How Fernwayer Sends Payouts
Fernwayer uses Stripe Connect (Express) — a secure, global payout infrastructure used by major marketplaces and companies — to send earnings directly to Experience Makers.
Stripe Express is designed specifically for platforms that support creators and freelancers worldwide. It handles our end-to-end infrastructure for payments: from traveler credit card payments to Experience Maker payouts. This includes cross-border payments, currency conversion, local banking compliance, and secure identity verification.
You do not need a business or LLC to receive payouts. A personal bank account in your name is sufficient. If you prefer to use a business bank account, that works too.
Important: Stripe Connect (Express) is not the same as a standard Stripe account. Do not create an account directly on stripe.com for Fernwayer payouts. You must use the secure invite link Fernwayer provides during Set Up.
Setting Up Stripe for the First Time
Once your first experience is approved, Fernwayer will send you a personalized Stripe Express invite link. Setup takes about 5 minutes.
Always use the invite link from Fernwayer to create your Stripe Express account.
You’ll need:
Bank account details
A valid government-issued ID
A phone number (for SMS verification)
Setup tips:
Be signed in to Fernwayer on the web before clicking the Stripe invite link.
Ensure the country of your bank account matches what you select in Stripe’s country dropdown.
Stripe will notify us once your account is verified.
You can use a standard bank account or a multi-currency account like Wise (formerly TransferWise), which some creators prefer for managing exchange rates or reducing cross-border fees.
Accessing Your Stripe Express Account
After setup, on a going basis, you can access your Stripe Express dashboard:
From your Fernwayer Settings
Or directly via the login link Stripe sends you by email
Your dashboard lets you view payout status, update bank details, and download tax or payment records if needed.
When and How You’ll Receive Your Payouts
Fernwayer’s standard payout schedule works like this, unless you’re running a one-time, event-based experience with long-range planning and different payment terms confirmed at the time of experience approval:
We initiate your payout 48 hours after the experience ends. This allows us to manage consequences of any last-minute cancellations or no-shows by the Experience Maker.
The payout appears in your Stripe Express account within 24 hours.
Stripe initiates a transfer to your bank typically on the next business day (note: banks typically pause processing over weekends). However, this can vary by bank.
Your bank’s processing time determines when the funds arrive — usually 3–7 business days, depending on your country, local banking system, and bank holidays.
You’ll see the estimated arrival date in your Stripe dashboard.
Each payout references a specific booking and includes:
Experience date
Traveler name
Fernwayer fee
Stripe fee
Final payout amount
How Much Are Stripe Fees?
Stripe fees vary depending on:
The traveler's payment method (e.g., credit card currency)
The transaction currency (e.g., EUR or USD)
Your payout country
On average, Stripe fees are around 5%. You’ll see the full breakdown for each transaction in your Stripe dashboard.
Note: Stripe applies currency conversion when your payout is sent in a currency different from your bank account’s. This is standard across all international payment systems — including banks, credit cards, and peer-to-peer services.
Stripe works with local banking partners to deposit payouts in your local currency. This minimizes delays and avoids regulatory friction. Stripe typically uses exchange rates close to the mid-market rate, though they may vary slightly depending on the local partner bank.
Can I Use a Multi-Currency Account Like Wise as my Bank Account on Stripe Express?
Yes. Many Experience Makers use a Wise (formerly TransferWise) multi-currency account for Stripe payouts. This can offer more control over exchange rates, lower conversion fees, and easier management of international transfers.
You can connect a Wise account just like any other bank account during Stripe setup.
What if I Already Have a Stripe Account?
If you already have a Stripe account, you can use it for Fernwayer payouts — as long as the email address is the same.
Stripe allows you to manage multiple platforms under one login. If your Fernwayer email matches the one linked to your Stripe account, the connection will work smoothly.
If your emails differ, we recommend updating your Fernwayer email first under My Profile to match Stripe. This helps ensure a seamless setup. Be sure to use an email you check regularly, as all communication — including bookings — will be sent there.
Why doesn’t Fernwayer use PayPal, Payoneer, or other peer-to-peer platforms for payouts?
Fernwayer uses Stripe Connect (Express) because it provides secure, end-to-end infrastructure for both receiving payments from travelers and sending payouts to Experience Makers — all within one integrated system.
Platforms like PayPal or Payoneer are designed primarily for peer-to-peer transfers, not for managing platform-based payouts at scale and with the integration we need. They don’t offer us the same level of automation, currency handling, compliance coverage, or traveler-to-maker traceability we require. Stripe also allows us to operate across dozens of countries with local banking partners, helping reduce delays and fees.
This ensures that payouts are not only faster and more reliable but also meet the regulatory and operational standards required for a global marketplace.
Need Help?
If you have any questions or run into issues with setup or payouts, we're here to help. Reach out to the Fernwayer team via the chat tab for Support in your account or email us directly..