Fatal error

[watermeadowpark]

Just installed the Simple Membership plugin and followed the docs to setup a paid registration payment button integrated with Stripe, however when clicking the button it just gives an error:

Fatal error! Payment with ref_id swpm_99e4e2efb7ebc4295659f53f37986e72|1299 can’t be found

I’ve no idea where the “swpm_99e4e2efb7ebc4295659f53f37986e72|” part is from, it’s not the Stripe ID, that starts with “prod_S…” – I recognise the “1299” part – that’s the payment button ID.

If anyone can guide me that would be appreciated. All I am trying to do is setup an annual paid membership subscription. If it matters, Stripe is currently in sandbox mode.

Thanks,
Chris

[The Assurer]

It looks like you’re encountering a known Stripe subscription issue in the Simple Membership (SWPM) plugin, where webhook callbacks are not correctly processed, resulting in that swpm_<hash>|<buttonID> reference error. Here’s what’s going on, and how to fix it:
.

Why You’re Seeing: Fatal error! Payment with ref_id swpm_<…>|1299 can’t be found
That ref_id is auto-generated by Simple Membership for internal reference, combining a unique hash with the payment button ID (e.g. 1299).

The “can’t be found” error appears when SWPM receives a Stripe notification for a subscription payment but has not yet registered that payment internally. The payment record lookup fails, triggering that fatal error.

Common Cause: Webhook Not Configured Correctly
From multiple support reports, this error typically indicates missing or misconfigured webhook settings in your Stripe dashboard:

You need to set up a webhook endpoint configured to receive specific Stripe events so SWPM can create the payment record.

1. Confirm Webhook Setup
   *Log into your Stripe dashboard.
   *Go to Developers → Webhooks.
   *Ensure your SWPM webhook endpoint URL exactly matches what’s provided in the Stripe Subscription Button creation settings in your WP admin area.

 

2. Verify Selected Events
   *Ensure the following events are selected:
   *invoice.payment_succeeded
   *invoice.paid
   *charge.refunded
   *customer.subscription.updated
   *customer.subscription.deleted
   *Missing any of these can prevent the plugin from processing subscription lifecycle events properly.

 

Also remember to ensure the debug logs are turned on before performing further tests.

[watermeadowpark]

Thanks for the reply, unfortunately still no further on:

– Endpoint URL in the Stripe webhook field is correct:
https://www.xxxxxx.com/?swpm_process_stripe_subscription=1&hook=1

– All 5 events are correctly selected in the stripe dashboard.

– I tried removing the Stripe “signing secret” as it’s optional, but got the same error.

– Turning on debug didn’t really help:

[2025/07/31 13:45:28] – SUCCESS: Log file reset
——————————————————————

[2025/07/31 13:45:45] – SUCCESS: Stripe SCA Subscription IPN (HTTP POST) received. Processing request…
[2025/07/31 13:45:45] – FAILURE: Fatal error! Payment with ref_id swpm_99e4e2efb7ebc4295659f53f37986e72|1299 can’t be found

So it looks like you are correct insofar as the payment request is being sent to Stripe, then Stripe calls the webhook which is where it fails.

Any other ideas are most welcome!

Thanks,
Chris

[admin]

This issue can compound with a plugin or theme related conflict. Do the following test please:
https://simple-membership-plugin.com/forums/topic/test-for-plugin-and-theme-conflict-before-posting-an-issue-or-a-bug/

[Author]

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