Why does my account need to be "payouts enabled"?

When you connect a bank account, your account starts as "charges enabled" but not yet "payouts enabled." Stripe needs to verify your identity (typically by checking your SSN against credit-bureau records) before allowing money to leave the platform.

In most cases this happens within a few minutes of completing onboarding. Occasionally Stripe will request additional documentation (a photo ID, a utility bill) — you'll see a banner on your Funding page if so.

Your campaign can be live and accepting contributions before payouts are enabled, but you can't withdraw until verification completes.