In the modern field service industry, cash is no longer king. Speed is king.
The days of technicians carrying carbon-copy invoice books, accepting paper checks, and driving them to the bank on Friday afternoon are fading. Today, customers expect the “Uber Experience”: the job is done, they tap a button (or a phone), and the payment happens instantly.
For many business owners, Stripe is the gold standard for online payments. It is reliable, fast, and transparent. If you already have a Stripe account for your e-commerce store or website, you likely want to plug that same account into your new dispatch software.
However, when you sign up for field service software like Jobber or Housecall Pro, you are often presented with a confusing choice: “Sign up for Jobber Payments” or “Connect Payment Processor.”
Here is the secret they often don’t tell you explicitly: It’s almost all Stripe.
Most modern Field Service Management (FSM) software uses a technology called Stripe Connect to power their internal payment engines. But just because they use Stripe doesn’t mean you can use your Stripe account.
This guide dives deep into the “White-Label” payment economy, explains the revolutionary “Tap to Pay on iPhone” feature that is killing the dongle, and provides a manual for winning chargeback disputes using digital evidence.
Quick Definitions
Payment Gateway: The digital infrastructure that securely transmits credit card data to the banking network. Stripe is a gateway.
Payment Processor: The entity that handles the account and deposits money into your bank.
Merchant of Record: The entity legally responsible for the transaction. In a “White-Label” setup, the software company (e.g., Jobber) acts as the platform, while you are a sub-merchant.
Card Present (CP): A transaction where the card is physically dipped, tapped, or swiped. These have the lowest fees (e.g., 2.6%).
Stripe Terminal: The physical hardware (card readers) that connects to the Stripe software.
PCI Compliance: Security standards for protecting credit card data. Integrated software handles this for you so you never see the full card number.
| Software | Best For | Starting Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jobber ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.9/5) | 🚀 Best Overall Small to Med Business | $19 / month | Try Free Read Review |
| Workiz ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5) | 📞 Best for Dispatch Locksmith & Garage | $29 / month | Try Free Read Review |
| Housecall Pro ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.6/5) | 🎨 Best for Visuals Residential Sales | $49 / month | Visit Site Read Review |
| ServiceTitan ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5) | 🏢 Best for Enterprise Commercial & Heavy Service | Custom Quote | Get Demo Read Review |
| FieldPulse ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5) | 📱 Best Mobile App Easy to Use | $59 / month | Visit Site Read Review |
| RepairShopr ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5) | 💻 Best for Repair Shops IT & Electronics | Custom Quote | Visit Site Read Review |
| Simpro ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5) | 🏗️ Best for Projects Construction & Security | Custom Quote | Get Demo Read Review |
| Service Fusion ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3/5) | 🎧 Best for VoIP Mid-Market Service | Custom Quote | Get Demo Read Review |
| FieldEdge ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.2/5) | 🔄 Best for QB Desktop Legacy Sync Users | Custom Quote | Visit Site Read Review |
| Successware ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.2/5) | 📊 Best for Accounting Plumbing & HVAC | Custom Quote | Visit Site Read Review |
| Zoho Field Service ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.1/5) | 💰 Best Budget Zoho Users | $15 / month | Visit Site Read Review |
| Thryv ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.0/5) | 📢 Best for Marketing All-in-One CRM | Custom Quote | Visit Site Read Review |
| RazorSync ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3.9/5) | ⚡ Simple Service Field Service Basics | Custom Quote | Visit Site Read Review |
✅ Verified Data: Checks on Jan 29, 2026 via vendor portals.
Source: Pricing Index
(DOI/Dataset).
Disclosure: We may earn commissions. Learn more & Methodology.
The “White-Label” Secret: Jobber Payments IS Stripe
When you see “Jobber Payments,” “Housecall Pro Instapay,” or “FieldPulse Payments,” you are looking at Stripe wearing a mask.
FSM software companies are not banks. They do not build their own credit card processing infrastructure from scratch. Instead, they use a technology called Stripe Connect.
How It Works:
- The Platform: The FSM software creates a massive “Platform Account” directly with Stripe.
