The problem
You want to take cards. But signing up for a separate payment processor, connecting it to your invoicing, keeping track of deposits and fees — it's a whole project. So you keep asking for checks and sometimes waiting three weeks for them.
Why we built it
Stripe Connect gets you taking cards through DIRT in under five minutes. No separate account to manage, no separate dashboard to check. Payments come in, records update, deposits hit your bank.
How it works
- 1
In Settings, tap "Connect Stripe." You'll go through Stripe's quick onboarding.
- 2
Once connected, all invoices you send through DIRT can include a "Pay now" card link.
- 3
When clients pay, DIRT marks the invoice paid and Stripe deposits to your bank account.
What changes for your business
Before
Cards require a separate tool. Easier to just ask for a check. Wait three weeks.
After
Stripe connected in five minutes. Every invoice can have a pay-by-card link.
Common questions
How do I accept credit card payments for my contractor business?
The simplest path is connecting Stripe to your invoicing tool. In DIRT, Settings → Connect Stripe walks you through Stripe's onboarding in about five minutes. Once connected, every invoice you send includes a "Pay now" link. Clients pay by card or ACH; Stripe deposits to your bank account. No separate payment dashboard to manage.
What is the cheapest way to accept credit card payments as a small business?
Square's free tier runs roughly 3.3% plus $0.30 per card transaction processed online. Stripe's standard rate is 2.9% plus $0.30. Both are per-transaction, no monthly fee. Joist charges similar rates. The cheapest option overall depends on your volume — at low volume, per-transaction rates matter most; at high volume, negotiated rates become possible.
Is it illegal to charge a 3% credit card fee to customers?
Credit card surcharging legality varies by state. Most states allow it, but a handful either restrict or ban it outright — including Connecticut and Massachusetts. Where it is allowed, you are generally required to disclose the surcharge before the transaction. Check the rules in your state before adding a surcharge line to invoices.
Can I accept card payments without QuickBooks?
Yes. DIRT connects directly to Stripe for card and ACH payments — no QuickBooks account required. You build the invoice in DIRT, send a link, and the client pays online. Payment records update in DIRT automatically. You do not need a separate accounting platform to take cards.
How do small businesses process credit card payments on their phones?
Most use Square, Stripe, or PayPal with a card reader or a payment link. DIRT's approach is built into invoicing: the "Pay now" link inside the invoice page handles the card processing. No card reader needed for remote payment. For in-person tap-to-pay, you would use a separate card reader connected to your Stripe account.
How long does it take to set up contractor card payments?
Stripe's onboarding typically takes five to ten minutes — business name, EIN or SSN, bank account for deposits. Once connected to DIRT, all invoices can include a payment link immediately. Your first deposit usually arrives in one to two business days after a payment.
Do clients prefer paying by card or check?
Most residential clients prefer card — it is faster and does not require them to find their checkbook. Commercial clients often pay by ACH or check because of their accounts payable process. DIRT supports both: Stripe for card and ACH, and manual payment recording for check, Venmo, Zelle, or cash.
Start free
Try it free.
Every DIRT plan includes this feature — Solo included. No credit card, no trial that expires. Set up in minutes and use it on your next job from the truck.