Platform Policies
Stripe Payments Policy
Last updated December 2, 2025
This Stripe Payments Policy (“Policy”) governs all payments processed through Stripe or any successor third-party payment provider on the Fisheez Platform. It applies to subscriptions, advertising purchases, direct fiat purchases, and other off-chain transactions that are not conducted through the SmartShell escrow system.
By completing a transaction using Stripe Checkout or any payment method supported by Stripe, you agree to this Policy in addition to the Fisheez Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Tax Compliance Policy.
1. Scope of This Policy
This Policy applies exclusively to payments processed off-chain through Stripe, including:
- Seller subscription plans and premium features
- Advertising and promotional tools
- Fiat-based NFT purchases (if offered)
- One-time platform fees or optional services
- Identity verification fees (if applicable)
- Any other transaction processed via Stripe rather than SmartShell
This Policy does not apply to Buyer–Seller transactions that use SmartShell escrow, which are governed separately by the SmartShell Escrow Agreement.
2. Third-Party Payment Processing (Stripe)
All card-based transactions on Fisheez are processed through Stripe.
By using Stripe Checkout:
- You authorize Stripe to charge your selected payment method.
- You agree to Stripe’s applicable Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and card-network operating rules.
- Fisheez does not store credit card numbers or banking information.
- Stripe encrypts and processes all payment data securely.
Fisheez PBC is the merchant of record for Stripe-processed charges.
3. Authorization for Charges
By submitting a payment through Stripe, you authorize:
- Fisheez PBC to initiate a one-time charge or recurring subscription charge to your selected payment method;
- Stripe to securely store your payment credentials for recurring billing (when applicable);
- Fisheez to collect applicable taxes, fees, or surcharges as required by law.
You represent that:
- you are legally authorized to use the payment method provided, and
- all information is accurate and complete.
4. Subscription Plans & Recurring Billing
Some Fisheez services—such as seller tools, premium features, or analytics bundles—may operate on a recurring subscription basis.
4.1 Automatic Renewal
Unless otherwise stated, subscriptions renew automatically at the end of each billing cycle (monthly or annually).
4.2 Billing Authorization
By enrolling in a subscription:
- You authorize recurring charges to your payment method until cancellation.
- You acknowledge that prices and taxes may vary based on jurisdiction.
4.3 Cancellation
You may cancel at any time through your Fisheez Account Settings.
- Cancellation prevents future charges.
- It does not refund past charges.
- Access to subscription features continues until the end of the billing period.
4.4 Failed or Expired Payment Methods
If a charge fails:
- Stripe may retry the charge;
- You may be asked to update your payment information;
- Fisheez may suspend access to subscription features until payment is resolved.
5. Refunds for Stripe-Processed Payments
Stripe-processed payments are not governed by SmartShell and have different refund rules.
5.1 Refund Eligibility
Refunds for Stripe payments may be granted only when:
- Required by law;
- Required by card-network rules;
- Fisheez voluntarily elects to issue a refund at its sole discretion;
- A service purchased has not been delivered or activated.
5.2 Non-Refundable Transactions
The following are generally non-refundable:
- Completed subscription periods
- Advertising or promotional credits once delivery begins
- Digital goods or NFTs delivered via Stripe (unless required by law)
- Any one-time service already rendered
5.3 Processing Time
If a refund is approved:
- Refunds are issued back to the original payment method
- Stripe may take 3–10 business days to reflect the refund
- Fisheez cannot expedite Stripe’s processing times
6. Taxes on Stripe-Processed Charges
Taxes on Stripe-processed charges are calculated at checkout according to applicable state, federal, and local regulations.
Examples include:
- Subscription taxes
- Advertising service taxes
- Taxes on fiat-based NFT purchases (if applicable)
These taxes are collected at the time of the Stripe charge and are subject to the Fisheez Tax Compliance Policy.
Stripe taxes are not part of SmartShell and are not refundable unless required by law.
7. Chargebacks & Fraud Prevention
Because Fisheez uses Stripe:
- Chargebacks initiated through banks or card issuers may result in account suspension or termination.
- Fisheez may dispute chargebacks that arise from misuse, fraud, or improper claims.
- Users engaging in chargeback abuse may be banned permanently.
Fisheez reserves the right to:
- flag suspicious activity;
- freeze associated accounts;
- request additional identity or payment verification.
8. Separation From SmartShell Escrow
To avoid confusion:
8.1 Stripe ≠ SmartShell
Stripe payments:
- are off-chain
- are not escrowed
- are not subject to Peacemaker disputes
- follow standard digital commerce rules
SmartShell payments:
- are on-chain
- are held in non-custodial escrow
- can be refunded or routed based on dispute outcomes
- follow the SmartShell Escrow Agreement
8.2 No Cross-Refunds
A SmartShell dispute outcome cannot trigger a Stripe refund.
A Stripe refund does not affect SmartShell transactions.
These systems are legally and technologically separate.
9. Price Display and Currency
All Stripe-linked prices are displayed in U.S. Dollars (USD).
Your bank or card issuer may apply:
- currency conversion
- international fees
- cross-border surcharges
Fisheez is not responsible for third-party bank fees.
10. Policy Updates
Fisheez may update this Policy at any time to comply with:
- payment regulations
- card-network rules
- Stripe requirements
- business needs
- applicable laws
Updates become effective upon posting with a revised “Last Updated” date.
11. Contact
For questions regarding Stripe payments:
Fisheez PBC – Billing & Compliance