How deposits and payments work

SmileTripCare explains how deposits work, what Stripe is used for, and how we handle payouts to clinics, hosts, and specialists today. The goal is transparency—so you know what happens when you pay a deposit.

Payment processor

Stripe (secure deposits)

Today

Deposits via Stripe, payouts handled manually

Direction

Stripe Connect for future automated payouts

The deposit

When you move forward with a package, you'll usually see a **deposit amount**. This deposit:

• Secures your spot and allows us to coordinate your dates with the clinic.
• Is paid online using Stripe, a global payment processor.
• Is shown clearly before you confirm payment—no hidden fees.

The remaining balance (if any) is usually settled directly with the clinic or as described in your package terms. Your coordinator will walk you through this before you commit.

What Stripe does (and doesn't) do

What Stripe is used for

• Securely processes your card payment for the deposit.
• Sends us a confirmation when the payment succeeds.
• Helps us reconcile payment status in your patient dashboard.

What still happens internally

• We track how much is owed to clinics, hosts, and specialists.
• Our team currently manages payouts manually based on internal records.
• We are rolling out Stripe Connect so this can become more automated over time.

Where your money goes today

1. You pay a deposit via Stripe.
The deposit is processed securely. You'll see Stripe (or our platform name) on your card statement.
2. We mark your lead/booking as deposit paid.
Internally we store the payment and update your booking status so coordinators and clinics know you're confirmed.
3. We allocate earnings internally.
Based on your package and agreements, we split revenue between the platform, clinics, and any relevant hosts or specialists.
4. Payouts to partners are currently manual.
Our team uses internal payout records and banking/settlement processes. This is the part that Stripe Connect will gradually modernize.

Future: Stripe Connect and automated payouts

We are rolling out **Stripe Connect** for hosts and specialists. This means:

• Partners can connect their own Stripe accounts to receive payouts more directly.
• Over time, we can reduce manual payout steps and reconcile faster.
• Our goal is to keep the flow transparent—who gets what, and when.

Even as we modernize payouts, your primary relationship for clinical care remains with the clinic and specialists providing treatment. Our role is to coordinate and provide clear, auditable financial flows.

Refunds and disputes (high‑level)

Exact refund and dispute policies may depend on the clinic and package you choose. Before you pay a deposit, your coordinator will:

• Explain the deposit conditions for your specific package.
• Clarify what happens if dates need to move or your case is not clinically viable.
• Share how to contact us and the clinic if you have concerns after payment.

This page is informational only and does not override the specific terms you receive for your package. Always review and keep a copy of your agreed‑upon conditions.