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This page describes what the document states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability may vary by jurisdiction. Methodology
This document establishes the terms governing Stripe's provision of payment processing and financial technology services to businesses and developers. The agreement authorizes Stripe to place reserves on payouts, withhold funds based on risk assessments, charge fees for disputes and chargebacks, and suspend or terminate accounts, with notice requirements specified in the terms. The agreement incorporates by reference card network rules, prohibited business categories, and supplemental service terms that define additional operational requirements and restrictions.
The Stripe Services Agreement (SSA) General Terms governs the contractual relationship between Stripe, Inc. and businesses or individuals (collectively 'Users') who register to access Stripe's payment processing, financial, and related technology services, with the agreement stating that continued use of Stripe services constitutes acceptance of these terms. The agreement states that Users must maintain accurate account information, comply with applicable laws, and are liable for all activity occurring under their accounts; the terms authorize Stripe to withhold or delay payouts, impose reserves on funds, suspend or terminate accounts, and collect fees including processing charges and dispute-related fees without advance notice in certain circumstances. Notably, the agreement asserts broad rights to set and adjust reserve amounts at Stripe's discretion, deduct amounts owed from User payouts without further authorization, and close or restrict accounts based on risk assessments, provisions that are operationally significant for businesses dependent on Stripe for revenue flow, though applicable law in various jurisdictions may constrain how these discretionary powers are exercised in practice. The agreement engages the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, Bank Secrecy Act, anti-money laundering requirements, Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI-DSS), and state money transmission licensing frameworks in the US context, as well as GDPR and related data protection regimes for EU/EEA Users; compliance obligations are jurisdiction-dependent and Users operating across multiple regions should evaluate which country-specific Stripe entity governs their relationship. Material compliance considerations include the agreement's incorporation by reference of numerous supplemental terms, policies, and third-party network rules (such as card network rules from Visa and Mastercard) that Users are deemed to accept, creating a layered obligation structure that requires ongoing monitoring.
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3 versions captured · Last updated: July 2026
This new provision explicitly incorporates third-party Card Network rules and makes their changes binding without requiring Stripe to modify its terms, shifting compliance burden to users.
This addition creates a standalone data-sharing provision separate from privacy terms, explicitly authorizing information sharing for risk management purposes beyond the original privacy policy incorporation.
Removal of the explicit 120-day post-termination hold provision leaves the timeframe ambiguous and may allow indefinite fund retention if folded into broader reserve language.
Removal of comprehensive data processing language and customer consent requirements weakens transparency requirements and may reduce Stripe's obligation to document data handling practices.
Removal of explicit governing law (California) and dispute resolution (AAA arbitration, jury waiver, class action waiver) provisions creates ambiguity about which law applies and how disputes are resolved.
Changed from 'reasonable judgment' standard to 'sole judgment' and added explicit ability to debit bank accounts directly for reserves, strengthening Stripe's unilateral power.
Changed from 'without notice' suspension provision to requiring 'notice' for termination, but expanded enumerated suspension grounds and added ability to close related accounts.
Added explicit 'without prior notice' authorization for bank account debits and expanded liability to include penalties from financial partners, increasing enforcement speed and scope.
Removed financial service providers from indemnified parties and added specific reference to transaction-related Disputes, Charges, and Reversals while narrowing scope slightly to 'reasonable attorneys' fees'.
Removed the specific monetary cap on liability (3-month fees or $500) and added explicit reference to 'business opportunity' as non-recoverable, significantly limiting user recourse.
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