Is this the same as escrow?

It works the same way: a third party holds the payment and releases it on approval. On BrandForge that third party is BrandForge, and the rules are in the refund policy.

Can I pay with crypto?

Yes. Crypto refunds go back in the same currency and network you paid with, minus the network fee to send them.

What if I never approve?

If the work matches what was agreed and you do not answer, the team will ask you in the chat. Disputes are decided by a person on the BrandForge team, as set out in the refund policy.

Paying for creative or development work? Keep the money held until you approve

By the BrandForge team · Updated 1 November 2026 · 2 min read

The short answer

Paying on approval means your money goes to a holder, not straight to the person doing the work, and it is released only when you approve the delivery. If the work does not match what you agreed, you ask for changes or the unreleased amount comes back to you. It removes the biggest risk of paying someone new.

Why paying up front is the risky part

When you pay a new person in full before they start, every problem after that is yours to chase: late work, work that misses the brief, or a person who stops answering. Paying everything after delivery moves the same risk onto the specialist. Holding the money in between protects both sides.

How it works on BrandForge

1Nothing is paid until you agreeThe price and what is delivered are agreed in the chat first. Changing your mind at this point costs nothing.
2You fund it, BrandForge holds itBy card or crypto. The task card shows the money as held by BrandForge, and the specialist starts.
3You review the workIt comes back to your chat. The money is still held while you look.
4You approve, the money is releasedOr you ask for changes first. Nothing moves without your approval.

When the work does not match

Do not approve it. Say in the chat what is wrong. The team fixes the delivery or refunds that part. If you cancel midway, everything not yet released comes back to you, and work already delivered stays yours. Card refunds go back to the same card; banks usually show them within 5 to 10 business days.

The full rules are in the refund policy.

What the specialist gets

Certainty. They can see the money is there before they start, and they are paid as soon as you approve. That is why good specialists are happy to work this way.

Questions people ask

Is this the same as escrow?: It works the same way: a third party holds the payment and releases it on approval. On BrandForge that third party is BrandForge, and the rules are in the refund policy.
Can I pay with crypto?: Yes. Crypto refunds go back in the same currency and network you paid with, minus the network fee to send them.
What if I never approve?: If the work matches what was agreed and you do not answer, the team will ask you in the chat. Disputes are decided by a person on the BrandForge team, as set out in the refund policy.