Connect online payments

Accepting card and ACH payments online is faster than chasing checks. Service Buddy’s built-in payment service is BuddyPay — fully integrated for both US and international merchants. US accounts run on Rainforest Pay, international accounts run on Stripe. Either way, clients pay through your invoices and quotes, payments reconcile automatically, and refunds work from inside the app.

How it works on your account

The underlying processor is set on the backend for each account:

• Rainforest for US-based businesses. Accepts cards and ACH.
• Stripe for international businesses (Canada, UK, and elsewhere). Accepts cards.

Clients never see the difference — to them, it’s just BuddyPay. Contact support if you’re not sure which processor backs your account.

Set up BuddyPay

1. Go to Settings → Service Buddy Payments (under Company Management). The product is called BuddyPay; in Settings it’s labeled Service Buddy Payments.
2. Click Connect BuddyPay.
3. Complete the application form:
   • Business legal name, tax ID (EIN/SSN for US, the equivalent for your country), business address.
   • Owner details (required by payment regulations).
   • Bank account where payouts will land.
4. Submit the application.
5. Most US accounts (Rainforest) are approved within minutes. International approvals (Stripe) depend on Stripe’s verification and can take longer. You’ll get an email when a decision is made.

For full BuddyPay setup details, see Set up BuddyPay.

Test a payment

1. Open any draft invoice.
2. Click More Actions → Send Payment Link.
3. Run a small test charge against your own card.
4. Refund the test charge from the invoice once the flow is confirmed.

Tip

Always run a test transaction with your own card before sending the first real payment link. It’s the fastest way to catch setup problems.

What happens next

• Clients pay through your invoice and quote pages, or through a payment link you copy out separately.
• Completed payments mark the invoice Paid automatically.
• Refunds work from inside the invoice (within 120 days of the charge).
• Settled funds reach your bank on the processor’s standard schedule.

FAQ

Is BuddyPay just rebranded Stripe?

Not quite. US accounts are powered by Rainforest Pay; international accounts are powered by Stripe. They’re separate processors with separate underwriting, fee structures, and settlement schedules — but the BuddyPay experience inside Service Buddy is the same regardless of which one backs your account.

Can I use BuddyPay if my business is in Canada or the UK?

Yes — international accounts run on Stripe, fully integrated. Contact support to enable it for your account.

What payment methods does BuddyPay accept?

Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) and — on US (Rainforest) accounts — ACH bank transfers.

How long does it take to get approved for BuddyPay?

Most US applications (Rainforest) are approved within a few minutes. International approvals (Stripe) depend on Stripe’s verification and can take longer depending on country and business type. Either way you’ll be notified by email.

Can I use BuddyPay and another processor at the same time?

BuddyPay is the integrated payment service. If you also accept payments through other channels (in-store terminal, cash, check), record those manually with Record a payment.

How do refunds work?

Refund directly from the invoice in Service Buddy within 120 days of the original charge — same flow whether your account is on Rainforest or Stripe. After 120 days, refund manually and record it. See Issue a refund.

Where can I see fees and statements?

Fees and monthly statements are at Settings → Service Buddy Payments.