How does the Payluk escrow flow work?
Updated
Short answer
An escrow is created with an amount and a delivery window, and the buyer pays into it, so the money is locked. When the buyer confirms delivery, the funds are released to the seller’s Payluk balance immediately. If the buyer neither confirms nor disputes, the seller can file a claim one day after the delivery window ends, and the funds are released automatically 24 hours later unless the buyer opens a dispute.
Step by step
- Create: the seller or merchant creates an escrow with the amount (minimum ₦1,000), a description, a delivery window and who pays the fee.
- Fund: the buyer pays the escrow amount plus their share of the fee. The escrow becomes active and the money is locked.
- Deliver: the seller delivers the goods or service.
- Release: the buyer confirms, and the funds go straight to the seller’s Payluk balance.
- Withdraw: the seller withdraws to their bank account whenever they like.
If the buyer doesn’t respond
From one day after the agreed delivery window ends, the seller can submit a claim. We notify the buyer right away. If the buyer neither confirms nor opens a dispute within 24 hours, the funds are released to the seller automatically.
If something goes wrong
The buyer can open a dispute at any time while the escrow is active. The seller can open one after the delivery window. A dispute freezes the funds until it is resolved: fully to the seller, fully back to the buyer, or split between them.
Escrow statuses you’ll see
- Pending: created and waiting for payment
- Ongoing: paid, funds locked
- Claimed: the seller has requested release
- Disputed / Investigating: a dispute is open
- Completed: released to the seller
- Refunded / Split: closed by a dispute resolution