- The Sub-Account: When you sign up for “Jobber Payments,” they provision a specific Stripe “Connected Account” for your business in the background.
- The Flow: You process a payment. Stripe takes the money, splits the processing fee (giving a cut to the software vendor as revenue share), and deposits the rest in your bank account.
Why This Matters to You:
This explains why the answer to “Can I connect my existing Stripe account?” is usually No.
The software vendor relies on the “Revenue Share” (their cut of the 2.9% fee) as a major profit stream. If they let you connect your own standalone Stripe account (where you pay Stripe directly), the software vendor makes $0. Therefore, they often lock the integration to their own White-Label version.
Related: Read our Jobber review for specifics on their payment terms and fees.
“Native” vs. “Bring Your Own” (BYO) Integration
Not all software forces you into the White-Label model. Some allow you to bring your own keys. Understanding the difference can save you thousands in fees if you are a high-volume shop.
Comparison Table: Native vs. BYO
| Feature | Native Integration (e.g., Jobber Payments) | Bring Your Own (e.g., Workiz Stripe) |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Time | Instant. Click “Activate,” verify ID, done in 5 mins. | Complex. Requires logging into Stripe, generating API Keys, and pasting them. |
| Rates | Fixed. (e.g., 2.9% + 30¢). Non-negotiable. | Negotiable. If you do >$1M/yr, you can negotiate directly with Stripe (e.g., 2.4%). |
| Reconciliation | Automatic. Invoice marks “Paid” instantly. Syncs to QuickBooks perfectly. | Manual/Buggy. Sometimes fails to mark invoice paid. Refunds often require manual entry. |
| Support | Single Point. You call the software vendor. | Finger Pointing. Software says “Call Stripe,” Stripe says “Call Software.” |
| Hardware | Guaranteed. Readers work plug-and-play. | Risky. Generic readers might not connect to the app via Bluetooth. |
| Features | Full Suite. Card on File, Instant Payouts supported. | Limited. Advanced features often missing. |
Verdict: For 99% of small businesses (under $2M revenue), Native Integration is worth the slightly higher fee for the seamless reconciliation and support.
The “Tap to Pay on iPhone” Revolution
Remember the little plastic headphone-jack readers that always broke? Or the Bluetooth dongles that ran out of battery right when you needed to charge a customer?
They are dying. The new standard for 2025/2026 is Tap to Pay on iPhone.
What Is It?
Apple (and Stripe) now allow the iPhone’s built-in NFC chip to act as a secure payment terminal.
- No Dongle: The technician does not need a separate card reader.
- The Action: The technician holds out their own iPhone running the FSM app. The customer taps their Credit Card or Apple Watch directly onto the technician’s phone.
- The Security: It uses the same secure element as Apple Pay. No card numbers are stored on the device.
Why It Changes the Game
- Lower Fees: Transactions processed via “Tap to Pay on iPhone” count as Card Present. This qualifies you for the lower rate (e.g., 2.6%) compared to typing the numbers in (3.5%).
- Zero Hardware Cost: You don’t need to buy a $60 reader for every truck. You just need the iPhones your techs already have.
- Reliability: No Bluetooth pairing errors. No dead batteries.
Supported Apps:
Currently, Jobber, Housecall Pro, and FieldPulse support this natively via their Stripe backend. If your software doesn’t support this yet, they are behind the curve.
The Dispute Defense Manual: How to Win Chargebacks
For a contractor, a chargeback is a nightmare. You did the work, installed the AC unit ($5,000 value), and two weeks later, the money is pulled from your account because the customer claims “Service Not Received.”
Standalone Stripe accounts leave you vulnerable. Native Integrations give you a digital shield.
Fraud vs. Service Disputes
- Fraud: “I didn’t authorize this charge.” (Stolen card).
- Service Dispute: “The work wasn’t done correctly.” (Friendly fraud).
How Integrated Payments Win Disputes
When you fight a dispute in the Stripe Dashboard, you need evidence. A Native Integration automatically compiles this “Evidence Pack” for you:
- GPS Log: Proof the technician’s phone was at the service address at the time of transaction (from the technician mobile app).
