Payment protection: the creator is paid after approval
Every booking follows the same pattern: the brand pays before the creator starts, and the money stays with creatordeal until the delivery has been approved.
Escrow, trust account, payment protection — what is meant
People often search for “escrow” or “trust account”. We call it payment protection, because that describes exactly what happens: the amount is paid at the time of booking and held by creatordeal until the work has been accepted. Only then is it released to the creator. For both sides that means nobody works on spec, and the brand’s money only goes to the creator once the work is there.
Payout only after approval: how it works
The brand sends a request, the creator accepts it or makes a quote. Payment only happens after the acceptance. Then the creator delivers; for packages that include publishing, a preview comes first and has to be approved before anything goes online. After approval the payout is made. If the brand does not get in touch, the delivery counts as approved once the approval period has passed.
Money back: refund and account credit
If a creator cancels after payment or the booking is reversed, the amount is refunded in full — extras included. Refunds land as credit in the brand’s account, immediately and with nothing deducted, and are automatically applied first on the next booking. A repayment to the original payment method is also possible; whether a repayment fee applies is set out in the terms.
Safe payment: card, bank transfer or credit
You pay by credit card through our payment provider, by bank transfer or with existing credit. With a bank transfer the order starts as soon as receipt of payment is confirmed. creatordeal invoices from Austria; VAT depends on the billing address. The servers are in Europe.
Frequently asked.
Key answers at a glance. Everything else is in the guides and in the FAQ.
When is the creator paid?
Only after the brand has approved the delivery, or once the approval period has passed. Before that the money is held by creatordeal.
Do I get my money back if the creator cancels?
Yes, in full — including add-ons you have already paid for. The amount comes back as credit in your account and can be used for another booking straight away.
Is payment protection the same as an escrow account?
The process resembles what many people know as escrow: payment upfront, release after approval. We describe it as payment protection rather than a trust account, because that is the more accurate word for it.
Can I pay by bank transfer as a brand?
Alongside credit card there is bank transfer; the order starts once the incoming payment is confirmed. Credit from earlier refunds is automatically applied first.
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Find creatorsGeneral information, not legal or tax advice. Last updated: 28 September 2026