> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.sharethat.co/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Payments

> A deep dive into how payments work on ShareThat.

ShareThat uses [Stripe](https://www.stripe.com) to process payments, store payment methods, and issue payouts. Stripe is a level 1 PCI Service Provider which is the most stringent level of certification available in the payments industry. You can read more about security at Stripe [here](https://docs.stripe.com/security).

## Paying Clip Creators

ShareThat acts as a secure middleman that helps you and your team save time by quickly facilitating mass payouts between you and the clip creators who post for you. Your connected payment method will automatically be charged when a cycle is complete. If you have a strict budget and can only afford to pay clip creators a specific amount, please consider using the **Pot** budget mode when creating a cycle.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/sharethat-16/OQIhTohAvAZTNJj_/images/timeline.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=OQIhTohAvAZTNJj_&q=85&s=8532cb9fc3b3bea9543cea9853d3bdbe" alt="Flow of Funds" width="1444" height="560" data-path="images/timeline.png" />

<Info>The **Balance Due** stat calculation only includes approved submissions. Please note that you will also be charged for any submissions that remain in the pending status when a cycle ends.</Info>

## Connecting a Payment Method

Before you can invite clip creators to your group, you are required to connect a payment method. This allows us to make sure clip creators get paid on time. We offer the following payment methods:

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Card">
    Connecting a credit card or debit card to ShareThat takes less than 60 seconds and is the fastest way to pay clippers.

    Payout Settlement Time: 2-3 business days
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Bank ACH">
    ACH offers a secure way to pay clippers directly from your bank account. Many banks have ACH transfer limits, so check with your bank if you plan to use this option.

    Payout Settlement Time: 5 business days
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Crypto">
    Crypto payments (USDC) are available to select creators on a case-by-case basis who plan to spend \$10,000 or more per cycle. We do not offer direct integration at this time. Please [reach out to our team](https://sharethat.co/contact) if you are interested in paying with USDC.

    Payout Settlement Time: 4-7 business days
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

<Info>You can disconnect your payment method at any time when your balance is paid and there are no active cycles.</Info>

To connect a payment method, follow these steps:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Visit settings page">
    Go to [https://app.sharethat.co/creators/settings/billing](https://app.sharethat.co/creators/settings/billing) and click **"Connect payment method"**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Card or Bank account">
    When you connect a bank account, you will be prompted to accept a mandate. This mandate tells Stripe that you authorize ShareThat to pull funds from your bank account to cover cycle payments.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect" />
</Steps>

## Payouts

To learn more about how ShareThat sends payouts to clip creators, please check out [Payouts](/clippers/payouts).