A step-by-step walkthrough for US-based goLance contractors to complete their one-time Stripe account onboarding.
Estimated time 3–5 minutes
Total steps 8 steps
Applies to US contractors
Before you begin
What you'll need
Government-issued ID Passport, driver's license, or state ID
Bank account details Routing number + account number
Last 4 digits of your SSN Required for US identity verification
Email & mobile number Used to create or link your Stripe account
Complete this before accepting any offers You won't be able to accept client offers or receive payouts until your Stripe account is fully set up and approved.
Step-by-step setup guide
STEP 1
You're classified as a US-based contractor
After completing your tax form, goLance automatically classifies you as a US-based contractor. Before you can accept offers or receive payouts, you must complete a one-time Stripe onboarding.
You'll see a modal on the job offer page informing you of this classification.
If you believe this classification is incorrect, contact Support for a review before proceeding.
Have your government-issued ID and bank account details ready before you begin.
You cannot accept client offers or receive payouts until this onboarding is complete.
STEP 2
Start the onboarding from your Payments page
Navigate to the Payments tab in goLance. You'll see a prompt to "Set up your Stripe account." Click Start Set Up to be redirected to Stripe.
Click "Start Set Up" on the Payments page to begin.
You'll be redirected to Stripe's secure onboarding flow.
The process typically takes 3–5 minutes to complete.
Make sure you have a stable internet connection before starting. Stripe's flow can time out if left idle.
STEP 3
Create or link your Stripe account
Enter your email address and phone number to create or connect your Stripe account. You'll receive a one-time verification code via SMS — enter it to continue.
If you already have a Stripe account, use the same email address to link it automatically.
Enter your mobile phone number to receive the SMS verification code.
Input the 6-digit code when prompted to verify your identity.
Already have a Stripe account? Using the same email links them automatically — no new account needed.
STEP 4
Select your business type
Choose the entity type that best represents how you work. Most freelancers select Individual.
Individual — for solo freelancers working under their own name.
Company — for registered businesses or LLCs.
Nonprofit organization — for registered nonprofits.
STEP 5
Enter your personal information
Stripe collects your personal details to verify your identity and meet regulatory requirements. Make sure all information matches your government-issued ID exactly.
Legal first and last name (exactly as it appears on your ID or tax records)
Email address
Date of birth
Home address (street, city, state, ZIP code)
Phone number
Last 4 digits of your Social Security Number (SSN)
Double-check every field. Mismatches with your official documents can delay or block verification.
STEP 6
Add your business details
Select the industry that best matches your freelance work and provide a website URL. This can be your personal portfolio or company website.
Choose the industry that best fits your primary type of work.
Your website can be a personal portfolio, LinkedIn profile, or company site.
If you don't have a website, a social profile URL is acceptable.
No personal website? Use your LinkedIn profile URL — it's accepted.
STEP 7
Add your bank account
Enter your US bank account details so Stripe can deposit your payouts. Both checking and savings accounts are supported.
Routing number (9 digits — found at the bottom left of your checks)
Account number
Confirm account number (re-enter to prevent errors)
Entering an incorrect account number will cause payouts to fail. Verify the details carefully before submitting.
STEP 8
Review, verify your ID, and submit
Review all the information you've entered for accuracy. Then complete a short identity verification step before your final submission.
Review your personal details, business info, and bank account on the summary screen.
Complete the ID verification step — you may be asked to photograph your ID.
Submit your application. Stripe will review it and notify you by email.
Need to stop and resume later? Use the "Save with a link" option to return to your progress.
Keep an eye on your inbox. Stripe will confirm once your account is approved — usually within minutes.
After setup is complete
Once your Stripe account is approved, your Payments page unlocks full functionality.
Track your payouts See every payout's status, date, destination, and amount from your Payments page.
Manage payout schedule Choose automatic daily payouts or manual payouts — adjust anytime from Payout Information.
Update bank details Add or change your payout bank account from Account Details at any time.
Frequently asked questions
What if my classification as a US-based contractor is wrong?
Contact goLance Support before proceeding. They'll review your account and correct the classification if needed.
Do I need to create a new Stripe account?
No. If you already have a Stripe account, enter the same email address during setup and it will be linked automatically.
How long does account approval take?
Most accounts are approved instantly. In rare cases, Stripe may request additional documents — you'll be notified by email.
What if my account approval takes more than 24 hours?
You will still be allowed to accept the offer and work while your account is being verified.
Can I change my payout bank account later?
Yes. Visit your Payments page and go to Account Details to manage or update your bank account at any time.