This Payment Policy outlines how payments are processed, held, and disbursed through CT National Escrow. By using our Service, you agree to the terms outlined in this policy.
1. Accepted Payment Methods
CT National Escrow accepts the following payment methods for funding escrow transactions:
- Bank wire transfers (domestic and international)
- ACH transfers (US bank accounts only)
- Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
- Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, and other supported digital currencies)
Payment method availability may vary based on transaction amount, location, and verification status. We reserve the right to add or remove payment methods at any time.
2. Funding an Escrow Transaction
2.1 Deposit Requirements. The buyer must deposit the full transaction amount plus applicable fees before the escrow transaction is considered funded. Partial payments are not accepted unless otherwise agreed upon in the transaction terms.
2.2 Processing Times. Payment processing times vary by method:
- Wire transfers: 1–3 business days
- ACH transfers: 3–5 business days
- Credit/debit cards: Instant to 24 hours
- Cryptocurrency: Upon network confirmation (typically 10–60 minutes)
2.3 Verification Holds. We may place temporary holds on funds for verification purposes, particularly for large transactions, new accounts, or flagged activity. You will be notified if additional verification is required.
2.4 Failed Payments. If a payment fails, is reversed, or is subject to a chargeback, the transaction will be placed on hold until the matter is resolved. CT National Escrow reserves the right to cancel transactions and suspend accounts associated with failed or fraudulent payments.
3. Escrow Fee Structure
3.1 Standard Escrow Fees. Our fees are calculated as a percentage of the transaction amount:
| Transaction Amount | Fee |
|---|---|
| $0 – $5,000 | 3.25% |
| $5,001 – $25,000 | 2.75% |
| $25,001 – $100,000 | 2.00% |
| $100,001 – $500,000 | 1.50% |
| $500,001+ | Contact us for custom pricing |
Minimum fee: $25.00 per transaction
3.2 Additional Fees. The following additional fees may apply:
- Wire transfer (outgoing): $25 domestic / $45 international
- ACH transfer (outgoing): Free
- Credit/debit card processing: 3.0% of payment amount
- Cryptocurrency processing: 1.0% of payment amount
- Currency conversion: 2.5% of converted amount
- Expedited disbursement (same-day): $50
- Transaction extension: $25 per extension
- Dispute filing fee: $50 (refundable if resolved in your favor)
3.3 Fee Responsibility. By default, the buyer pays escrow fees. However, parties may agree to split fees or assign them to the seller during transaction setup. Fee arrangements must be confirmed before funding.
4. Holding of Funds
4.1 Escrow Account. All funds are held in segregated, FDIC-insured bank accounts (for fiat currency) or secure cold storage wallets (for cryptocurrency). Client funds are never commingled with CT National Escrow operating funds.
4.2 Interest. CT National Escrow retains any interest earned on escrowed funds unless otherwise required by law or agreed in writing.
4.3 Security. We employ industry-standard security measures including encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular third-party audits to protect your funds.
5. Release of Funds
5.1 Conditions for Release. Funds are released to the seller when:
- The buyer approves the transaction, or
- The inspection period expires without a dispute being filed, or
- A dispute is resolved in the seller's favor
5.2 Disbursement Methods. Sellers may receive funds via:
- Bank wire transfer
- ACH transfer (US accounts)
- Cryptocurrency (to verified wallet address)
5.3 Disbursement Timeline. Once funds are approved for release:
- ACH transfers: 2–4 business days
- Wire transfers: 1–2 business days
- Cryptocurrency: Within 24 hours
5.4 Minimum Disbursement. The minimum disbursement amount is $50. If the net amount after fees is below this threshold, funds will remain in your CT National Escrow account until the minimum is reached.
6. Refunds and Cancellations
6.1 Buyer Refunds. Funds are returned to the buyer when:
- The seller fails to deliver goods or services as agreed
- Both parties mutually agree to cancel the transaction
- A dispute is resolved in the buyer's favor
6.2 Refund Method. Refunds are processed to the original payment method when possible. If the original method is unavailable, we will work with you to arrange an alternative.
6.3 Refund Timeline. Refunds are processed within 5–7 business days of approval. Additional time may be required for the funds to appear in your account depending on your financial institution.
6.4 Non-Refundable Fees. Escrow fees and payment processing fees are non-refundable once a transaction has been funded, except at CT National Escrow's sole discretion or as required by law.
7. Chargebacks and Payment Disputes
7.1 Chargeback Policy. If a buyer initiates a chargeback with their bank or card issuer after funding an escrow transaction, CT National Escrow will:
- Immediately freeze the transaction
- Investigate the claim
- Provide transaction documentation to the financial institution
- Suspend the buyer's account pending resolution
7.2 Chargeback Fee. A $50 chargeback fee will be assessed for each chargeback filed, regardless of outcome. This fee is in addition to any fees charged by payment processors.
7.3 Fraudulent Chargebacks. Users who file fraudulent chargebacks may face permanent account suspension, forfeiture of funds, collection actions, and reporting to law enforcement.
8. Currency and Conversion
8.1 Supported Currencies. Our primary operating currency is US Dollars (USD). We also support transactions in EUR, GBP, CAD, and AUD.
8.2 Conversion Rates. Currency conversions are performed at prevailing market rates plus a 2.5% conversion fee. Rates are locked at the time of transaction funding.
8.3 Cryptocurrency Valuations. Cryptocurrency values are determined at the time of deposit based on current market rates. CT National Escrow is not responsible for fluctuations in cryptocurrency value during the escrow period.
9. Tax Responsibilities
9.1 User Responsibility. Users are solely responsible for determining and fulfilling their tax obligations related to transactions conducted through CT National Escrow.
9.2 Tax Reporting. CT National Escrow may be required to report certain transactions to tax authorities. US users who receive more than $600 in a calendar year will receive a Form 1099-K as required by IRS regulations.
9.3 Withholding. We may be required to withhold taxes on certain payments. If withholding applies, you will be notified and the withheld amount will be reported to the appropriate authorities.
10. Account Balances
10.1 CT National Escrow Balance. Funds from completed transactions may be held in your CT National Escrow account balance. You may withdraw these funds at any time, subject to minimum withdrawal amounts and verification requirements.
10.2 Dormant Accounts. Accounts with balances that remain inactive for 12 months or more may be subject to a monthly maintenance fee of $10. After 3 years of inactivity, funds may be escheated to the state in accordance with unclaimed property laws.
11. Prohibited Transactions
CT National Escrow does not process payments for:
- Illegal goods or services
- Weapons, ammunition, or explosives
- Controlled substances or drug paraphernalia
- Counterfeit or stolen goods
- Adult content or services
- Gambling or lottery services
- Multi-level marketing or pyramid schemes
- Any transaction that violates our Terms of Service
We reserve the right to refuse, freeze, or reverse any transaction that we suspect violates this policy.
12. Modifications to This Policy
CT National Escrow may update this Payment Policy at any time. Changes will be posted on our website and take effect immediately upon posting. Your continued use of the Service constitutes acceptance of any modifications.
13. Contact Us
For questions about payments, fees, or this policy, please contact us:
CT National Escrow Email: payments@ctnationalescrow.com Support: support@ctnationalescrow.com
By using CT National Escrow, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Payment Policy.