Stripe SEPA Direct Debit notification emails

This article explains why Stripe sends SEPA Direct Debit emails, why they use the term “purchase”, and under which conditions these emails can be disabled. It helps organisations understand what can and cannot be configured.

Overview

Organisations using Stripe SEPA Direct Debit may notice that supporters receive emails from Stripe describing a transaction as a “purchase” instead of a donation. This often leads to questions about wording, control, and configuration. These emails are part of Stripe’s standard payment communication. They are required for SEPA Direct Debit and are sent directly by Stripe, not by RaiseNow.

Key points

• Stripe sends SEPA notification emails by default.
• These emails are linked to regulatory and scheme requirements.
• RaiseNow cannot control or modify these emails.
• Wording such as “purchase” cannot be changed.
• Disabling emails depends on the Creditor Identifier (CI) used.

Why Stripe sends these emails

Stripe sends SEPA Direct Debit notification and confirmation emails automatically. These emails are part of the SEPA mandate and payment confirmation process. They ensure that supporters are informed about upcoming or completed debits.

Can the wording be changed

Use of the term “purchase”

Stripe uses standard wording in all SEPA emails, including the term “purchase”.

This wording cannot be customised.

• No field-level changes are available
• No alternative templates exist for donations

Can Stripe SEPA emails be disabled

Disabling these emails depends on the Creditor Identifier (CI) used for SEPA Direct Debit.

When emails can be disabled

Emails can only be disabled if the organisation uses its own SEPA Creditor Identifier.

When emails cannot be disabled

If Stripe’s Creditor Identifier is used:

• Emails cannot be turned off
• Wording cannot be changed

This is the default setup for many managed or connected Stripe accounts.

How to check the Creditor Identifier

Organisations can verify which Creditor Identifier is used in two ways.

Check in the Stripe Dashboard

1. Log in to the Stripe Dashboard
2. Go to Settings
3. Navigate to Payment Methods
4. Select SEPA Direct Debit
5. Check whether Stripe or a custom Creditor Identifier is used

Check in mandate information

The Creditor Identifier is also visible in:

• SEPA mandate confirmations
• Mandate documents or emails

If you see:

• “Stripe Payments Europe Ltd” or similar → Stripe’s Creditor Identifier is used
• Your organisation’s name and ID → Your own Creditor Identifier is used

How to disable Stripe SEPA emails

If your organisation uses its own Creditor Identifier, you can disable the emails in Stripe.

Disable SEPA notification emails

1. Log in to the Stripe Dashboard
2. Go to Settings
3. Open Direct Debit & Bank Transfers (name may vary)
4. Navigate to SEPA Direct Debit
5. Find Send customer confirmation emails
6. Uncheck this option

After disabling this setting, Stripe will stop sending SEPA emails.

What to do if emails cannot be disabled

If Stripe’s Creditor Identifier is used, there are only two options:

• Accept Stripe’s emails as they are
• Switch to using your own Creditor Identifier and manage communication independently

There is no partial customisation option.

Summary