---
title: How Payout Methods Differ from Payment Methods
shortDescription: Understand the difference between payment methods supporters use at checkout and payout methods creators use to receive earnings.
articleType: Reference
primaryTopic: payout-vs-payment-methods
categories:
  - Payments
tags:
  - payment-methods
  - payout-methods
  - stripe-connect
  - paypal
  - credit-card
  - bank-transfer
  - checkout
  - earnings
tasks:
  - Understand payment methods vs payout methods
  - Set up a payout method via Stripe Connect
  - Enable PayPal at checkout for supporters
  - Configure payment methods in shop settings
terms:
  - payment method
  - payout method
  - how creators get paid
  - how supporters pay
  - PayPal
  - Stripe Connect
  - bank transfer
  - credit card
  - checkout payment options
  - payout vs payment
  - stripe vs paypal
  - earnings transfer
labels:
  - payments
  - payouts
  - checkout
contextString: Available on all Fourthwall plans. Payment methods are configured in shop settings; payout methods are set up via Stripe Connect.
breadcrumbPath: "Frequently asked questions > Payments & pricing > How Payout Methods Differ from Payment Methods"
relatedModules: []
last_updated: '2026-05-08'
path: frequently-asked-questions/payments-and-pricing/how-payout-methods-differ-from-payment-methods
---

# How Payout Methods Differ from Payment Methods

Payment methods and payout methods are two separate things: payment methods are how your supporters pay at checkout, and payout methods are how you receive your earnings. They involve different people, different systems, and are configured in different places.

## Payment methods — how supporters pay at checkout

Payment methods are the options your supporters see when they buy from your shop. Fourthwall handles all checkout payment processing, and you don't need a separate account for most methods.

Supporters can pay using:

- **Credit and debit cards.** Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Enabled by default for all shops.
- **PayPal.** Supporters 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 supporters on compatible devices and browsers. These appear automatically when the supporter's device supports them.

To manage which payment methods are available in your shop, go to [**Settings**](https://my-shop.fourthwall.com/admin/dashboard/settings/?redirect) > **General** > **Payment methods**.

Enabling PayPal as a supporter payment method does not affect how you receive your earnings. Your payouts always go through Stripe Connect, regardless of how the supporter paid.

## Payout methods — how you receive your earnings

Payout methods are how Fourthwall transfers your earnings to you. Fourthwall uses Stripe Connect for all creator payouts, and your earnings are sent directly to your bank account or debit card.

Payouts happen on a monthly basis once your balance reaches $25. The funds are transferred from Fourthwall to your connected bank account or debit card through Stripe.

To set up or manage your payout method, go to [**Settings**](https://my-shop.fourthwall.com/admin/dashboard/settings/billing/?redirect) > **Billing and payouts** > **Set up your payouts**.

PayPal, Wise, crypto wallets, and gift cards are NOT available as payout methods. You cannot receive your Fourthwall earnings into a PayPal account, a Wise account, a crypto wallet, or a gift card balance. You must connect a bank account or debit card via Stripe Connect.

## The PayPal question

Many creators wonder: "Can I use PayPal to get paid?" The short answer is no.

PayPal can be offered to your supporters at checkout as a payment option, but it cannot be used to receive your own payouts. Fourthwall routes all creator earnings through Stripe Connect to a bank account.

If a supporter pays with PayPal, those funds are still settled into your Fourthwall balance and paid out via Stripe — just like any other sale.

## Summary

- **Payment methods** are used by your supporters to pay for orders at checkout. Options include credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Configured in Settings > General > Payment methods.
- **Payout methods** are how you receive your earnings. Options: bank account or debit card via Stripe Connect only (no PayPal, Wise, crypto, or gift card alternatives). Configured in Settings > Billing and payouts.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I receive payouts via PayPal?

No. Fourthwall uses Stripe Connect for all creator payouts. You must connect a bank account or debit card. See [How Do I Get Paid?](/frequently-asked-questions/payments-and-pricing/how-you-get-paid) for setup instructions.

### Can I use Wise, crypto, or a gift card to receive my payouts?

No. Creator payouts go out through Stripe Connect only, or through bill.com for creators in countries Stripe does not support. Wise, crypto wallets, and gift cards are not payout channels on Fourthwall.

### What if I don't want to offer PayPal to supporters?

You can disable PayPal in [**Settings**](https://my-shop.fourthwall.com/admin/dashboard/settings/?redirect) > **General** > **Payment methods**. Supporters will then only see card-based options at checkout.

### Does a supporter's payment method affect when I get paid?

No. Your payout schedule is the same regardless of how supporters pay. All sales settle into your Fourthwall balance and are paid out monthly once you hit the $25 threshold.