Bookly Stripe (Add-on) — is a powerful extension for the Bookly Pro booking plugin that enables you to process online payments through the Stripe payment gateway. By connecting your booking system to one of the world's most trusted payment platforms, you can offer your clients a fast, secure, and convenient way to pay for services directly on your WordPress site. This integration simplifies the payment process, automates transactions, and enhances the professionalism of your business.
The add-on works by embedding a Stripe payment form directly into the Bookly booking process. When a customer reaches the payment step, they can enter their credit or debit card details without ever leaving your website. This seamless experience is crucial for maximizing conversions and building trust. The plugin supports various Stripe features, including PCI DSS compliance, ensuring that all transactions are handled with the highest level of security, protecting both you and your customers.
Setting up the Bookly Stripe add-on is straightforward. After installation, you simply need to connect your Stripe account by entering your API keys in the Bookly settings. Once configured, you can start accepting payments immediately. This automation not only saves you administrative time but also helps reduce no-shows by requiring upfront payment or deposits, making it an essential tool for any service-based business using WordPress and Bookly.
Why This is Important for Your Business
In today's digital economy, a clunky payment process is a major conversion killer. Studies show that 21% of online shoppers abandon their cart at checkout if the process is too long or complicated. The Bookly Stripe (Add-on) directly solves this problem by providing a frictionless, on-site payment experience. Instead of redirecting customers to a third-party site, which can cause distrust and drop-offs, you keep them on your website, increasing the likelihood of a completed booking.
Furthermore, requiring payment at the time of booking significantly reduces costly no-shows. Industry data suggests that service businesses can lose up to 15% of their annual revenue due to missed appointments. By capturing full or partial payment upfront, you secure a commitment from your clients, which drastically improves attendance rates. This single feature can have a direct and positive impact on your bottom line, transforming your booking system from a simple scheduler into a revenue-generating tool.
Features
- Seamless On-Site Payments: Customers pay directly on your website without being redirected to Stripe.
- Secure Transactions: Leverages Stripe's robust security and PCI DSS compliance for safe payment processing.
- Major Credit/Debit Card Support: Accepts payments from all major card providers, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
- Easy API Integration: Simple setup process with Stripe API keys to connect your account in minutes.
- SCA Ready: Compliant with Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) regulations in Europe for enhanced security.
- Customizable Payment Settings: Configure whether to charge the full amount or a fixed deposit at the time of booking.
- Automatic Payment Status Updates: Bookly appointments are automatically updated based on the payment status.
- Mobile-Friendly Checkout: The payment form is fully responsive and optimized for a smooth experience on any device.
- Transaction Details in Backend: View Stripe transaction details directly within your Bookly payment reports.
- Improved User Experience: Provides a fast, modern, and trustworthy checkout process that increases customer confidence.
Payment Integration Comparison
| Feature | Manual/Offline Payment | Bookly with Stripe Add-on |
|---|---|---|
| Payment Flow | Manual invoicing, cash on arrival, phone payments | Automated, instant online payment at booking |
| Conversion Rate | Lower due to friction and lack of convenience | Higher due to seamless, secure checkout |
| No-Show Risk | High (no financial commitment) | Significantly Reduced (upfront payment/deposit) |
| Admin Time | High (chasing payments, reconciliation) | Minimal (fully automated process) |
| Security | Dependent on manual processes, higher risk | PCI DSS compliant, world-class security |
| Customer Experience | Can be inconvenient and feel outdated | Professional, modern, and trustworthy |
How to install the plugin?
- Download the plugin archive using the button above.
- Navigate to Plugins > Add New in your WordPress dashboard.
- Click "Upload Plugin" at the top and select the downloaded ZIP file.
- Install, activate the plugin, and follow the quick setup wizard instructions.
FAQ
Do I need the Bookly Pro plugin for this add-on to work?
Yes, absolutely. The Bookly Stripe (Add-on) is an extension and requires the Bookly Pro plugin to be installed and activated on your WordPress site. It cannot function as a standalone plugin. It extends the functionality of Bookly Pro by adding Stripe as a payment gateway option.
Does this add-on store credit card information on my website?
No, it does not. The integration is designed for maximum security. All sensitive credit card data is handled directly by Stripe's servers and is never stored on your website. This ensures you are PCI compliant and that your customers' data is protected by Stripe's industry-leading security infrastructure.
Can I offer both Stripe and other payment options like PayPal or cash?
Yes, you can. Bookly Pro allows you to enable multiple payment gateways simultaneously. After installing the Stripe add-on, you can configure it alongside other options like PayPal, local (cash) payments, or other payment add-ons. Customers will be able to choose their preferred payment method at checkout.
What are the fees for using Stripe with this add-on?
The Bookly Stripe add-on itself does not charge any additional transaction fees. You will only be subject to Stripe's standard processing fees, which vary by country and card type. You can find the exact fee structure on the official Stripe website for your region. There are no hidden costs from the plugin.
