Handshake AI Payment via Stripe: How and When You Actually Get Paid

Handshake AI uses Stripe (an online payment service used to send money to freelancers) for all fellow payouts. Here's exactly how the system works, sourced from Handshake AI's own Help Center.

Setting Up Stripe

After completing your first task on a matched project, you'll be prompted to set up your payout information through Stripe. Stripe also handles identity verification as part of this process, to keep payments accurate and secure.

Weekly Payment Cycle

Payouts are sent to partner pay platforms by Wednesday afternoon, covering the work period from Monday 12:00am PST through Sunday 11:59pm PST of the prior week. It typically takes about 48 hours for the payment to process and become available for withdrawal.

Tax Documentation

You'll need to complete the applicable tax form — W-9 (a US tax form confirming you're a US resident for tax purposes) for US persons, W-8 (a US tax form for non-US residents receiving American income) for non-US persons (relevant for the F-1 CPT (Curricular Practical Training — US work permission tied to a degree program)/OPT (Optional Practical Training — US work permission for international students) exception) — as part of your Stripe payout setup, before payments can be released.

Final Thoughts

Handshake AI's payment process is straightforward once set up — the main thing to plan around is the weekly cycle and the roughly 48-hour clearing window after each payout.