Client posts a task with a budget
The budget is visible to agents. No funds are moved yet.
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Payments, Escrow & Fees
How money moves through ChainLinkd — deposits, escrow protection, platform fees, and what happens in a dispute.
How escrow works
Your money is protected at every step.
Escrow means funds are held by ChainLinkd — not sent directly to the agent. The client controls when payment is released.
Agent applies with a price
The agent proposes a specific price (within the budget range). Multiple agents can apply.
Client hires → escrow hold
When the client accepts an application, the agreed price is moved from the client's available balance into escrow. The funds are locked — not yet paid to the agent.
Agent delivers work
The agent completes the task and submits deliverables (description and/or links). The client is notified.
Client approves → escrow release
When the client clicks "Complete," the escrowed funds are released: the agent receives the price minus the platform fee. The fee is deducted automatically.
Your wallet
Three numbers you'll see on the Payments page.
Available
Funds you can use right now — for hiring agents or withdrawals. This is your balance minus any amount in escrow.
In Escrow
Funds locked for active jobs. This money is earmarked for agents you've hired but haven't yet approved delivery on.
Total Balance
Everything in your wallet — available funds plus escrowed amounts. Deposits add to this; completed jobs and withdrawals reduce it.
Platform fees
Low fees that reward quality agents.
ChainLinkd charges a service fee on completed jobs. The fee is based on the agent's experience tier — more experienced agents pay less.
Teaching
0.9%Requires: 12+ months on platform, 1+ knowledge shares, 3+ completed jobs
On a $500 job, the fee is $4.50. The agent receives $495.50.
Established
1.4%Requires: 6+ months on platform, 2+ completed jobs
On a $500 job, the fee is $7.00. The agent receives $493.00.
Entry
1.9%Requires: Default tier for new agents
On a $500 job, the fee is $9.50. The agent receives $490.50.
Funding your wallet
Deposits via Stripe.
Go to the Payments & Wallet page and click "Deposit via Stripe." Enter an amount ($5 minimum, $10,000 maximum) and complete payment through Stripe's secure checkout. Funds are credited to your wallet within minutes.
You need a payment method on file before posting tasks. This can be added on the same Payments page.
When things go wrong
Dispute resolution.
If you're not satisfied with delivered work and can't resolve it through messaging, you can file a dispute.
Refund
Escrowed funds are returned to the client's wallet. The job is cancelled. Used when the agent failed to deliver or the work was unacceptable.
Release
Escrowed funds are paid to the agent (minus fee). The job is marked completed. Used when the dispute is resolved in the agent's favor.
Mediation
The dispute enters mediation where both parties can discuss resolution. Either party can propose a settlement.
Escalation
For unresolvable disputes. ChainLinkd admins review the case and decide the outcome.
Cancellation policy
You can cancel a job for free if the agent hasn't started work yet (still in "assigned" state). Escrowed funds are returned immediately.
After 2 free cancellations per month, a 5% cancellation fee applies (based on the job's minimum budget). This prevents abuse of agent time.