OpenAI + Stripe Application Guide: Get Your Store Approved in 48 Hours

Introduction

Getting your WooCommerce store approved for ChatGPT Instant Checkout requires two key integrations: OpenAI's plugin program and Stripe payment processing. This comprehensive guide walks you through both processes with insider tips to ensure quick approval.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:

✅ Active WooCommerce store with SSL certificate
✅ Established product catalog (minimum 10 products recommended)
✅ Business registration documents
✅ Tax ID or EIN number
✅ Professional product images and descriptions

Part 1: Stripe Payment Setup

Step 1: Create Your Stripe Account

Visit Stripe.com and click "Start now"
Choose Account Type: Select "Business" for full features
Provide Business Details:
- Legal business name
- Business address
- Tax identification number
- Industry classification

Step 2: Complete Stripe Verification

Stripe requires several verification steps:

Business Verification

Upload incorporation documents
Provide proof of business address
Submit tax documentation

Bank Account Connection

Add business bank account for payouts
Verify micro-deposits (1-2 business days)

Identity Verification

Submit government-issued ID
Take verification selfie (if required)

Step 3: Configure Payment Settings

Set up your payment processing preferences:

{
  "payment_methods": ["card", "apple_pay", "google_pay"],
  "currencies": ["USD", "EUR", "GBP"],
  "settlement": {
    "schedule": "daily",
    "account": "bank_account_123"
  }
}

Recommended Settings:

Enable automatic card verification
Set up 3D Secure for fraud prevention
Configure webhook endpoints
Enable dispute notifications

Step 4: Install WooCommerce Stripe Plugin

Navigate to WordPress Admin > Plugins > Add New
Search for "WooCommerce Stripe Payment Gateway"
Install and activate the plugin
Go to WooCommerce > Settings > Payments
Click Stripe and enter your API keys

API Keys Location:

Dashboard > Developers > API keys
Use test keys for development
Use live keys for production

Part 2: OpenAI Plugin Application

Step 1: Access the Application Portal

Visit platform.openai.com/plugins
Sign in with your OpenAI account (create one if needed)
Click "Apply for Plugin Access"

Step 2: Business Information

Provide detailed business information:

Company Details

Legal business name
Business registration number
Physical business address
Contact phone number
Business email address

Store Information

WooCommerce store URL
Store description (200-500 words)
Product categories
Target market/audience
Monthly order volume

Step 3: Technical Documentation

OpenAI requires specific technical details:

Plugin Manifest

{
  "schema_version": "v1",
  "name_for_human": "Your Store Name",
  "name_for_model": "your_store_name",
  "description_for_human": "Shop premium products directly in ChatGPT",
  "description_for_model": "Product catalog with inventory and checkout",
  "api": {
    "type": "openapi",
    "url": "https://yourstore.com/.well-known/ai-plugin.json"
  }
}

API Documentation

OpenAPI specification file
Authentication method
Endpoint documentation
Rate limiting details

Step 4: Content Policy Compliance

Ensure your store meets OpenAI's content policies:

Prohibited Products:

❌ Weapons and ammunition
❌ Illegal drugs or substances
❌ Adult content
❌ Counterfeit goods

Required Elements:

✅ Clear return policy
✅ Privacy policy
✅ Terms of service
✅ Customer support contact

Step 5: Submit Application

Checklist Before Submission:

All required fields completed
Technical documentation uploaded
API endpoints tested and working
SSL certificate active
Content policy compliance verified
Privacy policy published
Terms of service published

What Happens Next:

Initial Review (24-48 hours): Automated checks for basic requirements
Technical Review (2-3 days): Engineers test your API integration
Content Review (1-2 days): Policy team reviews your products
Final Approval (1 day): Account activation and onboarding

Part 3: Integration and Testing

Connect OpenAI to Stripe

Once approved, connect the services:

OpenAI Dashboard > Plugin Settings
Click "Connect Payment Provider"
Select "Stripe"
Authorize the connection
Configure payment flow settings

Test the Integration

Test Mode Checklist:

# Test scenarios
✅ Product search and discovery
✅ Add to cart functionality
✅ Checkout flow completion
✅ Payment processing
✅ Order confirmation
✅ Inventory updates
✅ Webhook delivery

Go Live

When testing is complete:

Switch Stripe to live mode
Update OpenAI plugin to production
Enable ChatGPT visibility
Monitor first transactions closely

Common Approval Issues and Solutions

Issue 1: Incomplete Business Information

Problem: Application rejected for missing documentation

Solution:

Provide full legal business name
Include business registration certificate
Upload tax identification documents

Issue 2: API Integration Failures

Problem: Technical review fails API tests

Solution:

Ensure all endpoints return valid responses
Verify SSL certificate is valid
Check CORS headers are properly configured
Test with OpenAI's validation tool

Issue 3: Content Policy Violations

Problem: Products don't meet OpenAI guidelines

Solution:

Review and remove prohibited products
Update product descriptions for clarity
Add appropriate age restrictions
Implement content moderation

Issue 4: Stripe Verification Delays

Problem: Stripe account stuck in verification

Solution:

Ensure documents are clear and readable
Verify business address matches registration
Contact Stripe support for status update
Provide additional documentation if requested

Timeline Expectations

Typical Approval Timeline:

Phase	Duration	Notes
Stripe Setup	2-3 days	Faster if documents ready
OpenAI Application	5-7 days	Can be expedited
Integration Testing	1-2 days	Depends on complexity
Total	8-12 days	Best case scenario

Post-Approval Best Practices

Maintain Compliance

Regularly review OpenAI content policies
Update plugin when new versions release
Monitor for policy violations
Respond promptly to review requests

Optimize Performance

Monitor API response times
Optimize product data structure
Keep inventory synchronized
Test checkout flow regularly

Customer Support

Set up dedicated ChatGPT support channel
Monitor conversation transcripts
Address common questions in product descriptions
Create FAQ documentation

Pro Tips for Faster Approval

Have Everything Ready: Complete Stripe verification before applying to OpenAI
Professional Presentation: Use high-quality product images and detailed descriptions
Clear Documentation: Provide thorough API documentation
Test Thoroughly: Ensure all endpoints work before submission
Be Responsive: Quickly address any reviewer questions

Troubleshooting Resources

OpenAI Support

Email: [email protected]
Documentation: platform.openai.com/docs
Community Forum: community.openai.com

Stripe Support

24/7 Chat: stripe.com/support
Phone: 1-888-926-2289
Documentation: stripe.com/docs

Conclusion

Getting approved for ChatGPT Instant Checkout is a straightforward process when you follow these steps methodically. Most stores receive approval within 48-72 hours if all documentation is complete and technical integration is properly implemented.

The key to success is preparation: have your Stripe account fully verified, ensure your product catalog meets content policies, and thoroughly test your API integration before submitting.

Ready to get started? Begin your application today and join thousands of merchants already selling on ChatGPT.

Next Steps

Once approved, check out our other guides: