How Payout Methods Differ from Payment Methods
Updated October 26, 2026
Two different things: how customers pay you, and how you receive that money
A common point of confusion is mixing up payment methods and payout methods. They involve different people, different systems, and are configured in different places. Here's how to tell them apart.
Payment methods — how customers pay at checkout
Payment methods are the options your customers see when they buy from your shop. Fourthwall handles all checkout payment processing, and you don't need a separate account for most methods.
Customers can pay using:
- Credit and debit cards — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Enabled by default for all shops.
- PayPal — Customers with a PayPal account can check out using it. You can enable or disable PayPal in your shop settings.
- Apple Pay and Google Pay — Available to customers on compatible devices and browsers. These appear automatically when the customer's device supports them.
To manage which payment methods are available in your shop, go to Settings > Checkout.
Enabling PayPal as a customer payment method doesn't set up PayPal payouts or change how you receive your earnings.
Payout methods — how you receive your earnings
Payout methods are how Fourthwall transfers your earnings to you. Stripe Connect is the standard payout method wherever Stripe is available. It sends your earnings directly to your bank account or debit card. Debit cards work only if you're in the US and use a US-issued debit card. Everyone else connects a bank account.
Where Stripe isn't available or is in preview, Fourthwall offers PayPal and/or bill.com payouts, depending on your country. To see what your country has, check Which payout methods are available in my country?.
You can't apply for PayPal or bill.com payouts until your balance reaches the minimum. Applications sent before then aren't processed, and support doesn't reply to them. The minimum is $25 for PayPal, including Brazil, and $25 for bill.com, or $35 for bill.com in Brazil.
PayPal and bill.com use the same application. Once your balance reaches the minimum, email support@fourthwall.com with your shop's URL. Support replies with a link to a form where you enter your payout details. Don't send payout or bank details by email. PayPal needs no other setup after you submit the form. bill.com onboarding is manual, and bill.com review and setup can take time. For the details, see What if your country is not supported by Stripe.
For payout dates and minimums, see Understanding payout timing and schedules.
To set up Stripe Connect payouts, go to Settings > Billing and payouts > Set up your payouts. If support has already set you up with bill.com or PayPal payouts, you don't need this button. It can stay visible after that setup, because support sets up these payouts manually and the dashboard can't detect them.
Wise, crypto wallets, and gift cards are not available as payout methods. You cannot receive your Fourthwall earnings into a Wise account, a crypto wallet, or a gift card balance.
The PayPal question
PayPal at checkout is a payment option for your customers, and enabling it doesn't set up your payouts. PayPal payouts are a separate creator payout method, offered in some countries where Stripe Connect isn't available or is in preview. Check Which payout methods are available in my country? to see if your country has PayPal payouts.
You can't apply for PayPal payouts until your balance reaches $25. Applications sent before then aren't processed, and support doesn't reply to them. The PayPal minimum is $25 everywhere, including Brazil.
Once your balance reaches $25, email support@fourthwall.com with your shop's URL. Support replies with a link to a form where you enter your payout details. Don't send payout or bank details by email. There's no other setup after you submit the form. If support has already set you up with PayPal payouts, you don't need Set up your payouts.
If a customer pays with PayPal, those funds are still settled into your Fourthwall balance and paid out the same way as any other sale.
Summary
| Payment methods | Payout methods | |
|---|---|---|
| Who uses it | Your customers | You (the creator) |
| Purpose | Paying for orders at checkout | Receiving your earnings |
| Options | Credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay | Bank account or debit card via Stripe Connect where Stripe is available, or PayPal and/or bill.com depending on your country (no Wise, crypto, or gift card alternatives) |
| Where to configure | Settings > Checkout | Settings > Billing and payouts (Stripe Connect) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive payouts via PayPal?
Yes, in some countries where Stripe Connect isn't available or is in preview. Check Which payout methods are available in my country? to see if your country has PayPal payouts.
You can't apply for PayPal payouts until your balance reaches $25. Applications sent before then aren't processed, and support doesn't reply to them. The PayPal minimum is $25 everywhere, including Brazil.
Once your balance reaches $25, email support@fourthwall.com with your shop's URL. Support replies with a link to a form where you enter your payout details. Don't send payout or bank details by email. There's no other setup after you submit the form. Enabling PayPal at checkout doesn't set up your payouts. If support has already set you up with PayPal payouts, you don't need Set up your payouts.
Can I use Wise, crypto, or a gift card to receive my payouts?
No. Creator payouts go out through Stripe Connect where Stripe is available, or through PayPal and/or bill.com depending on your country. Wise, crypto wallets, and gift cards are not payout channels on Fourthwall.
What if I don't want to offer PayPal to customers?
You can disable PayPal in Settings > Checkout by turning off Accept PayPal. Customers will then only see card-based options at checkout.
Does a customer's payment method affect when I get paid?
No. Your payout schedule is the same regardless of how customers pay. For payout dates, see Understanding payout timing and schedules.