Why we need a payment method on file

When you sell physical products, services, or experiences with The Host Co, certain fees and costs are charged — listing/setup fees, final value fees, vendor service costs, taxes, etc. Most of the time we deduct these directly from what buyers pay you. However, if your earnings do not cover those costs — or there's a refund/dispute — you’ll need a valid backup payment method on file to cover the remainder.

What qualifies as a valid payment method

You can use:

• A credit or debit card

• A bank account that’s verified for payouts or linked payments

Make sure the payment method is current (not expired), active, and able to process charges.

How to add or update your payment method

1. Log into your The Host Co account.

2. Go to Account Settings → Payment Methods (or equivalent section).

3. To add a payment method:

   • For cards: input card number, expiration, CVV, billing address.

   • For bank accounts: enter the account number, routing info, and any required verification (micro-deposits, etc.).

4. To change your preferred payment method: pick the one you want to use for fees and set it as “Preferred for Fee Payments”.

5. Save/confirm the changes.

What happens if your payment method fails

If your preferred payment method is invalid, expired, or declines a charge:

• We may attempt to use another payment method you have on file.

• If no valid method is available, your ability to list, receive payouts, or use certain features may be paused until you provide a working payment method.

• Fees or costs may continue to accrue until the outstanding balance is settled.

When we charge or collect fees

We may charge your payment method for:

• Listing/setup/insertion fees

• Final value / completion fees (when a product, service, or experience is sold or booked)

• Add-ons or enhancements (premium placement, media upgrades, etc.)

• Costs from refunds, cancellations, or disputes

• International fees or taxes, where applicable

If you receive a payout, and the payouts don’t fully cover all owed fees, the remainder will be billed via your preferred payment method.

One-time or outstanding balances

If you have an outstanding balance (for example, from fees that exceed your earnings, or after refunds), you’ll get a notification. You can clear it using a valid payment method on file via your dashboard.

Best practices & tips

• Keep your payment method(s) up to date (cards valid; bank info current).

• Have at least one backup method to avoid interruptions.

• Regularly check for notifications about failed payments or outstanding balances.

• Review your monthly statement or fee history so you understand what’s been charged and why.