For professional services, which payment method is not aligned with Stripe's recommendation?

In the context of professional services, cash payments are not aligned with Stripe's recommendation primarily due to the challenges associated with tracking, security, and accountability. Cash transactions can pose significant risks, such as loss or theft, and they often lack an easy method for record-keeping. Stripe emphasizes the importance of using payment methods that provide clear transactional evidence, improve security, and simplify the invoicing process, all of which are better achieved through electronic means.

On the other hand, bank transfers, real-time payments, and credit cards all offer structured processes for payment that can enhance the efficiency of financial operations. These methods allow for rapid transaction processing, automatic record generation, and higher reliability, which are essential in a professional services environment where billing accuracy and prompt payment are critical. Using these methods can also facilitate better cash flow management for businesses, making them more in line with modern payment processing best practices encouraged by Stripe.