ExtCharge

ExtCharge is a hosted payments service specifically designed for browser extension developers. It manages subscriptions, one-time purchases, free trials, plans, coupons, payment history, and analytics without requiring developers to run their own server or database. Customers connect their own Stripe account so funds go directly to them, and ExtCharge takes a small per-transaction fee. The service supports Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, and Brave, and handles authentication via magic-link login so paid status follows users across reinstalls and machines.

The service is built specifically for developers of browser extensions who need to monetize their software. It handles the entire billing stack, including subscriptions, one-time payments, free trials, plans, and coupons, allowing developers to skip backend infrastructure. By using a small client library, the extension calls ExtCharge to handle the rest, meaning nothing needs to be hosted, patched, or babysat by the developer.

Developers can get started by leaving their email address on the website to sign up for early access. The process requires no credit card or commitment at the time of signup, and users receive one message when the service is ready. Once it ships, they can vote on pricing and what features ship first, ensuring they are first in line when the product launches.

ExtCharge operates in 135+ currencies and works across multiple browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, and Brave. The service supports magic-link login, which makes the email the identity so a customer remains paid even if they reinstall or switch machines. Additionally, trials are enforced on the server to prevent users from resetting them from the console.

The pricing model consists of a small percentage per transaction with no monthly fee or setup fee. ExtCharge aims to land a little under the going 5% for hosted extension payments, though the exact rate is not final and will be locked with the first cohort. Developers only pay when they earn, and the client library is open source so nothing is held hostage if the service is not right.

ExtCharge handles authentication via magic-link login, which ensures that paid status follows users across reinstalls and machines. This feature prevents the need for password resets and reduces angry support tickets when customers switch devices. The service also enforces trials on the server to stop users from resetting them from the console.

The client library used by ExtCharge is open source, which means there is no proprietary black box in the developer's codebase. Developers can add the library with just a few lines of code to handle paid status, trials, and checkout. This open-source approach allows for transparency and flexibility in how the extension integrates with the payment system.

The service eliminates the need for developers to manage a server, database, or webhook debugging on their side. It handles the whole billing stack, including receipt emails and syncing paid status into the browser. This simplifies the process, turning what the founder of another payment service called 'weeks of tedious work' into a few lines of code.

ExtCharge takes a small per-transaction fee off the top and never holds the developer's funds. The money lands directly in the developer's own Stripe account, creating a straightforward financial relationship. This ensures that the developer owns their money and the process is transparent without any intermediary holding funds.

The service supports free trials, plans, and coupons as part of its comprehensive billing stack. It also provides payment history and analytics to help developers understand their revenue streams. These features are essential for managing complex monetization strategies within a browser extension.

The service is currently in validation and building it now, meaning it is not yet fully launched for public use. The founder of one payment service noted that taking payments in extensions is 'weeks of tedious work,' which ExtCharge aims to solve. The business is actively seeking early adopters to help shape the final product and pricing.

The official website of ExtCharge is extcharge.com.

On Trustburn, ExtCharge has a rating of 4 out of 5 based on 4 reviews.