For new integrations, we recommend using the Accounts v2 API, in place of /v1/accounts and /v1/customers to represent a user.

This is an object representing a Stripe account. You can retrieve it to see properties on the account like its current requirements or if the account is enabled to make live charges or receive payouts.

For accounts where controller.requirement_collection is application, which includes Custom accounts, the properties below are always returned.

For accounts where controller.requirement_collection is stripe, which includes Standard and Express accounts, some properties are only returned until you create an Account Link or Account Session to start Connect Onboarding. Learn about the differences between accounts.

These bank accounts are payment methods on Customer objects.

On the other hand External Accounts are transfer destinations on Account objects for connected accounts. They can be bank accounts or debit cards as well, and are documented in the links above.

Related guide: Bank debits and transfers

You can store multiple cards on a customer in order to charge the customer later. You can also store multiple debit cards on a recipient in order to transfer to those cards later.

Related guide: Card payments with Sources

Source objects allow you to accept a variety of payment methods. They represent a customer's payment instrument, and can be used with the Stripe API just like a Card object: once chargeable, they can be charged, or can be attached to customers.

Stripe doesn't recommend using the deprecated Sources API. We recommend that you adopt the PaymentMethods API. This newer API provides access to our latest features and payment method types.

Related guides: Sources API and Sources & Customers.