPI rate limitsAdvanced tools

Stripe Doesn't Include Paywall Features

Stripe handles payments, not access control. To create a paywall, you need to build or use software that checks payment status and controls content access. Stripe provides the billing infrastructure, but the "wall" part requires additional tools.

How to Set Up a Stripe Paywall

Stripe Customer Portal + Custom Code

Build your own paywall using Stripe's Customer Portal API and webhooks to manage access.

Complexity
High
Time to Launch
Weeks to months
Pros
  • Full customization
  • Direct Stripe integration
  • No platform fees
Cons
  • Requires developer
  • Maintenance burden
  • Build auth system yourself

Memberstack + Stripe

No-code membership platform that integrates with Stripe for payments.

Complexity
Low
Time to Launch
Hours to days
Pros
  • No coding required
  • Works with Webflow, Squarespace
  • Built-in member management
Cons
  • Monthly fee ($25-99+)
  • Platform lock-in
  • Limited customization

PayRequest Memberships

Easiest

Create membership products with tiered access levels. Stripe handles payments, PayRequest handles access.

Complexity
Low
Time to Launch
Hours
Pros
  • Easy setup
  • Customer portal included
  • Multiple payment methods
  • From €5/month
Cons
  • Best for content/service businesses

Essential Paywall Features

Access Control

Grant or revoke access based on payment status automatically.

Recurring Billing

Charge weekly, monthly, or yearly with automatic renewals.

Customer Portal

Let members manage their subscription, update payment methods, cancel.

Secure Content

Protected content that can't be accessed without valid subscription.

Who Uses Paywalls?

Publishers & News

Premium articles • Ad-free reading • Archive access

Course Creators

Video lessons • Downloadable resources • Community access

Newsletter Writers

Paid newsletter • Bonus content • Q&A access

SaaS & Tools

Premium features • Higher limits • Priority support

Simple Paywall with PayRequest

Create membership products with different access tiers. Customers subscribe through your branded payment page, and you deliver content through email, a members area, or download links.

Multiple membership tiers
Customer self-service portal
Automatic failed payment recovery
Works with Stripe & Mollie
Explore MembershipsLearn About Subscriptions

Ready to Monetize Your Content?

Start accepting subscription payments with PayRequest. Create membership tiers, manage subscribers, and get paid with 20+ payment methods.

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