Quick Takeaways for Doulas:

• • Use trusted tools like Stripe, Square, or PayPal business accounts for safe, secure transactions.

• • Never run doula payments through personal Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App accounts.

• • Send invoices – don’t just ask for money.

• • Offering payment plans? Link them to proper processors.

• • Accept HSA/FSA cards with the right setup (and yes, people do use Klarna or PayPal Pay Later).

• • Set up your EIN, business bank account, and legal structure to protect your income.

Start with a Business Setup That Supports You

Before you pick a payment processor, make sure your business foundation is solid. At a minimum, you’ll need:

• • An EIN (Employer Identification Number)
    Here’s how to get one for free.

• • A business bank account
    I personally use Found (affiliate link), and everything funnels there smoothly.

• • (Optional, but often recommended) An LLC or legal business structure
    Here’s a guide to starting your doula business legally.

Why it matters: Many payment apps and platforms ask for this info to verify your identity, prevent fraud, and, importantly, keep your personal assets separate from your business ones.

Payment Tools Doulas Can Rely On

You don’t need a full e-commerce setup to take credit cards. Here are the most commonly used systems:

✅ Stripe

• • Integrates easily with tools like ThriveCart (what I use for classes)

• • Allows invoice-based billing

• • Compatible with HSA/FSA cards (check provider rules)

• • Great for payment plans and subscriptions

✅ Square

• • Includes in-person card readers and online invoicing

• • Easy to use and trusted in small business settings

• • Also allows integration with scheduling tools

✅ PayPal (Business Account Only)

• • Offers invoicing, subscriptions, and “Pay Later” options

• • Must be a business account to avoid terms violations

• • Clients can use credit cards or HSA/FSA (if eligible)

💡 Pro tip: All of these can be set up to route payments into your Found business bank account. (affiliate link)

Tools to Avoid (or Use With Caution)

These apps are popular, but not built for running a doula business unless set up properly:

❌ Venmo

• • Personal Venmo violates terms of service if used for business

• • No seller protections if a dispute arises

• • Clients might accidentally send to the wrong account

❌ PayPal Personal

• • Cannot legally be used for business transactions

• • Doesn’t provide itemized receipts or business tax summaries

❌ Cash App

• • No real invoicing

• • No client protections

• • Extremely limited business features

If you’re going to use any of these, upgrade to a business version and link it to your business bank account. But even then, Stripe or Square will offer better security, tracking, and integration.

Invoicing Is Easier Than Asking for Money

Whether you’re booking clients directly or offering classes, send invoices by email. This creates a clear, professional trail and helps prevent awkward “when do I pay you?” moments.

Platforms like Stripe, Square, and PayPal all offer invoice-based billing you can customize with:

• • Services offered

• • Payment terms

• • Deposit due dates

• • Payment plan options

Want help offering installments? Check out this blog on doula payment plans.

Can Clients Use Payment Plans or Health Accounts?

Yes, but you have to set it up correctly.

• • Klarna, Affirm, and PayPal Pay Later: These allow clients to fund your services over time. You get paid upfront; they pay in installments.

• • HSA/FSA Cards: You may be able to accept these depending on your services and setup. Stripe and Square often support this.

Make sure your payment processor and service descriptions are accurate so clients can submit documentation if needed.

Don’t Forget the Client Experience

When payments are easy, people book faster.

Offering simple, secure payment options—and flexibility with deposits or plans, can set you apart from other doulas. It also builds trust when your invoices look professional and match your brand.

If you’re running classes or digital offers like I do, a tool like ThriveCart (connected to Stripe) streamlines the whole process. And again, all of my payments deposit into my Found account, which makes tax time way less stressful.

Keep It Legal, Clear, and Client-Centered

Taking payments as a doula isn’t just about convenience, it’s about clarity, protection, and professionalism. Start with a solid foundation, choose systems that work for your workflow, and make it easy for clients to say yes.

Want to talk through your options? I cover this in more detail inside Doula Office Hours. Let’s get you paid – properly.