Payment Terms
Effective Date: January 11, 2026
1. Introduction
These Payment Terms explain how payments are processed on ÄRI. All payment processing is handled by Stripe, Inc. ("Stripe"), a third-party payment processor.
By using our payment features, you agree to these Payment Terms and Stripe's terms of service.
2. Payment Processing
2.1 Stripe
ÄRI uses Stripe Connect to process all payments. When you make a payment, Stripe handles the transaction securely. We do not store or have direct access to your full credit card numbers.
2.2 Payment Methods
We accept the following payment methods through Stripe:
- Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
- Debit cards
- Digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay where available)
- Bank transfers (in supported regions)
Available payment methods may vary by region and are determined by Stripe.
2.3 Currencies
Sellers can set prices in various currencies. The currency displayed at checkout is the currency you will be charged. Currency conversion may apply based on your payment method and card issuer.
3. For Buyers
3.1 Making Payments
When you purchase a service, you will be directed to a secure Stripe checkout page. Your payment is processed immediately, and you will receive a confirmation email.
3.2 Pricing
Prices shown include the service fee as set by the Seller. Any applicable taxes will be shown before you complete your purchase.
3.3 Subscriptions
For subscription services:
- You will be charged automatically at each billing cycle (weekly, monthly, or yearly)
- Subscriptions continue until you cancel
- You can cancel at any time; your access continues until the end of the current billing period
- We will notify you before any price changes take effect
3.4 Failed Payments
If a payment fails:
- You will receive an email notification
- For subscriptions, we may retry the payment over the following days
- If payment cannot be collected, your subscription may be suspended or cancelled
3.5 Receipts
You will receive an email receipt for every payment. You can also access your payment history in your account settings.
4. For Sellers
4.1 Stripe Connect Onboarding
To receive payments, you must complete Stripe Connect onboarding. This includes:
- Providing identity verification information
- Connecting a bank account for payouts
- Agreeing to the Stripe Connected Account Agreement
4.2 Payouts
Payouts are processed by Stripe and sent to your connected bank account. Payout timing depends on:
- Your account status and history
- Your country and payout schedule settings in Stripe
- Standard payouts are typically processed within 2-7 business days
4.3 Fees
The following fees may apply to Seller transactions:
- Stripe Processing Fees: Stripe charges payment processing fees (typically 2.9% + fixed fee per transaction, varies by region)
- Platform Fees: ÄRI may charge a platform fee for facilitating transactions, which will be disclosed in your seller dashboard
Fees are deducted from each transaction before payout.
4.4 Reserves and Holds
Stripe may place reserves or holds on your account in certain situations:
- New accounts with limited history
- High-risk transactions
- Chargeback disputes
These are determined by Stripe's risk policies.
5. Chargebacks and Disputes
5.1 What is a Chargeback?
A chargeback occurs when a Buyer disputes a transaction with their bank or card issuer, requesting a refund.
5.2 Chargeback Process
When a chargeback is initiated:
- The disputed amount is held from the Seller's account
- The Seller is notified and may submit evidence to dispute the chargeback
- The card issuer makes the final decision (typically within 60-90 days)
5.3 Chargeback Fees
Stripe may charge a fee for each chargeback (typically around $15 USD). This fee is the responsibility of the Seller, regardless of the chargeback outcome.
5.4 Preventing Chargebacks
Sellers can reduce chargebacks by:
- Providing accurate service descriptions
- Delivering services as promised
- Communicating clearly with Buyers
- Resolving issues directly before they escalate to chargebacks
6. Refunds
Refund policies are detailed in our Refund Policy. Key points: Refund Policy
- Refunds are processed through Stripe
- Refund timing depends on your payment method and bank
- Stripe processing fees may not be refundable
7. Taxes
7.1 VAT and Sales Tax
Depending on your location and the Seller's location, VAT or sales tax may apply to your purchase. Applicable taxes will be calculated and shown at checkout.
7.2 Seller Tax Obligations
Sellers are responsible for:
- Understanding their tax obligations in their jurisdiction
- Registering for and collecting VAT/sales tax where required
- Reporting income from ÄRI to tax authorities
ÄRI does not provide tax advice. Consult a tax professional for guidance.
8. Security
Payment security is a top priority:
- All payments are processed by Stripe, a PCI-DSS Level 1 certified payment processor
- Payment data is encrypted in transit using TLS
- We do not store full credit card numbers on our servers
- Stripe implements fraud detection and prevention measures
9. Currency Conversion
If your payment method currency differs from the service currency:
- Currency conversion may be performed by Stripe or your card issuer
- Exchange rates and conversion fees are determined by the party performing the conversion
- The final charged amount may differ slightly from the displayed price
10. Changes to Payment Terms
We may update these Payment Terms from time to time. We will notify you of material changes through email or in-app notifications.
11. Stripe's Terms
By using our payment features, you also agree to:
12. Contact Us
For questions about payments, please contact us: