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Setup guide

Connect Stripe

PaymentsAPI keyStripe developer docs ↗

Stripe connects with a restricted API key rather than OAuth. You create the key in the Stripe dashboard and choose exactly which resources Modiva may touch — read-only is recommended for reporting — then paste it into Modiva, which reads and writes customers, products, prices, subscriptions, invoices, payments, balance and checkout sessions through one unified API and MCP server. Because you scope the key yourself, Modiva can never do more than you allow, and you can roll or delete it in one click.

Before you start

  • A Stripe account (test or live mode).
  • A restricted API key created under Developers → API keys → Create restricted key, granting only the permissions you want Modiva to use.

Step-by-step setup

  1. 1

    Create a restricted API key

    In the Stripe dashboard open Developers → API keys and click "Create restricted key". Label it "Modiva", then set each resource's permission — Read for what you only want to report on (Customers, Subscriptions, Invoices, Balance) and Write only where you want Modiva to create records. Create the key and copy the rk_… value; you won't be able to see it again. Use a test-mode key first if you want to try things safely.

  2. 2

    Sign in to Modiva

    Log in at modiva.ai and open the Dashboard. You need a Modiva account before you can connect any platform — creating one takes a minute and no credit card is required for the free tier.

  3. 3

    Open Connections → New connection

    In the left sidebar choose Connections, then click New connection. You'll see the full catalogue of platforms grouped by category (Social, Ads, CRM, E-commerce, Marketing, Creative, Productivity and Payments).

  4. 4

    Select Stripe and paste the key

    Click the Stripe card. In the inline form paste the rk_… restricted key and click Connect.

  5. 5

    You're connected

    Modiva validates the key against Stripe's API and the connection appears with a green Connected status. If a tool later returns a permission error, edit the restricted key in Stripe to grant that resource and reconnect — the error names exactly which permission is missing.

What Modiva can access

You decide. The restricted key you paste grants exactly the resources you selected in Stripe — grant read-only for reporting, or add write access where you want Modiva to create records. You can change the scope in Stripe or disconnect in Modiva at any time.

  • Read (and, if you allow it, write) customers, products and prices
  • Read subscriptions, invoices and payments
  • Create checkout sessions (only if you grant write access)
  • Read your account balance and payouts

Troubleshooting & FAQ

Does Stripe connect with OAuth or an API key?

With a restricted API key. You create it in the Stripe dashboard, decide precisely which resources Modiva can touch (down to read-vs-write per resource), and paste it once at connect time. Modiva encrypts it at rest with AES-256-GCM. Stripe Connect (OAuth) is an option Modiva can adopt later without changing how the tools work.

Should I use a read-only key?

For reporting and analytics, yes — grant Read on Customers, Subscriptions, Invoices, Payments and Balance and leave everything else at None. Only grant Write on the resources where you want Modiva to create records (for example Checkout Sessions or Customers).

Where is my restricted key stored?

Encrypted. Modiva stores the rk_… key with envelope encryption (AES-256-GCM) and only decrypts it in-memory to call the Stripe API. It is never exposed to the browser or logged.

Test mode or live mode?

Either. A test-mode restricted key (rk_test_…) connects the same way and is ideal for trying the tools without touching real money. Swap it for a live key (rk_live_…) when you're ready — just Disconnect and reconnect with the live key.

Can an AI agent accidentally refund or charge a customer?

Not with a read-only key. If you grant only Read permissions, the tools can list and fetch data but cannot create charges, refunds or subscriptions — reporting can never move money.

How do I disconnect?

Open Connections, click the Stripe row and choose Disconnect — Modiva deletes the stored key immediately. To fully revoke access, also roll or delete the "Modiva" restricted key in the Stripe dashboard.

Need help with Stripe?

Reach the team any time from our support page, or ask Fin, our AI support agent.