Kick does not connect directly to Stripe — you need a payment processor between them
Kick is a streaming platform owned by Exyzt that handles creator payouts through its own system. Stripe is a payment processor that handles card transactions and transfers money between accounts. The two do not plug into each other directly. If you are a Kick creator trying to receive payouts, you connect your bank account to Kick itself, not to Stripe. If you are trying to accept payments on your own website or app, you would use Stripe separately — but Kick creators do not typically do this because Kick handles all payment collection for you.
The confusion usually comes from seeing both names mentioned in creator documentation. Kick may use Stripe or another processor behind the scenes to move money, but you never log into Stripe as a Kick creator. You only set up your payout method inside the Kick dashboard.
Key Takeaways
- Kick creators receive payouts through Kick's own system, not through Stripe — you connect your bank account directly to Kick.
- Stripe is a separate payment processor that Kick may use internally, but you do not need a Stripe account to stream on Kick or receive creator payouts.
- If you want to accept payments outside of Kick (on your own website or merchandise store), you would set up Stripe separately from your Kick account.
- Your Kick payout settings are found in your creator dashboard under account or earnings, depending on your region.
How Kick handles creator payouts without Stripe
When you earn money on Kick through subscriptions, tips, or ads, Kick collects that money and holds it in your creator account. To receive it, you go to your Kick dashboard, find the payout or earnings section, and add your bank account details. Kick then transfers your balance directly to that account on a schedule — usually monthly, though this varies by region and your account status.
You provide your bank's routing number and account number, just as you would with any other platform. Kick processes these transfers internally using whatever payment infrastructure they have set up. You never see Stripe in this process because it happens behind the scenes, if at all.
When you might actually need Stripe as a Kick creator
Stripe becomes relevant only if you are selling something outside of Kick — merchandise, digital products, coaching sessions, or access to a community Discord. In those cases, you would set up a Stripe account separately to accept card payments on your own website or through a service like Shopify or Gumroad.
This is completely separate from your Kick account and your Kick payouts. Your Stripe account would receive money from your own customers, and you would withdraw that money to your bank account through Stripe's dashboard. Kick would have nothing to do with it.
Steps to set up payouts in your Kick account
Open the Kick website or app and log into your creator account. Look for a menu option labeled "Creator Dashboard," "Earnings," "Payouts," or "Account Settings" — the exact name depends on your region and when Kick updated their interface.
Once you find the payout section, select "Add Bank Account" or "Connect Bank." You will be asked for your full legal name, the bank name, your account number, and your routing number. Some regions may ask for additional information like tax ID or business registration.
Enter the information carefully — a wrong routing number or account number will cause transfers to fail. After you submit, Kick may send a small test deposit to your account (usually under $1) to verify it is real. Check your bank statement, find that deposit amount, and enter it back into Kick to confirm ownership. Once confirmed, your payouts will begin on Kick's regular schedule.
What to do if you see Stripe mentioned in Kick documentation
Kick's help pages or creator agreements may mention Stripe or other payment processors by name. This is Kick telling you what tools they use internally to move money around — it does not mean you need to do anything with Stripe yourself. You can ignore those mentions and focus only on the steps Kick gives you for connecting your bank account.
If a Kick support page tells you to "connect to Stripe" or "log into Stripe," that page is either outdated or you are reading documentation meant for a different product. Contact Kick support directly through their website to clarify your region's current process.
Setting up Stripe if you sell outside Kick
If you decide to sell merchandise or digital products on your own, go to stripe.com and click "Start Now" or "Sign Up." You will create an account with your email, set a password, and provide your business information. Stripe will ask whether you are an individual or a business, your country, and what you plan to sell.
After you verify your email, Stripe will ask for your bank account details so they can send you payouts. You provide the same information you would give Kick — routing number and account number. Stripe may also ask for tax information depending on your location and business structure.
Once your Stripe account is live, you can use it on any platform that accepts Stripe — Shopify, Gumroad, your own website built with WordPress, or a custom app. Your Kick payouts and your Stripe payouts go to the same bank account but come from two completely separate systems.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not create a Stripe account thinking it will speed up your Kick payouts or give you more control. It will not. Kick has its own payout system, and adding Stripe will only complicate things if you are not actually selling anything outside of Kick.
Do not assume that because you see "Stripe" mentioned somewhere that you need to take action. Kick may use Stripe internally, but that is their choice, not yours. Your only job is to add your bank account to Kick.
Do not use the same Stripe account for both Kick-related sales and personal sales if you can avoid it. If you sell merchandise as a Kick creator, it is cleaner to keep that Stripe account separate from any other business you might run, so your taxes and records stay organized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Stripe account to stream on Kick?
No. Kick creators receive payouts through Kick's own system. You only need a bank account. Stripe is optional and only relevant if you sell products or services outside of Kick.
Why does Kick mention Stripe in their help pages?
Kick may use Stripe as one of their internal payment processors to move money. This is a technical detail on Kick's end and does not affect what you do as a creator. You still only connect your bank account to Kick.
Can I use the same bank account for both Kick and Stripe payouts?
Yes. Both Kick and Stripe can send money to the same bank account. They operate independently, so you will see separate deposits from each one on your bank statement.
What if my bank account is in a different country than where I live?
Kick and Stripe both support international bank accounts, but rules vary by country and by bank. Check with Kick support about your specific region before adding your account details.
How long does it take for Kick to verify my bank account?
Usually one to three business days. Kick sends a small test deposit, you confirm the amount, and then your account is verified. Your first payout may take longer depending on Kick's payout schedule for your region.