Stripe + PHP: implementing a robust subscription system in production

I recently deployed a full Stripe subscription system on SunderDev itself.

Recommended architecture

1. Stripe-hosted Checkout (PCI compliance offered).
2. Webhooks as source of truth.
3. Customer Portal for upgrades/cancellations.
4. Idempotency keys on all creations.

Pitfalls to avoid

• Never trust success_url to activate an account.
• Timezones: always convert Unix timestamps explicitly.
• Mid-cycle plan changes create credit lines, test them.