How StudyAny escrow works
StudyAny uses an escrow system to protect both practitioners and mentors. When you book a session, the payment amount is immediately held in escrow from your wallet balance or charged to your payment method.
The funds remain in escrow until the session is completed and both parties are satisfied. This ensures mentors get paid for quality work and practitioners receive the service they paid for.
Payment authorization and capture
When you confirm a booking, we place an authorization hold on your payment method or deduct from your wallet balance. The funds are held in escrow (HOLD_L1 state) until the session completes.
After the session ends successfully, the hold transitions to HOLD_L2, and funds are released to the mentor 24 hours later if no disputes are filed. If you use a credit card, the authorization becomes a charge at this point.
- Booking confirmed: Payment authorized and held in escrow (HOLD_L1)
- Session completed: Hold transitions to HOLD_L2, 24-hour release countdown begins
- 24 hours later: Funds released to mentor (if no disputes)
- If dispute filed: Funds remain locked until resolution
Wallet balance vs payment methods
You can deposit funds into your StudyAny wallet for faster bookings. Wallet balance is used first, then your default payment method.
Wallet deposits are instant and can be made via bank transfer, credit card, or supported payment gateways. Withdrawals from wallet require admin approval and typically process within 2-3 business days.
Failed charges and insufficient balance
If your wallet balance is insufficient and your payment method is declined, we'll email you immediately to update payment details. You have 12 hours to resolve the issue before the booking is automatically cancelled.
For wallet-based bookings, ensure you have sufficient balance before confirming. You can check your balance and transaction history in Profile → Wallet.
Platform fees
StudyAny charges a platform fee on each successful booking. This fee is calculated based on the booking amount and is deducted before funds are released to the mentor.
The platform fee percentage varies by transaction type and is clearly displayed before you confirm any booking. Fees help maintain platform security, support services, and continuous improvements.