- Digital Signature: The timestamped signature collected on the invoice immediately before payment.
- Photos: “Before and After” photos attached to the job record.
- Communication Log: SMS and Email history confirming the appointment.
The Result: Banks are far more likely to rule in your favor when you provide this level of metadata. If you used a standalone square reader, you would have to manually scramble to find these documents.
Stripe Radar
If you have access to the underlying Stripe dashboard (BYO model), you can use Stripe Radar. This uses machine learning to block transactions that look suspicious (e.g., IP address is in Russia, but the service address is in Ohio). Native integrations often run Radar in the background for you.
The Rate Stack: Where Does the 2.9% Go?
Business owners hate the “Credit Card Tax.” Understanding the breakdown helps you realize why rates are hard to lower.
The typical fee is 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction.
| Who Gets It | Estimated Cut | What They Do |
|---|---|---|
| Interchange (Visa/Mastercard) | ~1.5% – 1.8% | The base cost to move money. This goes to the card-issuing bank (Chase, Citi). |
| Stripe (The Processor) | ~0.5% – 0.8% | The fee for the gateway technology, security, and payout handling. |
| The Software (Application Fee) | ~0.5% – 0.9% | The Markup. This is the profit margin for Jobber, HCP, etc. |
The “Surcharging” Strategy:
To offset this, many FSMs now offer a “Consumer Fee” toggle.
- You enable “Pass Fees to Customer.”
- The software automatically adds a line item (e.g., “3% Convenience Fee”) to the invoice.
- Result: The customer pays the fee, not you. (Check local state laws before enabling—it is illegal in some states like CT and MA).
Hardware Compatibility (The Amazon Trap)
This is the #1 mistake contractors make when trying to save money.
The Scenario:
You sign up for Housecall Pro. You see they sell a card reader for $249. You look on Amazon and see a seemingly identical “Stripe Reader M2” for $59. You buy the Amazon one.
The Result:
It effectively becomes a paperweight. It will not work.
The Reason:
Stripe Terminal devices (WisePOS E, Stripe Reader M2) are loaded with “Encryption Keys” specific to the Platform Account that deployed them.
- A reader bought from Amazon is “Generic” or keyed to a different platform.
- A reader bought from Jobber is “Keyed to Jobber.”
- You cannot re-key a generic reader to work with Jobber’s closed system.
The Rule:
Always buy your hardware directly from inside your FSM software dashboard. Yes, it costs more. But it is the only way to guarantee it connects via Bluetooth to the app and processes payments securely.
Top Software with Stripe Support
| Software | Integration Type | Reader Support | “Instapay” (Fast Payouts) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jobber | Native (Jobber Payments) | WisePOS E, Go 2 | Yes (1% fee) |
| Housecall Pro | Native (HCP Instapay) | WisePOS E, M2 | Yes (1% fee) |
| Workiz | Hybrid (Workiz Pay or Stripe) | WisePOS E | Yes |
| FieldPulse | Native | WisePOS E | Yes |
| ServiceTitan | Proprietary (ST Pay) | Ingenico / Custom | Yes (Next Day) |
- Deep Dive: Workiz Stripe integration is unique because it offers more flexibility than competitors, sometimes allowing direct connections for enterprise clients.
- Enterprise: Compare this to ServiceTitan’s payments, which uses a completely different backend provider, often requiring a new merchant application.
Key Features to Look For
Beyond just taking cards, a good Stripe integration enables advanced workflows that improve cash flow.
1. Card on File (Recurring Revenue)
If you sell memberships and service agreements, you need “Card on File.”
- The customer pays once.
- Stripe “Tokenizes” the card (saves a secure ID).
- Next month, the software automatically charges the Token.
- Benefit: You never have to ask for the card number again, reducing friction and churn.
2. Payment Links via SMS
Sometimes you don’t want to hand the customer a tablet (sanitation reasons or they aren’t home).
- You generate a “Pay Now” link in the app.
- You send it via SMS text message.
- The customer pays on their own phone using Apple Pay or Google Pay.
