> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://documentation.outpost.pub/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connecting Stripe

> Connect Outpost to the same Stripe account your Ghost site uses to access subscription data and power retention tools.

Your Ghost site handles Stripe billing natively — members subscribe and pay through Ghost's built-in Stripe integration. Outpost connects to that same Stripe account to read subscription data and power its retention, segmentation, and automation tools.

## Prerequisites

* A Stripe account already connected to your Ghost site
* Owner or admin access to the Stripe account. Use the same email address for your Stripe account and Ghost site to connect without extra steps.

## Setup

The easiest way to connect is during the Outpost signup flow — the connection wizard walks you through it after Ghost is connected.

If you're connecting after initial setup, go to **Integrations and Core Connections → Core Connections** in Outpost.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Start the Stripe connection">
    Click **Connect To Stripe**. You'll be redirected to Stripe's authorization page.

    <Tip>
      You can also skip the Stripe connection during signup and connect later from Core Connections. Stripe is required for subscription automation and retention features, but not for basic member management.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Authorize Outpost in Stripe">
    On the Stripe authorization page, select the Stripe account your Ghost site uses and approve the connection. You never need to copy API keys manually.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Outpost finishes setup">
    After authorization, Outpost configures itself to receive subscription and payment updates from Stripe. You don't need to set anything up manually in your Stripe dashboard.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Info>
  You don't need to configure anything manually in Stripe. Outpost handles it when you authorize the connection.
</Info>

<Warning>
  The [Failed Payment Flow](/features/failed-payment-flow) requires Stripe's billing self-serve customer portal. Most current Stripe accounts have this enabled by default; some legacy accounts don't. If the Failed Payment Flow shows an error about Stripe Billing, enable the customer portal in your Stripe dashboard under **Settings → Billing → Customer portal**.
</Warning>

## How billing works

Billing flows between Stripe and Ghost directly — Outpost reads that data to power its tools:

1. A member subscribes via your Ghost site's Stripe checkout
2. Stripe creates the subscription and notifies Ghost
3. Ghost activates the member's tier access
4. Outpost receives the same update from Stripe and refreshes the member's data
5. Outpost uses this data to trigger email flows, update segments, and drive retention automation

## What Outpost uses Stripe data for

| Stripe Update                   | What Outpost does                                                               |
| ------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| New subscription                | Triggers welcome flow, updates member status                                    |
| Subscription changed            | Updates tier and renewal date for segmentation                                  |
| Subscription cancelled          | Triggers cancellation/win-back flow                                             |
| Payment succeeded               | Confirms renewal, extends retention window                                      |
| Payment failed                  | Starts the [Failed Payment Flow](/features/failed-payment-flow) sequence        |
| Checkout completed              | Tracks conversion from offers and CTAs                                          |
| Customer payment method updated | Stops in-progress dunning and triggers the Failed Payment Flow thank-you action |

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Stripe connection failed or timed out">
    Try again from **Integrations and Core Connections → Core Connections**. Make sure you're authorizing with the same Stripe account your Ghost site uses. If you have multiple Stripe accounts, select the correct one when approving the connection.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Member status not updating after subscription change">
    The connection may have been interrupted. Go to Core Connections and disconnect then reconnect Stripe — Outpost will restore the sync automatically.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I use a different Stripe account than Ghost?">
    No. Outpost must be connected to the same Stripe account your Ghost site uses. This is how Outpost matches Stripe subscription events to Ghost members.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Related features

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Stripe Integration" icon="credit-card" href="/integrations/stripe">
    Full details on the Stripe integration, webhook events, and settings.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Failed Payment Flow" icon="triangle-exclamation" href="/features/failed-payment-flow">
    Automatic dunning sequence for failed subscription renewals.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Offers & Discounts" icon="tag" href="/features/offers-and-discounts">
    Create promotional pricing powered by Stripe coupons.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>