Using Stripe With Homecarelink: What Providers Need to Know
When you join Homecarelink as a provider, you’ll notice that part of the sign-up process includes setting up a Stripe Connect account. This article explains why we use Stripe, what it’s for, and how it affects your payments as a New Zealand sole trader.
Why Homecarelink Uses Stripe
Stripe is a secure, trusted online payment platform used by millions of businesses worldwide. Homecarelink uses Stripe for a simple reason:
Stripe manages your Homecarelink subscription payments.
This is the only part of your income that goes through Stripe by default.
You need a Stripe Connect account so your subscription can be billed safely and automatically.
Do customers have to pay me through Stripe?
No.
As a provider on Homecarelink, you are a sole trader, which means:
- You choose how your customers pay you (bank transfer, cash, Stripe, etc.)
- You manage your own invoices and payment terms
- You are responsible for your own tax obligations under NZ law
Homecarelink does NOT handle or touch payments between you and your customers.
You and your customers agree on the payment method that works best for both of you.
Can I use Stripe to accept customer payments if I want to?
Yes, you can.
Stripe is available as an optional payment method if you prefer the security of online card payments—but it is not required.
- Stripe charges a small processing fee (currently 0.7%)
- Payments go directly to your own bank account
- Homecarelink does not take a cut
Why Stripe Connect is part of sign-up
We require Stripe Connect at sign-up for two reasons:
1) To process your Homecarelink subscription safely
This keeps your subscription active and your profile visible to customers.
2) To give you the option to use Stripe for customer payments if you choose
It’s already set up for you — you just switch it on in your settings if you want to offer it as a payment method.
What Homecarelink DOESN’T do
To stay compliant with New Zealand law around marketplace platforms and sole traders:
- We do not collect your earnings
- We do not take service payments
- We do not hold, process, or manage money between you and your customers
- We do not calculate or pay your taxes
- You stay fully independent as a business owner
Homecarelink simply provides the platform and connection between locals and providers.
In Summary
- You must set up Stripe Connect to pay your Homecarelink subscription
- You can choose to use Stripe for customer payments, but it’s optional
- You handle all service payments, taxes, and invoicing as a sole trader
- Homecarelink never touches the money between you and your customers
