Last updated: 22 September 2025
These Payments Terms (“Payments Policy”) govern the use of payment services provided through the Townzie Platform (“Payment Services”). By using the Payment Services, you agree to these terms, together with Townzie’s Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
Townzie provides Payment Services to enable Guests to pay for Listings and to allow Listing Authors (“Hosts”) to receive payouts.
Payment Services may include:
Collecting payments from Guests
Holding funds temporarily before payout
Paying Hosts via their chosen payout method
Processing refunds where applicable
Townzie does not provide banking, lending, or financial advisory services.
To use the Payment Services, you must:
Be at least 18 years old
Maintain an active Townzie account
Provide accurate and up-to-date payment and identity information
Townzie may restrict or suspend access to Payment Services if required information is missing, inaccurate, or cannot be verified.
To comply with fraud prevention, anti-money laundering, and FICA/KYC obligations, Townzie may require Hosts to provide:
Government-issued identification
Proof of bank account ownership
Business or tax-related information where applicable
Failure to complete verification may result in delayed, suspended, or cancelled payouts.
4.1 Payment methods
Guests may pay using approved payment methods displayed at checkout, which may include cards, bank transfers, digital wallets, or third-party providers.
4.2 Payment authorization
By completing a booking or purchase, you authorize Townzie to charge your selected payment method for the total amount shown at checkout, including applicable fees and taxes.
4.3 Failed or reversed payments
If a payment fails, is reversed, or charged back, Townzie may:
Retry the charge
Cancel the booking
Recover funds already paid out where permitted
5.1 Payout eligibility
Hosts must have a valid payout method linked to their account. Payout details must belong to the Host or an authorized recipient.
5.2 Payout timing
Subject to successful payment collection:
Accommodation payouts are typically initiated after guest check-in
Activity, event, and service payouts are typically initiated after the activity begins
Product sales and auctions are typically paid out after payment clears
Townzie may delay payouts where additional verification, dispute resolution, or fraud review is required.
5.3 Fees and deductions
Payouts are calculated as the total booking or sale amount minus:
Townzie service fees
Applicable taxes
Approved adjustments or refunds
Hosts appoint Townzie as their limited payment collection agent solely for collecting payments from Guests.
Payment by a Guest to Townzie satisfies the Guest’s payment obligation to the Host. Townzie’s obligation to remit funds to Hosts applies only to amounts actually received.
Refunds are processed in accordance with:
The applicable cancellation policy
Townzie’s Terms and Conditions
Refund timing depends on the original payment method and third-party processing rules.
Townzie may temporarily hold or recover funds where:
Fraud or misuse is suspected
Required verification is incomplete
A dispute or refund is pending
Required by law or regulators
You may not use Payment Services for:
Fraudulent or unlawful activity
Circumventing fees or policies
Processing payments you are not authorized to receive
Payment Services are provided “as is”. Townzie does not guarantee uninterrupted availability or error-free processing.
To the extent permitted by law, Townzie’s total liability related to Payment Services is limited as described in the Terms and Conditions.
Townzie may update this Payments Policy from time to time. Material changes will be communicated in advance.
Townzie may suspend or terminate access to Payment Services if required to protect users, comply with law, or enforce policies.
This Payments Policy is governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa, subject to mandatory consumer protection laws.
Questions regarding Payment Services can be directed to Townzie via the Contact Us page.
