When using Aptly Screening, you'll need a way to collect application fees and reconcile screening charges. Aptly uses Stripe Connect to process application payments and Aptly Pay transactions.
Before you can collect application fees, you'll need to create and connect a Stripe Connect account through Aptly.
Note: If this is your first Stripe account, Stripe may place a hold on initial payouts. It can take 7–14 days before funds are deposited into your bank account. For additional information, see Stripe's documentation regarding first-time payouts.
Connect a Stripe Connect Account
Aptly requires a dedicated Stripe Connect account for Screening and Aptly Pay transactions. Even if you already have a Stripe account, you'll still need to create a separate Stripe Connect account for use with Aptly.
Tip: You can use the same email address associated with an existing Stripe account.
To connect a Stripe Connect account:
- Navigate to Company Settings > Payments.
- Click Link Account.
- A new window will open and redirect you to Stripe.
- Follow the prompts to create your Stripe Connect account.
- Enter your business information, including:
- Business location
- Business type and structure
- Legal business name
- Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Business address
- Industry (Property Rentals)
- Business website
- Product description (recommended: Rental Application Screening Fee)
- Verify the business representative responsible for the account.
- Connect the bank account where payouts should be deposited.
- Select a payout schedule.
For easier reconciliation, Aptly recommends selecting Automatic Daily Payouts.
- Enter your customer support contact information.
- Complete any remaining business details and submit the application.
In most cases, Stripe verifies new accounts within a few minutes.
Tip: You can customize your business name and logo within Stripe. Applicants will see this information on payment receipts and invoices.
Add Multiple Stripe Accounts
Aptly supports multiple Stripe accounts within a single organization.
To add another Stripe account:
- Navigate to Company Settings > Payments.
- Locate your existing Stripe account.
- Click Stripe Continue Setup.
- Review the confirmation message and click Proceed.
- Complete the Stripe setup process for the new account.
Tip: Assign a custom profile name to each Stripe account to make them easier to identify.
Set a Primary Payment Account
The primary payment account is used whenever a more specific payment account has not been configured.
To set a primary payment account:
- Navigate to Company Settings > Payments.
- Locate the Stripe account you want to use.
- Click the Star icon next to the account.
If the primary account is disabled, you'll need to select another active account as the default.
Note: If no primary account is selected, Aptly will use the first active Stripe account available.
Assign a Stripe Account to a Location
You can assign a specific Stripe account to a property, building, unit, or listing.
From a Property, Building, or Unit
- Open the location or listing board.
- Click the More Menu in the upper-right corner.
- Select Marketing Info.
- Open the Aptly Listings Details tab.
- Locate Aptly Pay Payment Account.
- Select the Stripe account you would like to use.
From a Listing
- Open the listing.
- Scroll to Payment Account.
- Select Override Global Settings.
- Choose the desired Stripe account.
Changes are saved automatically.
Payment Account Selection Priority
When collecting application fees or tour payments, Aptly determines which Stripe account to use in the following order:
- Payment account assigned directly to the Unit or Location.
- Payment account configured in Screening Management > Organization Settings.
- Organization's primary Stripe account.
- First active Stripe account available within the organization.
You can also configure payment accounts for:
- Individual properties, buildings, or units
- Application forms
- Showing boards
- Screening Management settings
Configure Application Fees
Applicants must pay an application fee before submitting their application.
Application fees are collected through your connected Stripe Connect account. The collected fee is deposited into your Stripe account while Aptly's screening charge is reconciled automatically.
Application fee settings can be configured in:
- Screening Management > Board Settings
- Screening Management > Organization Settings
Settings applied at the board level can override organization-level defaults.
Customize the Product Name on Stripe Transactions
You can customize how application fee charges appear on applicant bank statements, receipts, and Stripe transactions.
To update the product name:
- Navigate to Screening Management > Board Settings.
- Select Edit Collection.
- Scroll to Product Name on Stripe Invoice.
- Choose one of the following options:
- Location Name
- Company Name
- Company Name | Location Name
- Portfolio Name | Location Name
Using a location-based naming convention can make it easier to identify transactions within Stripe.
Process a Refund
Refunds can be issued from either Stripe or Aptly.
From Stripe
From Aptly
Refer to the refund documentation for step-by-step instructions.