Stripe is a popular choice for accepting digital payments, especially for online businesses and platforms. However, its payout structure and settlement rules can make withdrawing funds slower, more restrictive, and sometimes more expensive than expected.
In this guide, we break down how Stripe payouts work, where fees and delays can arise, and how alternatives like Easykonto can simplify multi-currency withdrawals.
Key Takeaways
Stripe is an efficient way to accept card and online payments for businesses.
However, its settlement-focused payout model can limit currency flexibility and lead to longer withdrawal times.
Easykonto offers a more flexible approach with multi-currency withdrawals, transparent FX, and faster transfer options.
Understanding both options helps you choose the right setup for your business.
Understanding Stripe Payouts
Stripe is primarily a payment acceptance platform. Once funds are received, they are paid out to your bank account through Stripe’s payout system.
This system works well for businesses operating in a single country and currency. For international or multi-currency businesses, however, Stripe’s rules can create friction.
Stripe’s Payout Options
Stripe provides multiple payout options, including scheduled transfers to bank accounts (daily, weekly, or monthly), manual withdrawals, and instant payouts to eligible bank accounts or debit cards, usually completed within 30 minutes. While availability varies by region, the US, UK, and most of Europe are well supported. That said, the payout model comes with notable limitations.
Challenge #1: Stripe Prioritizes Local Currency Payouts
Stripe supports payouts in multiple currencies, but there is a key rule: funds are generally paid out in the local currency of the destination bank account.
In most cases, this means your payouts default to your home country’s currency. While Stripe offers alternative currency payout options, these often come with additional fees, minimum thresholds, and restrictions.
This model works for locally focused businesses but becomes restrictive for companies dealing with multiple currencies regularly.
The Easykonto Alternative
Easykonto treats withdrawals like standard outgoing transactions. This means you can send funds to external accounts in supported currencies without being forced into a local settlement currency.
With support for 30+ currencies and access to networks such as SWIFT, SEPA, and local payment rails, Easykonto provides greater flexibility for international withdrawals.
Challenge #2: Alternative Currency Payouts Come With Extra Costs
Stripe allows alternative currency payouts, but they are not as simple as they appear.
For each additional currency, you must connect a bank account denominated in that same currency. You cannot withdraw multiple currencies to a single bank account. In addition, some currencies require minimum payout amounts, sometimes equivalent to hundreds of dollars.
While Stripe states that some alternative payouts avoid FX fees, other charges often still apply, increasing complexity and cost.
The Easykonto Alternative
With Easykonto, withdrawals are handled the same way as other transactions. You are not required to open separate bank accounts for each currency.
This gives you more choice over where funds are sent and which currencies you use, subject to standard compliance checks and your bank’s own incoming payment rules.
Challenge #3: Stripe Is Built for Settlement, Not FX Trading
Stripe applies exchange rates based on third-party market data, but it is not designed as a currency exchange platform.
Its dashboard primarily supports conversions between USD, EUR, and GBP. If you need other currencies, you may need to rely on Stripe’s settlement logic or external FX services, adding cost and operational complexity.
The Easykonto Alternative
Easykonto offers a dedicated FX service that allows users to convert 38 currency pairs instantly, 24/7.
Rates are shown before confirmation, including the interbank rate and any markup. In some cases, FX markups can be as low as 0.1%, helping businesses reduce conversion costs significantly.
Challenge #4: Longer Withdrawal Times
Stripe payouts typically take 2–3 business days, in addition to the original transaction processing time. For some businesses, especially those considered higher risk, payouts may take significantly longer.
Instant payouts are available, but only under specific conditions. Accounts must meet eligibility requirements, support compatible payment networks, and remain within daily and per-transaction limits. Stripe also limits instant payouts to a maximum number per day.
The Easykonto Alternative
Easykonto withdrawals are processed as standard transfers to external accounts and typically complete within 1–3 business days.
While Easykonto does not brand a separate “instant payout” feature, it supports fast payment rails such as SEPA and the UK’s Faster Payments Service, without imposing internal transfer limits.
Challenge #5: Security and Compliance Holds
Stripe performs extensive compliance checks during onboarding and throughout the account lifecycle. In some cases, payouts may be paused due to missing tax information, regulatory obligations, or third-party claims.
Stripe’s user agreements also allow it to delay payouts beyond standard schedules, which can impact cash flow.
The Easykonto Alternative
Easykonto also applies KYC and compliance checks, as required by regulation. However, the process is designed to be as streamlined as possible.
Users are notified quickly if documentation is required, and once an external account is verified, repeat withdrawals typically proceed without additional checks.
How Easykonto Can Help
Easykonto offers a business-oriented alternative to Stripe payouts, including:
- Multi-currency IBAN accounts supporting 30+ currencies
- Instant FX conversion across 38 currency pairs
- Availability in more than 180 countries
- Transparent and competitive fees
- Simple verification and compliance processes
- Fast withdrawals, often completed within 1–3 business days
These features make Easykonto a strong complement to Stripe, particularly for businesses managing international revenue and cross-border payments.
Final Thoughts
Stripe is an excellent platform for accepting payments, but its payout system is optimized for settlement rather than flexible withdrawals.
For businesses that need multi-currency access, faster payouts, and lower FX costs, pairing Stripe with Easykonto can significantly improve cash flow and reduce fees.
👉 Open an Easykonto account today and simplify your international withdrawals.