How does Trust Layer escrow work?

Buyers pay through Paystack into escrow. Funds stay held until delivery rules pass or a dispute is resolved. Sellers ship after payment is verified and locked.

Are payments processed by Trust Layer directly?

Payments are collected through Paystack, a licensed payment service provider in Nigeria. Trust Layer manages escrow rules and release.

What happens if there is a dispute?

Funds remain frozen while both sides submit evidence. Cases are reviewed within published business-day SLAs before refund or release.

Trust & escrow

Your money follows rules, not promises

Trust Layer holds payment in escrow until delivery rules are met. Both sides see the same timeline, the same status, and the same dispute process.

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How funds move

We are the rules engine and ledger. Payments are collected through Paystack; release only happens when the escrow state machine allows it.

1
Buyer pays
Payment is collected securely through Paystack. The seller does not receive it yet.
2
Funds lock in escrow
Money stays on Trust Layer until delivery rules are met. It does not go to the seller's bank account yet.
3
Seller ships
The seller dispatches only after payment is verified and locked, so they are not shipping on trust alone.
4
Buyer inspects
The buyer confirms delivery or opens a dispute within the inspection window.
5
Release or refund
Funds move to the seller’s wallet or back to the buyer. Disputed funds stay locked until resolved.

Funds held in escrow · Insurance partner on the roadmap

Protections by role

Same escrow rules — different worries depending on which side you're on.

Pay through Paystack. Your card or bank transfer is processed by a licensed payment provider.
Funds lock in escrow before the seller is expected to ship. They cannot withdraw early.
Inspect on delivery. Confirm only when the item matches what you ordered.
Open a dispute with photos and messages. Funds stay frozen until the case is reviewed.

Published timelines

Published timelines. No hidden waits.

Dispute review

3 business days

From when both sides submit evidence

Refund after buyer win

5 business days

After dispute resolution

Bank payout after release

2 business days

Seller wallet → local bank

What we are honest about

Payments are processed by Paystack, a licensed payment service provider in Nigeria.
Escrow means funds follow our published state rules. We do not release on informal requests from either party.
Trust scores come from completed transactions on Trust Layer, not paid reviews.
Insurance and licensing partnerships are on our roadmap. We will publish them here when live. We do not claim coverage we do not have.

Read our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

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How funds move

We are the rules engine and ledger. Payments are collected through Paystack; release only happens when the escrow state machine allows it.

1
Buyer pays
Payment is collected securely through Paystack. The seller does not receive it yet.
2
Funds lock in escrow
Money stays on Trust Layer until delivery rules are met. It does not go to the seller's bank account yet.
3
Seller ships
The seller dispatches only after payment is verified and locked, so they are not shipping on trust alone.
4
Buyer inspects
The buyer confirms delivery or opens a dispute within the inspection window.
5
Release or refund
Funds move to the seller’s wallet or back to the buyer. Disputed funds stay locked until resolved.

What we are honest about

Payments are processed by Paystack, a licensed payment service provider in Nigeria.

Escrow means funds follow our published state rules. We do not release on informal requests from either party.

Trust scores come from completed transactions on Trust Layer, not paid reviews.

Insurance and licensing partnerships are on our roadmap. We will publish them here when live. We do not claim coverage we do not have.