FAQ

Quick answers to the questions we hear most. Each one links to the full guide.

Getting started

How do I create an account?

Sign up on paybrain.io, in the Paybrain app, or on the Register. There's no password: you sign in with a one-time code sent to your phone or email. Then connect Stripe so you can take cards and get paid out. See Create your account.

Can I use the Stripe account I already have?

Yes. In the Paybrain app, choose Link Existing Account when you connect Stripe. Or choose Create New Account and Stripe sets one up for you. See Get started with the app.

Do I need the Register, the app or the web?

One account covers all three. The Register is for a counter or front desk. The app turns your phone into a register with Tap to Pay. The web is the full back office. See Choose your setup.

Pricing

How much does Paybrain cost?

There's no monthly fee. You pay a processing rate on what you collect, with Stripe's rate and Paybrain's share in one number. In person on the Basic plan, it's 3.0% + 10¢. See Plans and fees for every rate on both plans.

Is there a contract?

No. There's no contract on either plan and no monthly software fee, so there's nothing to cancel. You can switch plans any time.

How much is the Register?

The Register kit is $999, with a card reader included. The software comes with it. See Choose your setup.

Can I pass card fees on to customers?

Yes. Card pricing adds a markup of up to 4% to card prices, and cash customers pay your stored price. See Card pricing.

Payments

How can customers pay?

• In person: tap, chip or swipe on a card reader, Tap to Pay on your phone, a typed-in card, or cash. See Taking payments.
• Online: invoices and payment links. See Create and send an invoice and Payment links.
• Recurring: memberships and recurring plans that charge on a schedule. See Set up a recurring account.

Which card readers work with Paybrain?

Stripe smart readers that pair with a code shown on the reader. A Register kit comes with the Stripe Reader S700 unless you choose another reader at checkout: the S710, which adds built-in cellular for when the Wi-Fi drops, or the T600. Already have a Stripe smart reader, like a WisePOS E? Pick No reader at checkout and pair yours. See Pair your card reader.

Do I need a card reader?

No. With the Paybrain app, your phone takes contactless payments with Tap to Pay on iPhone, or Tap to Pay on Android phones with NFC. See Tap to Pay.

Do I need the app for Tap to Pay?

Yes. Tap to Pay works only in the Paybrain app. You can still sell from the web register on a computer and send the sale to a phone that's set up for Tap to Pay, and the customer taps there.

Can I take payments when the internet is down?

No. Every sale goes through Paybrain's servers, so the Register needs a connection to take payments. Without one, it shows Can't reach Paybrain. Your setup is safe. Check your network and try again. If your Wi-Fi drops often, the Stripe Reader S710 has built-in cellular.

How do I refund a sale?

Open the sale and tap Refund order on the Register, or Refund in the app. Card payments go back to the card, and cash refunds come out of the drawer. See Refunds and voids.

Payouts

When do I get paid?

You choose. Stripe can pay out your balance on its own daily schedule, or Paybrain can send a deposit each time a day closes out. Card payments take time to settle before they can be paid out. See When you get paid.

Can I get paid faster?

Yes. On the Balance tab in the app, tap Payout. Standard payouts are free. Instant payouts arrive faster for a fee, which the app shows before you confirm. Instant payouts need a debit card. See Balance and payouts.

Invoices, files and recurring plans

How do invoices work?

Create an invoice with what you're charging for, then email it or copy its payment link and share it yourself. In the app you can also Draft with AI from a description and photos of the job. See Create and send an invoice.

What are protected files?

Files and links your customer can open only after they pay, such as a digital product or a course. They're delivered by email once the payment goes through. See Files on invoices.

What are file requests?

A way to ask a customer to upload something to you, like a photo, a receipt or a signed document. They get a secure upload link by email and don't need an account. File requests are on the Premium plan. See File requests.

How do recurring plans work?

Create a plan with a price and a billing cycle, and customers are charged automatically each cycle. See Set up a recurring account and Billing cycles.

Hardware

What comes with the Register?

The 15" touchscreen, a receipt printer, a cash drawer, a barcode scanner and a Stripe card reader. See What's in the box.

How does shipping work?

Every order shows its ship-by date at checkout, and you get tracking the day it leaves. A Register kit can arrive in up to three boxes on different days. The card reader ships directly from Stripe. You can cancel for a full refund any time before it ships. See Shipping.

Is the hardware under warranty?

Yes. The Register, printer, scanner and cash drawer have a limited warranty against defects. If something fails, a replacement ships before you send the faulty part back. Stripe card readers are covered by Stripe's own warranty. See Warranty.

Can I return the hardware?

Yes. If it isn't right for your business, send it back in its original packaging within the return window for a full refund. See Returns.

Getting help

How do I contact support?

Sign in and open a support ticket. It reaches the team with your account attached, so we can help faster. You can also email support@paybrain.io.

Where do I start if something isn't working on the Register?

See Troubleshooting for card readers, printing, the cash drawer and connection problems.