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

# Payouts

> How and when you get paid

## Getting Your Money

You've earned commissions. Here's how you get them in your bank account.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Stripe Connect" icon="stripe">
    Payouts processed through Stripe's trusted system
  </Card>

  <Card title="Weekly Payouts" icon="calendar">
    Request payouts anytime, processed weekly
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Setting Up Payouts

Before you can withdraw earnings, you need to connect your Stripe account.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Go to Payout Settings">
    **Affiliate Hub** → **Settings** → **Payout Method**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect Stripe">
    Click "Connect with Stripe" and follow the prompts.

    You'll provide:

    * Your legal name
    * Address
    * Bank account info
    * Tax information (SSN or EIN for US)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verification">
    Stripe may take 1-2 days to verify your identity. You'll receive an email when approved.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Ready to Withdraw">
    Once verified, you can request payouts from your balance.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Info>
  Stripe Connect is the same system used by Shopify, Lyft, and thousands of platforms. Your info is secure.
</Info>

***

## How Payouts Work

### Your Balance

Your balance shows:

* **Available** — Ready to withdraw
* **Pending** — Earned but in 7-day hold period
* **Lifetime** — Total you've ever earned

### The 7-Day Hold

New referral commissions have a **7-day hold** before becoming available.

| Event                | Status                     |
| -------------------- | -------------------------- |
| Day 1: Jane signs up | Commission calculated      |
| Day 1-7              | Pending (fraud protection) |
| Day 8+               | Available for withdrawal   |

<Note>
  This protects against chargebacks and fraudulent signups. It's standard practice.
</Note>

### Requesting a Payout

1. Go to **Affiliate Hub** → **Payouts**
2. Check your Available balance
3. Click **Request Payout**
4. Confirm the amount
5. Submit

***

## Payout Schedule

| Day               | What Happens                    |
| ----------------- | ------------------------------- |
| Any day           | You request payout              |
| Friday            | All requested payouts processed |
| 1-3 business days | Funds hit your bank account     |

<Info>
  Payouts are processed every Friday. Requests made after Friday are included in the next week's batch.
</Info>

### Example Timeline

| Date           | Event                      |
| -------------- | -------------------------- |
| Monday         | You request \$50 payout    |
| Friday         | LOAF processes the request |
| Monday/Tuesday | \$50 appears in your bank  |

***

## Minimum Payout

| Region        | Minimum |
| ------------- | ------- |
| US            | \$25    |
| International | \$50    |

Your balance must meet the minimum to request a payout.

<Tip>
  No rush? Let your balance grow. Some affiliates prefer monthly withdrawals to fewer, larger deposits.
</Tip>

***

## Payout Methods

Stripe supports:

| Method                     | Availability   | Speed                |
| -------------------------- | -------------- | -------------------- |
| **Bank Transfer (ACH)**    | US             | 1-2 business days    |
| **Debit Card**             | US             | Same day (small fee) |
| **International Transfer** | Most countries | 3-5 business days    |

### Setting Your Method

In Stripe Connect, you can add multiple bank accounts and choose your preferred payout destination.

***

## Taxes

<Warning>
  You're responsible for your own taxes. LOAF reports earnings to tax authorities as required by law.
</Warning>

### US Affiliates

* If you earn \$600+ in a calendar year, you'll receive a **1099-NEC** form
* You'll provide a W-9 during Stripe Connect setup

### International Affiliates

* Provide appropriate tax documentation during setup
* Consult a local tax professional for your obligations

### What LOAF Reports

| Earnings         | What Happens                |
| ---------------- | --------------------------- |
| Under \$600/year | No 1099 issued              |
| \$600+/year      | 1099-NEC sent by January 31 |

<Info>
  Keep your own records. Your dashboard has full earnings history for export.
</Info>

***

## Payout History

Your **Payout History** shows:

| Column         | Info                            |
| -------------- | ------------------------------- |
| Date Requested | When you submitted              |
| Amount         | How much                        |
| Status         | Pending / Processing / Complete |
| Date Completed | When funds sent                 |
| Method         | Where funds went                |

Export to CSV for your accounting needs.

***

## Common Issues

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Why is my payout 'Pending'?">
    Payouts process every Friday. If you requested mid-week, it's queued for the next batch.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Why did my payout fail?">
    Usually a banking issue. Check that your Stripe Connect bank details are correct. Contact support if issues persist.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I change my bank account?">
    Yes. Go to your Stripe Connect dashboard and update your banking info. New payouts will go to the new account.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Is there a fee for payouts?">
    Standard payouts are free. Instant payouts (same-day to debit card) have a small fee (\~1.5%).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What if I'm outside the US?">
    Stripe supports most countries. Your local currency and banking are handled automatically. International transfers may have slightly higher minimums and longer processing times.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## FAQ

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="When do commissions hit my balance?">
    Within 24 hours of your referral's payment processing, then a 7-day hold before it's available.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I donate my earnings?">
    Not directly through LOAF, but once funds are in your bank, you can do what you want with them.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What happens if I close my account?">
    Outstanding available balance can still be withdrawn. Pending commissions may be forfeited depending on circumstances.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Are there chargeback risks?">
    The 7-day hold protects against most chargebacks. If a referral disputes their payment after you've been paid, LOAF absorbs that risk — not you.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

You earned it. Now claim it.