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FreshBooks Online Payments Not Working

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Ongoing Web Updated November 13, 2026Based on 3 user reportsHow we research

Quick answer

Online payments need both Online Payments and Payouts status to be Active, and FreshBooks Payments is only for US and Canadian businesses. Finish Stripe setup, enable Accept Online Payments on the invoice, and check the Stripe dashboard for holds.

Most likely fix: Finish and check setup

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

  1. 1. Finish and check setup

    1. Go to Settings > Payments and Client Billing > Online Payments
    2. Complete 'Get Started with Online Payments' or use Restart Setup if you haven't submitted
    3. Wait for the approval email or request for more documents
    Did this fix it?

  2. 2. Check status

    1. Both Online Payments and Payouts must show Active
    2. If Inactive, select Visit Stripe Dashboard for details
    3. Use Edit FreshBooks Payments Info to update onboarding details
    Did this fix it?

  3. 3. Enable payments on the invoice

    1. When creating the invoice open Settings and select Accept Online Payments
    2. Tick card, ACH (US only), Buy Now Pay Later or SEPA (EUR only) options
    3. Done
    Did this fix it?

  4. 4. Outside US/Canada

    1. FreshBooks Payments isn't available, use Stripe Standard instead
    Did this fix it?

  5. 5. Declined card

    1. Ask the client to check card details and billing address, or try another method
    2. Look at the decline reason in your Stripe dashboard or contact Support
    Did this fix it?

Symptoms

The Pay button is missing on invoices, clients can't pay by card, or the status shows Inactive.

Why it happens

  • Setup not completed or still under review
  • Online Payments or Payouts status Inactive
  • Business is outside the US and Canada
  • Payment method not ticked on the invoice
  • Another payment is already processing on that invoice
  • Stripe needs more verification documents

This guide also covers

  • freshbooks payments not working
  • freshbooks payment declined
  • freshbooks pay now button missing
  • freshbooks stripe setup

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