Provision record
Perplexity AI · Perplexity API Terms of Service · View original document ↗

Automatic Payment Authorization and Nonrefundable Fees

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Document Record

What it is

This provision authorizes Perplexity to automatically charge fees to the Customer's payment method on file, imposes a 1.5% monthly late fee on overdue amounts, and states that all payments are nonrefundable unless the agreement expressly provides otherwise.

This analysis describes what Perplexity AI'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

ConductAtlas Analysis

Why it matters (compliance & governance perspective)

The automatic charge authorization combined with the nonrefundable fee structure creates financial exposure for Customers who do not actively monitor API consumption, particularly given that pricing is set by reference to an external URL that may be updated. The 1.5% monthly late fee (approximately 18% annualized) applies to any overdue balance.

Clause Stability Stable

0
Changes
3
Months Monitored
Jul 9, 2026
First Seen
Jul 9, 2026
Last Seen

Change history

added Jul 24, 2026

New explicit authorization for automatic recurring charges and late fees, creating ongoing billing obligations and interest charges not previously specified in the terms.

View full change record →

Consumer impact (what this means for users)

Under this clause, Customers authorize Perplexity to charge their stored payment method automatically, and all fees paid are nonrefundable absent an express exception in the agreement. Overdue amounts accrue a 1.5% monthly late fee.

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
    Contact Perplexity at api@perplexity.ai to dispute any fee charges. Review account usage at perplexity.ai/account/api to identify specific charges before contacting support.

Cross-platform context

See how other platforms handle Automatic Payment Authorization and Nonrefundable Fees and similar clauses.

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▸ View Original Clause Language DOCUMENT RECORD
"
Customer shall pay Perplexity fees (the "Fees") in U.S. Dollars in the amounts set forth at docs.perplexity.ai/guides/pricing and in accordance with the payment details set forth at perplexity.ai/account/api . Without limitation of its payment obligations, Customer hereby authorizes Perplexity to automatically charge Fees using the payment information provided to Perplexity. Any payments due to Perplexity under this Agreement not received by the date due shall be subject to a late fee of 1.5% per month, or the maximum charge permitted by law, whichever is less. All payments are nonrefundable except where otherwise expressly stated herein.

Excerpt from Perplexity AI's Perplexity API Terms of Service

ConductAtlas Analysis

Institutional analysis (regulatory & governance intelligence)

1) REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: The automatic charge authorization and nonrefundable fee terms engage FTC Act Section 5 standards on negative option and automatic renewal practices.

Insight

Unlock the full institutional analysis

Enforcement risk, jurisdiction flags, contract triggers, and due diligence action items.

Applicable agencies

  • Federal Trade Commission (ftc)
    Oversees unfair or deceptive business practices and can investigate companies that mislead consumers about data collection, sharing, or use.
    Who can file: Anyone affected by the company's practices (US or international)
    What you need: Your account details, a timeline of relevant events, and a description of the specific issue
    What to expect: Complaints inform FTC enforcement priorities and investigations but do not result in individual resolution or compensation
    File a complaint →
  • State Attorney General
    State AGs in California, New York, Texas, and other states can investigate violations of state consumer protection and privacy laws, including CCPA (California), SHIELD Act (New York), and equivalents.
    Who can file: Residents of states with comprehensive privacy laws — primarily California, Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, and Utah
    What you need: Evidence of the violation, explanation of how your state rights were affected, and your account or contact information with the company
    What to expect: Outcomes vary by state. May result in investigation, enforcement action, or requirement for the company to change practices. No direct individual compensation in most cases.

    Search "[your state] attorney general consumer complaint" to find your state's direct complaint form

Provision details

Document information
Document
Perplexity API Terms of Service
Entity
Perplexity AI
Document last updated
May 11, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
July 9, 2026
Last verified
July 9, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-013644
Document ID
CA-D-00761
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
Content hash (SHA-256)
2cce8939aea0b3bb7eb2569935589c802dd198134cfb395548e9549323755a2d
Analysis generated
July 9, 2026 03:38 UTC
Methodology
Evidence
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Hash verified
Citation Record
Entity: Perplexity AI
Document: Perplexity API Terms of Service
Record ID: CA-P-013644
Captured: 2026-07-09 03:38:46 UTC
SHA-256: 2cce8939aea0b3bb…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/perplexity-ai/perplexity-api-terms-of-service/provision/CA-P-013644/automatic-payment-authorization-and-nonrefundable-fees/
Accessed: Aug. 23, 2026
Permanent archival reference. Stable identifier suitable for legal filings, compliance documentation, and research citation.
Classification
Severity
Medium
Categories

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Perplexity AI's Automatic Payment Authorization and Nonrefundable Fees clause do?

The automatic charge authorization combined with the nonrefundable fee structure creates financial exposure for Customers who do not actively monitor API consumption, particularly given that pricing is set by reference to an external URL that may be updated. The 1.5% monthly late fee (approximately 18% annualized) applies to any overdue balance.

How does this clause affect you?

Under this clause, Customers authorize Perplexity to charge their stored payment method automatically, and all fees paid are nonrefundable absent an express exception in the agreement. Overdue amounts accrue a 1.5% monthly late fee.

Is ConductAtlas affiliated with Perplexity AI?

No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Perplexity AI.