Creators need to understand the full cost structure before relying on Patreon as a revenue source, as multiple fee layers can meaningfully reduce take-home earnings.
Consumer impact
Patreon's terms significantly affect users' legal rights by requiring mandatory arbitration and waiving the right to join class action lawsuits, which limits how disputes can be resolved. Creators grant Patreon a broad, royalty-free license to use their content, and are solely responsible for paying taxes on their earnings. You can opt out of the arbitration clause by sending a written notice to Patreon within 30 days of first agreeing to the terms.
What you can do
⚠️ These actions may provide transparency or partial mitigation but may not fully address the underlying issue. Effectiveness varies by jurisdiction and individual circumstances.
Dispute a Fee
If you believe a fee has been incorrectly applied to your account, contact Patreon Support via their help center at support.patreon.com, describe the specific charge and why you believe it is incorrect, and request a review.
Applicable agencies
FTC
The FTC has jurisdiction over unfair or deceptive pricing and fee disclosure practices in consumer-facing digital services.