> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.withflex.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Stripe Payouts & Identity Verification > How Flex uses Stripe for payouts, why Stripe asks for personal information like an SSN, and how to manage your payout details. Flex partners with [Stripe](https://stripe.com) to pay out funds to merchants. During [onboarding](/developer-guides/onboarding), every Flex merchant connects a Stripe account and completes Stripe's identity verification before accepting HSA/FSA payments. This page answers the most common questions about that process. ## Why does Stripe require personal information like an SSN if I'm signing up under a business? Even when an account is opened under a business, Stripe is legally required to verify the identity of the individual acting on behalf of that business. As a regulated financial services provider, Stripe must meet **Know Your Customer (KYC)** obligations under US federal anti-money-laundering rules (including FinCEN's customer due diligence requirements). These rules exist to prevent the misuse of company structures for money laundering, tax evasion, and other financial crimes — they apply to every payment processor, not just Stripe or Flex. During signup, the person completing onboarding (the **account representative**) is asked for their name, date of birth, home address, and the **last four digits** of their Social Security Number (or ITIN). Stripe may also request a scan of a government-issued ID or a proof-of-address document if your identity can't be verified automatically. A **full nine-digit SSN** is only required later, if your account passes **\$500,000 in lifetime payment volume** and Stripe can't confirm the full number from the last four digits already on file. See Stripe's article on [tax ID requirements for US companies](https://support.stripe.com/questions/business-rep-owner-tax-id-requirements-for-us-companies) for details. All of this information is entered **directly into Stripe** — Flex never sees, receives, or stores your SSN or other personal verification details. ## Does the person completing onboarding have to be a business owner? No. The account representative is simply the person authorized to open and maintain the account on behalf of the business — for example, someone on your finance or operations team. They do not need to hold any ownership stake. If the representative doesn't own 25% or more of the company, they should answer the ownership question accordingly. ## What does the 25% ownership question mean? US regulations require Stripe to collect **beneficial ownership** information: every individual who owns **25% or more** of the company must be listed on the account, along with their name, date of birth, address, and (for US persons) SSN. If no single individual owns 25% or more — common for larger or investor-backed companies — no owners need to be listed. Stripe instead verifies the account representative or another person with significant control of the business (such as an executive officer). See Stripe's article on [US beneficial ownership requirements](https://support.stripe.com/questions/beneficial-ownership-requirements-united-states) for details. ## Does providing my SSN create personal liability or affect my credit? Stripe uses this information solely to verify your identity, as required by law. It is not a credit application, and completing verification as the account representative does not make you a personal guarantor of the business — payouts, fees, and transactions remain between Stripe and the business entity. Stripe's handling of your personal data is governed by its [Privacy Policy](https://stripe.com/privacy). ## What information should I have ready? To complete Stripe onboarding smoothly, have the following on hand: * **Business details** — legal business name, EIN, address, and website * **Account representative details** — name, date of birth, home address, email, phone, and the last four digits of their SSN or ITIN * **Owner details** — the same personal information for any individual who owns 25% or more of the company * **Payout destination** — a bank account (routing and account number) or debit card ## When do payouts arrive? After Flex processes a payment, the amount minus Flex fees is deposited into your Stripe account. Stripe then settles the funds into your linked bank account, typically within **24–72 hours**. You can track and reconcile every payout using the [Payouts & Balance Transactions API](/developer-guides/integration/payouts-balance-transactions). ## How do I update my bank account or payout details? Log in to the [Flex Dashboard](https://dashboard.withflex.com) and go to **Settings → Payouts** to manage your bank account and verification details. If you don't see the option or run into any issues, email [support@withflex.com](mailto:support@withflex.com) and we'll help you update it. ## Is my information secure? Yes. Verification details are entered directly into Stripe's onboarding flow and are collected, used, and safeguarded under [Stripe's Privacy Policy](https://stripe.com/privacy). Flex never has access to your SSN, ID documents, or full bank credentials. ## Still have questions? Reach out to [support@withflex.com](mailto:support@withflex.com) — we're happy to walk you or your finance team through the process.