- Benefit: Great for collecting deposits before the truck rolls.
3. Pre-Authorization (Holds)
For large jobs (e.g., $5,000 Install), you don’t want the card to decline after you install the unit.
- Use “Pre-Auth” to reserve the funds on the customer’s card 3 days before the job.
- Related: Managing cash flow with invoicing and payments.
The Payment Security & Rate Audit
Before settling on a processor, run this checklist.
- [ ] Rate Comparison: Calculate your effective rate. Take “Total Fees Paid” / “Total Sales”. If it is higher than 3.5%, you are keying in too many cards manually. Switch to a card reader or “Tap to Pay.”
- [ ] Hardware Check: Are your readers “EMV Certified” (Chip enabled)? Liability shifts to you if you are still swiping magstripes.
- [ ] Payout Speed: Check the “Payout Schedule” settings. Is it set to “Automatic – Daily”? If you need cash faster for payroll, enable “Instant Payouts” (usually to a debit card).
- [ ] Refund Policy: Ensure your digital invoice footer clearly states your refund terms. Stripe allows you to fight chargebacks, but only if you have proof the customer agreed to terms.
- [ ] QuickBooks Sync: Verify that the Stripe Fees are syncing to a separate “Merchant Fees” expense account in QuickBooks, rather than just reducing your income.
FAQ: Stripe Integration
Can I connect my existing Stripe account to Jobber?
No. Jobber Payments uses a “Platform” model. You must create a new “Jobber Payments” account (which is technically a new Stripe sub-account) inside their system. You cannot link your old standalone Stripe account.
What is the difference between Stripe and “Jobber Payments”?
Technology-wise, they are the same. “Jobber Payments” is simply a white-labeled version of Stripe wrapped in Jobber’s branding. The support and fee structure are managed by Jobber, but the processing engine is Stripe.
Can I use a Square reader with my field service app?
No. Square uses a proprietary encryption that only works with the Square App. You cannot use a Square reader with Jobber, HCP, or ServiceTitan. You must use the specific reader they sell.
Why are the fees higher in the app than on Stripe’s website?
Stripe’s direct pricing is usually 2.9% + 30¢. Some FSM apps charge slightly more (e.g., 3.1%) or charge extra for certain features to cover their own development costs. Conversely, some apps negotiate lower bulk rates. Always check the fine print.
Can I buy a Stripe reader on Amazon?
We strongly advise against it. Readers must be injected with specific encryption keys to talk to your FSM app. Amazon sellers often sell “Generic” Stripe readers that will not pair with Jobber or HCP, leaving you with useless hardware.
Does Housecall Pro use Stripe?
Yes. “Housecall Pro Instapay” is powered by Stripe. It allows for features like “30-minute deposits” directly to your debit card.
How fast are the payouts with Stripe?
Standard payouts are “Rolling 2-Day.” Payments taken on Tuesday land in your bank on Thursday. With “Instant Payout” enabled (usually for a 1% fee), funds land in minutes, even on weekends.
Is it cheaper to use an external payment link?
You could generate a payment link in your personal Stripe dashboard and email it to the customer. You might save 0.1% in fees. However, you will spend 15 minutes manually marking the invoice as paid in your FSM and reconciling it in QuickBooks. The admin cost usually outweighs the fee savings.
Does Stripe handle recurring billing for memberships?
Yes. Stripe excels at “Subscriptions.” When integrated with FSM software, it powers the automatic monthly billing for maintenance plans, handling failed card retries automatically.
What is “Stripe Connect”?
Stripe Connect is the developer platform that allows software companies (like ServiceTitan or Jobber) to embed payments into their products. It is the bridge that turns a dispatch app into a fintech app.
Sources
- Stripe Connect Documentation (Verified Jan 2026) – https://stripe.com/connect
- Jobber Payments Terms of Service (Verified Jan 2026) – https://getjobber.com/terms-of-service
- Stripe Terminal & Hardware (Verified Jan 2026) – https://stripe.com/docs/terminal
- Workiz Stripe Integration (Verified Jan 2026) – https://workiz.com/integrations/stripe/