Founding deal escrow
How deal escrow works
The brand funds the deal, the creator delivers, the brand approves and the net is released.
How money moves
Step 1
Fund
Brands fund deals through Polar checkout.Step 2
Hold
Sponsor4Me holds the funds as escrow until release, refund, or dispute resolution.Step 3
Deliver
Creators submit agreed deliverables in-app.Step 4
Approve
Brands review the work against the proposal before approving release.Step 5
Release
Creator net is credited as Gains USD on the platform ledger — not an instant Polar-to-bank transfer.
Both sides of the deal
For brands · What you pay
For creators · What you receive
Deal escrow fees
Brand pays · Creator receives net · Fee from the deal
| Deal gross | Platform fee |
|---|---|
| $100 – $999.99 | 10% of gross |
| $1,000 – $2,499.99 | $149 flat |
| $2,500 – $4,999.99 | $299 flat |
| $5,000+ | $499 flat |
| Brand pays (gross) | Platform fee | Creator receives (net) |
|---|---|---|
| $500 | $50 | $450 |
| $1,000 | $149 | $851 |
| $2,500 | $299 | $2,201 |
| $5,000 | $499 | $4,501 |
A $2,500 deal: $299 fee, $2,201 to the creator.
Escrow policy
Fees
The brand pays the gross deal amount. The platform fee is taken from that gross; it is not an extra charge stacked on top for the brand. The creator receives the net (gross minus fee). Minimum deal for escrow is $100.
Funding
Brands fund deals through Polar checkout. Sponsor4Me holds the funds as escrow until release, refund, or dispute resolution. Polar is the payment processor for funding — not a marketplace payout rail to creators.
Deliverables
Creators submit agreed deliverables in-app. Brands review the work against the proposal before approving release.
Approval and release
When the brand approves, the deal moves to RELEASED. Creator net is credited as Gains USD on the platform ledger — not an instant Polar-to-bank transfer.
Disputes
Either party can open a dispute in-app (with chat). If unresolved after 48 hours, an admin reviews. Outcomes may include release, partial resolution, or refund according to the case.
Refunds
Refunds of escrow funding follow Polar and admin decisions when a deal is cancelled or resolved in the brand’s favor before release. Platform fee treatment depends on the dispute outcome.
Creator payout timing
After RELEASED, Gains appear on the creator earnings account. Cash-out to a bank account is a separate Gains payout path (Stripe Connect when enabled) and is not automatic from Polar today.
Payout readiness
Cash-out requires payout eligibility (including US self-attest where applicable) and meeting platform thresholds when Connect is live. Until then, Gains remain visible on the ledger.
Taxes or documentation
Creators and brands are responsible for their own tax obligations. Platform-issued tax forms and documentation will follow applicable law when payouts go live — treat current Gains as ledger balances, not bank deposits.