For years, I've helped people in my community with basic IT problems—virus cleanup, PC and laptop repairs, Wi-Fi troubleshooting, and similar tasks. I usually visit people at home, often helping older adults who can't afford expensive repair services, and I don't charge for the work. Sometimes they insist on giving me a small tip, usually in cash or through Venmo.
Since fewer people carry cash, I created a Buy Me a Coffee account and connected it to Stripe. I generated a QR code so people could tip me after I helped them. However, the money has remained in my account instead of transferring through Stripe. Support first told me verification would take a few days, but later said they couldn't verify me because I hadn't provided the right proof.
I'm not running a formal business or advertising paid services. I occasionally offer help in local online groups, and I sent support a conversation showing that someone tipped me after I helped restore their Wi-Fi. That still wasn't accepted as verification.
Has anyone used the service for occasional tips like this? Is there a specific identity or business document I need to provide, or is this type of activity not supported?
2 Answers
You probably need to complete the platform’s formal identity verification, also called KYC. That usually involves submitting the requested personal or business information through the verification section, not just connecting Stripe or showing that someone sent a tip. If the verification option isn’t appearing, support needs to tell you exactly which requirement is missing.
Even if the amounts are small and the work is voluntary, repeated payments for providing technical help can still raise tax and compliance questions. The payment platform may require you to verify yourself as a service provider or business before releasing the funds. You may have better luck using a payment service intended for direct tips or occasional service payments, while keeping records and checking your local tax obligations.
I thought I had completed everything available to me, but there wasn’t an identity-verification option showing. I’ll ask support to specify the exact missing requirement instead of sending more general proof.