Stripe provides the payment infrastructure. Flow adds the mobile selling and account-management layer for businesses that need to take payments away from a desktop browser.
Stripe handles the heavy lifting: payment processing, security, compliance, fraud detection, banking, and settlement. Flow adds the mobile-first checkout experience and common account tools that let you actually use Stripe in the real world from a phone. Advanced setup still belongs in Stripe Dashboard. You don’t choose Flow instead of Stripe - you choose Flow for mobile selling on top of your Stripe account.
The payments backbone. Handles processing, security, payouts, compliance, and settlement. Works in the background on every transaction.
The mobile interface. Makes Stripe work for in-person selling and common on-the-go account checks, with Stripe Dashboard still available for advanced controls.
The Stripe web dashboard is designed for desktop account management. Flow is designed for mobile selling and real-world business operations.
| Capability | Flow App | Stripe Dashboard (browser) |
|---|---|---|
| In-person payment acceptance | ||
| Tap to Pay (contactless NFC) | ||
| Card reader support | ||
| Manual card entry | Limited via API | |
| Mobile-optimized interface | ||
| Quick charge screen | ||
| Payment links | ||
| Invoices | ||
| Customer management | Coming soon | |
| Balance & payout tracking | ||
| Payment history & search | ||
| Digital receipts | ||
| Designed for selling, not just reporting |
* This comparison reflects typical capabilities. Stripe may update their dashboard at any time. Flow is not affiliated with Stripe, Inc. Stripe is a registered trademark of Stripe, Inc.
Accept payments at farmers markets, craft fairs, and pop-up events with nothing but your phone.
Bill clients on the spot or send invoices remotely. Manage your income and Stripe balance from anywhere.
Take payment at the job site. Collect payment links at the door. Invoice after service completion.
Already using Stripe? Flow gives you a native mobile interface without any additional integration work.
Download FlowPOS for iOS or Android, connect your Stripe account, and start taking in-person payments from your phone. No hardware required for Tap to Pay.