Payments made with cryptocurrency through Coinbase are permanently non-refundable, and you must confirm the funds are not from criminal activity.
This analysis describes what OpenRouter's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
The absolute non-refundability of cryptocurrency payments and the anti-money laundering representation required of users creates both financial and legal compliance considerations for users choosing this payment method.
Removal of cryptocurrency-specific payment terms and financial crime attestation requirements suggests either de-prioritization of crypto payments or consolidation of payment terms.
View full change record →Users who pay with cryptocurrency through Coinbase cannot obtain refunds under any circumstances under the agreement's terms, and by making such a payment they represent to OpenRouter that the funds are not proceeds of crime.
How other platforms handle this
Apple Pay Cash is a service that allows you to send and receive money using Apple Pay. Apple Pay Cash accounts are issued by Green Dot Bank, Member FDIC. Funds held in Apple Pay Cash are stored value and are not insured by the FDIC except as provided in the Green Dot Bank terms and conditions.
When you send cryptocurrency, Coinbase may charge a network fee (also called a 'miner's fee') to process the transaction on the cryptocurrency network. The exact fee will depend on network conditions at the time of the transaction and will be disclosed prior to completing the send.
In the European Union, developers can distribute iOS apps outside of the App Store through alternative distribution. Developers can also use third-party payment processors in their apps. These options are available under the Digital Markets Act and require developers to agree to additional terms.
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"Cryptocurrency payments are never refundable. If you choose to pay using Coinbase, you represent and warrant that the cryptocurrency and source of funds for the cryptocurrency you use do not constitute the proceeds of a financial crime or any other crime under applicable law.— Excerpt from OpenRouter's OpenRouter Terms of Service
(1) REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: The requirement that users represent their cryptocurrency funds are not proceeds of crime engages anti-money laundering (AML) and Bank Secrecy Act frameworks applicable to financial transactions. The absolute non-refundability of cryptocurrency payments may engage consumer protection regulations in jurisdictions where virtual asset service providers are subject to refund or chargeback obligations. The EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) and FinCEN guidance in the US may be relevant depending on the characterization of the payment flow. (2) GOVERNANCE EXPOSURE: Medium. The anti-crime representation shifts risk to the user but does not substitute for OpenRouter's own AML obligations if applicable. The absolute non-refund policy for crypto removes the 24-hour refund window available for fiat payments, creating a categorical difference in consumer protection between payment methods. (3) JURISDICTION FLAGS: EU/EEA users making cryptocurrency payments may have rights under MiCA or national virtual asset regulations that interact with the non-refund policy. US users should be aware that Coinbase's own terms and FinCEN registration requirements apply to the payment flow. Jurisdictions with strict consumer refund rights may not permit categorical exclusion of refunds for crypto payments. (4) CONTRACT AND VENDOR IMPLICATIONS: Enterprise customers using cryptocurrency payments should assess whether this payment method is appropriate given their financial controls and AML compliance programs. The user representation regarding fund sources does not substitute for organizational AML due diligence. (5) COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Legal teams should review whether the absolute cryptocurrency non-refund policy is compatible with applicable consumer protection and virtual asset service provider obligations in their jurisdictions. The AML representation required of users should be evaluated alongside any organizational payment compliance policies.
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The absolute non-refundability of cryptocurrency payments and the anti-money laundering representation required of users creates both financial and legal compliance considerations for users choosing this payment method.
Users who pay with cryptocurrency through Coinbase cannot obtain refunds under any circumstances under the agreement's terms, and by making such a payment they represent to OpenRouter that the funds are not proceeds of crime.
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