Set Up Stripe Payments on Your Hostinger Site
TL;DR:
- Create a Stripe account and connect it to your Hostinger site through the control panel
- Enter your Stripe API keys in Hostinger's payment integration settings
- Test everything using Stripe's sandbox environment before going live
- Customise your checkout page to match your branding where possible
- Switch to live mode once testing confirms everything works properly
Stripe integration on Hostinger gives you a secure way to handle online payments for digital products and subscriptions. The setup process is straightforward, but proper testing prevents headaches later.
Getting Your Stripe Integration Running
First things first – you need a Stripe account. Head to Stripe's website and create your account. Complete their verification process, which includes adding your business details and bank information.
Once your Stripe account is ready, log into your Hostinger control panel. Find the payment integrations section and select Stripe as your payment gateway.
Connecting Stripe to Hostinger
The connection happens through API keys. In your Stripe dashboard, go to the 'Developers' section and copy your API keys. You'll need both the publishable key and the secret key.
Back in Hostinger, paste these keys into the appropriate fields in the Stripe integration settings. Keep these keys secure – they're essentially the keys to your payment system.
Setting Up Your Payment Pages
Hostinger's Stripe integration offers some customisation options for your checkout pages. You can typically adjust colours, add your logo, and configure button layouts to match your site's branding.
The customisation options might be limited compared to a fully custom integration, but consistency across your checkout process helps build customer trust.
Testing Before You Go Live
This step saves you from potential disasters. Use Stripe's test mode to run dummy transactions through your entire payment flow. Test different scenarios – successful payments, declined cards, and partial payments if you offer those.
Stripe provides test card numbers for different scenarios. Run through each one to make sure your system handles them correctly.
Making the Switch to Live Payments
Once testing confirms everything works, switch from test mode to live mode in your Stripe settings. Double-check that Hostinger is also configured for live transactions.
Your payment system is now ready to handle real customer transactions.
Common Setup Issues
API key mismatches cause most problems. Make sure you're using live keys for live mode and test keys for test mode. Mixing them up stops payments from processing.
Currency settings can also trip people up. Ensure your Stripe account currency matches what you're trying to charge customers.
FAQs
Can I use other payment processors with Hostinger besides Stripe?
Hostinger supports several payment integrations depending on your plan and location. PayPal, Square, and other processors might be available, but Stripe offers the most comprehensive features.
Are there transaction limits with Hostinger's Stripe integration?
Hostinger doesn't impose transaction limits. Your limits come from Stripe's terms and your account standing with them. New accounts typically start with lower limits that increase over time.
Do I need separate logins for Hostinger and Stripe?
Yes, you manage these as separate accounts. Hostinger handles your website and hosting, while Stripe manages all payment processing, reporting, and payouts.
What happens if a payment fails?
Failed payments are handled by Stripe according to your settings. You can configure automatic retry attempts, email notifications, and grace periods for subscription payments.
Jargon Buster
API Keys: Unique codes that allow Hostinger to communicate securely with your Stripe account
Sandbox/Test Mode: A safe environment where you can process fake transactions to test your setup
Webhooks: Automatic notifications Stripe sends to your site when payment events happen
PCI Compliance: Security standards for handling credit card information (Stripe handles this for you)
Wrap-up
Getting Stripe working with Hostinger is mostly about following the connection steps carefully and testing thoroughly before launch. The integration handles the complex security requirements while giving you control over the customer experience.
Take time with the testing phase. It's much easier to fix issues before customers encounter them than to troubleshoot live payment problems.
Ready to build more advanced integrations and payment flows? Join Pixelhaze Academy for in-depth tutorials and expert guidance.