Sunbit

Sunbit is a buy now, pay later (BNPL) payment method available in the US that enables customers to pay for services over time with flexible installment plans. Integrated directly into Stripe, it provides merchants with a seamless way to offer flexible financing options to their customers, particularly in service-based industries like dental care, eye care, pet care, healthcare, and auto service.

What is Sunbit?

Sunbit is a buy now, pay later payment method designed specifically for in-person services and everyday expenses. Unlike traditional BNPL solutions focused on retail purchases, Sunbit targets service-based merchants where customers often face unexpected or large expenses. The partnership with Stripe enables merchants processing payments on Stripe to offer Sunbit financing with minimal integration effort.

This BNPL solution was announced in September 2024 as a partnership between Sunbit and Stripe, making it easy for merchants to enable flexible payment options without significant development work. For merchants looking to expand their payment options beyond traditional credit cards, Sunbit provides a specialized alternative that serves customers in industries where insurance often doesn't cover full costs. Similar to other buy now, pay later solutions like Afterpay Clearpay, Sunbit helps reduce cart abandonment by offering customers more ways to pay.

Industries Served

Dental Care

Orthodontics, cosmetic procedures, and emergency dental work

Eye Care

Prescription eyewear, cataract surgery, and LASIK procedures

Pet Care

Veterinary emergencies, surgical procedures, and specialty treatments

Healthcare

Medical procedures not covered by insurance

Auto Service

Major repairs and parts replacements

Home Services

HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work

Service-Focused BNPL

Unlike retail-focused BNPL solutions like Klarna or Afterpay, Sunbit is purpose-built for service-based transactions. The application process is designed to be quick, with over 90% of applicants approved. Every approved customer receives a 3-month 0% APR payment plan as a standard offering.

Sunbit Performance Metrics

90%

Customer Approval Rate

Months 0% APR (Standard)

2-5

Days to Merchant Payout

Customer Experience

Sunbit is designed to provide a seamless payment experience for customers facing unexpected or substantial expenses. The application process is quick, the approval rate is high, and payment terms are transparent, making it easier for customers to say yes to services they need. When integrated through Stripe's Payment Intents API, Sunbit appears seamlessly alongside other payment options at checkout.

Applying for Sunbit

Fast Application

Customers can apply at the point of sale, typically completing the process in under two minutes.

Minimal Information

The application only requires basic personal information to get started.

Alternative Credit Data

Sunbit uses alternative credit data to make approval decisions, making financing accessible to a broader range of consumers.

High Approval Rate

90% of people who apply are approved for Sunbit financing.

Payment Plan Options
Term	APR	Best For
3 Months	0% APR	Standard for all approved customers
6 Months	Competitive rates	Medium-sized purchases
12 Months	Competitive rates	Larger purchases
18 Months	Competitive rates	Significant expenses

No Hidden Fees

Sunbit's fee structure is designed to be transparent and customer-friendly. There are no added fees for customers who make their payments on time--no late fees, no origination fees, and no penalty fees.

Merchant Benefits

Offering Sunbit as a payment option provides measurable advantages for service-based businesses. From increased conversion rates to faster payments, Sunbit helps merchants grow their revenue by removing price as a barrier to completing purchases. Service businesses that implement flexible payment options often see improved customer acquisition and retention rates.

Revenue Impact

Increased Transaction Volume

36% of merchants observed an increase in transaction volume exceeding 30%

Higher Average Order Value

37% of merchants reported average order value increased by more than 30%

Reduced Declines

40% of merchants said at least 30% of customers would have declined services without Sunbit

Faster Payouts

Merchants receive payment within 2-5 business days

Integration with Stripe

Sunbit integrates seamlessly with Stripe's payment platform, making it easy for merchants to add flexible financing options without significant development work. Whether using pre-built components like Stripe Elements and Stripe Checkout or custom payment flows through the Payments API, Sunbit can be enabled with minimal effort.

Stripe Elements

Pre-built UI components for custom checkout flows

Stripe Checkout

Hosted payment page with optimized conversion

Payments API

Custom payment flows through the API

Payment Links

Shareable payment URLs for invoices and one-time charges

Stripe Connect

Platform and marketplace implementations

Enabling Sunbit

Dashboard Toggle

Activate Sunbit with a simple toggle in the Stripe Dashboard--no code required for basic implementation.

Automatic Integration

Sunbit automatically appears in checkout flows alongside your existing payment methods.

API Configuration

For custom implementations, use the PaymentIntent API with automatic_payment_methods enabled.

Testing

Use Stripe's test mode to validate the Sunbit payment flow before going live.

Login and Dashboard Access

Both merchants and customers have dedicated portals for managing Sunbit transactions and payments. The merchant experience integrates with your existing Stripe Dashboard, while customers access their accounts through a self-service portal.

Merchant Portal

Access transaction analytics, payout information, and customer support resources for your Sunbit merchant account at dashboard.sunbit.com.

Learn more

Customer Portal

Customers can view active payment plans, update payment methods, access payment history, and make payments online at mysunbit.com.

Learn more

Best Practices

Maximize Sunbit's effectiveness by promoting it proactively and training staff to handle customer questions confidently. The key to success is setting expectations early and making the financing option visible throughout the customer journey. Merchants should also consider implementing comprehensive payment acceptance strategies to offer customers maximum flexibility.

Pre-Checkout Communication

Display Sunbit availability before customers reach checkout to set expectations early

Physical Signage

Use signage in physical locations to raise awareness among waiting customers

Marketing Materials

Mention financing options in marketing materials and on your website

Staff Training

Train staff to explain Sunbit benefits confidently and answer common questions

Price Display

Highlight 'pay over time' messaging where prices are displayed

Ideal Transaction Range

Sunbit works best for out-of-pocket expenses typically ranging from $300 to $10,000. It's ideal for service-based businesses where customers face costs not covered by insurance.

Compliance and Restrictions

Understanding Sunbit's eligibility requirements ensures proper implementation and avoids processing ineligible transactions. Merchants should familiarize themselves with these restrictions to provide accurate information to customers.

Eligibility Requirements
Requirement	Details
Transaction Type	Out-of-pocket consumer expenses only
Insurance	Not for insurance-covered services
Warranty	Not for warranty-related purchases
Customer Location	US-based customers only
Address Requirement	Customer must have valid US address
Bank Account	US bank account required for payments

Ready to Offer Flexible Payments?

Enable Sunbit in your Stripe Dashboard today and help customers say yes to the services they need.

Sources

Stripe Documentation - Sunbit payments - Technical integration requirements, API behavior
Sunbit For Stripe - Merchant statistics, approval rates, fee structure
Stripe Payment Methods - Sunbit - Customer payment options, Stripe product compatibility