---
title: When Your Card Is Charged
description: "iSeam.uk operates on an **up-front payment model**: the full amount—including service fee, insurance, and any courier upgrade—is charged as soon as you complete checkout. --- ### **Timeline at a glance** | **Stage** | **What happens to your payment** | | ---…"
url: "https://iseam.uk/docs/payment-timing/"
updated: "2025-07-20"
category: Customer Help Center
---

# When Your Card Is Charged

iSeam.uk operates on an **up-front payment model**: the full amount—including service fee, insurance, and any courier upgrade—is charged as soon as you complete checkout.

---

### **Timeline at a glance**

| **Stage** | **What happens to your payment** |
| --- | --- |
| **Checkout** | Your UK card is charged in full; you receive an instant email receipt. |
| **Waiting for Tailor → Item Received** | Payment is held in escrow with Stripe—tailor can see the job but can’t withdraw funds. |
| **Job Done – Delivered** | 48 h after delivery (or once you click “Confirm Fit”), funds are released to the tailor. |
| **Cancellation** | Refund is triggered immediately; bank usually shows the credit in **3–5 business days**. Any admin or return-shipping fee (if applicable) is deducted automatically. |

### **Why we charge up-front**

1. **One secure transaction** – no further charges later.
2. **Escrow protection** – money is only paid to the tailor after you get the item back.
3. **Faster processing** – tailors can order materials and schedule work right away.

---

### **Admin-fee scenarios**

| **Scenario** | **Fee Applied** | **Auto-refund** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cancel while **Waiting for Tailor** | £0 | 100 % refunded |
| Cancel after tailor accepted, parcel **not**shipped | 4 % | 96 % refunded |
| Cancel after parcel shipped but not yet received | 10 % + return postage | Balance refunded when parcel is back in your possession |

All fees are deducted **before** the refund is issued, so the credit you see is the final amount.

**Tip:** Use a debit/credit card with online banking—refunds appear faster and you’ll see pending authorisations in real time.