Accept offline payments
Accept payments when you have internet connectivity issues.
If you’re using a different type of reader, check whether it’s cellular-enabled before you continue.
Cellular-enabled readers
If you’re using a cellular-enabled reader like the Stripe Reader the related setting, see Network transitions on cellular readers to understand how the reader transitions between WiFi, cellular, and offline mode.
If you have internet connectivity issues, Stripe Terminal allows you to store payments locally on your POS device or smart reader. When a network connection is restored, the SDK or smart reader automatically forwards any stored payments to Stripe.
From your application’s perspective, the payment collection process is similar to operating online. While offline, the smart reader or SDK securely stores the payment information and automatically forwards the stored payments when connectivity is restored. The SDK allows you to handle offline-related events using callbacks to your application.
Availability
Payment methods
| Payment Method | Supported |
|---|---|
| Visa | 1,2 |
| Mastercard | 1,2 |
| Discover | 1,2 |
| American Express | 1,2 |
| China UnionPay | 1,2,4 |
| JCB | 1,2,4 |
| Maestro | 1,2,4 |
| eftpos | 1,2,3,4 |
| Cartes Bancaires | 1,2,3,4 |
| the related setting, the related setting, the related setting | |
| girocard | |
| Interac | |
| QR code payments |
1 Physical cards and NFC-based mobile wallets are supported. Swiping isn’t allowed. 2 If you’re collecting payments in the European Economic Area, customers are required to insert their card and enter a PIN. 3 Co-branded cards are routed through the international scheme. For more information, see Cartes Bancaires or eftpos Australia 4 Not supported for Tap to Pay on iPhone offline mode, which supports Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express contactless cards only.
Readers
| Device category | Readers | Connection type | Integration type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile | the related setting Chipper 2X BT, Stripe Reader M2, the related setting WisePad 3 | Bluetooth, USB (Android only) | iOS SDK, Android SDK, React Native SDK |
| Smart | Stripe Reader the related setting/the related setting, the related setting WisePOS E, Verifone V660p, Verifone the related setting | Internet | iOS SDK, Android SDK, React Native SDK |
| Tap to Pay | Tap to Pay on iPhone Private preview | Built-in NFC | Terminal iOS SDK |
Tap to Pay on Android doesn’t support offline mode.
Features
| Feature | Mobile readers | Smart readers | Tap to Pay readers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tipping | |||
| Ability to run custom POS app | |||
| Extended authorizations | |||
| Incremental authorizations | |||
| Ability to collect input on-screen |
Collect a payment while offline
The following diagram describes the payment collection process when the Terminal SDK is offline. When storing payments, the SDK stores the payments to disk. You can safely reboot the POS device even if it has stored offline payments. When you re-initialize the SDK and it has reestablished a connection to the internet, and the SDK resumes forwarding any remaining stored payments.
Forward stored payments when online
The following diagram describes how stored payments are forwarded after connectivity is restored.