One of the best things about escrow is that the cost is clear and agreed upfront — no surprises after the deal is done. On xrowdeal there are up to three separate fees, and the seller decides how the main one is shared. This guide breaks down exactly how the fee is calculated, what each charge is for, and how to keep your costs predictable.

1. The escrow service fee (the main one)

This is xrowdeal's fee for securing the deal. It's a percentage of the deal amount that starts at a base rate and adds a small percentage for each hold day you choose:

• Base rate applies to every deal.
• Each extra hold day adds a little more to the rate, because a longer protection window means more service.
• Category offers may reduce or cap this fee for certain categories — shown with a badge when you create the deal.

The live Transaction Summary on the create-deal page shows the exact fee in USDT for your amount and hold period. The current rates and worked examples are always on the fees page.

What are hold days?

Hold days are the number of days after delivery that the buyer has to confirm receipt before funds auto-release to the seller. A longer hold gives the buyer more time to verify, and slightly increases the escrow fee. The seller sets this when creating the deal.

2. Payment method fee (paid by the buyer)

When the buyer funds the escrow, the payment option they use (for example a USDT transfer or Binance Pay) may carry a fixed fee in USDT. This covers payment processing and is separate from the escrow service fee. It's added to what the buyer sends in.

3. Payout method fee (paid by the seller)

When the seller withdraws their funds after a successful release, the chosen payout method may carry a fixed fee in USDT, deducted from the transfer. Again, this is separate from the escrow service fee.

Who pays the escrow fee? You choose

When the seller creates the deal, they pick one of three options for the service fee:

• Buyer pays. The buyer pays the deal amount plus the full escrow fee. The seller receives the full deal amount on payout. (This is the default.)
• Seller pays. The buyer pays only the deal amount; the escrow fee is deducted from the seller's payout. Lower upfront cost for the buyer.
• Split 50/50. Half the fee is added to the buyer's payment and half is deducted from the seller's payout.

Whatever you choose, the summary shows the precise amounts: platform fee, what the seller receives, and what the buyer pays.

When is the fee actually charged?

• Buyer's share (full fee, or half on a split) is included in the amount due when they submit payment.
• Seller's share (full fee, or half on a split) is deducted when they request payout after a successful release.
• Completed deals only. The full escrow service fee applies when a deal completes successfully. If a deal is canceled or never completes, refunds and any amounts already paid are handled under the Escrow Rules and Terms of Service.

Your fee is locked once the deal is created

The amount shown when the deal is created is what both parties follow. If xrowdeal's published rates change later, that only affects new deals — fees already agreed on an open deal don't change. That's what "confirmed upfront" really means.

Tips to keep fees predictable

• Pick a hold period that fits the deal. Long enough for the buyer to verify, not padded with days you don't need.
• Agree who pays before you list. It avoids back-and-forth and keeps the buyer's checkout clear.
• Watch for category offers. Some categories carry a reduced or capped fee.
• Check the summary. The create-deal screen shows the final numbers before anyone commits.

Frequently asked questions

How is the xrowdeal escrow fee calculated?

It's a percentage of the deal amount: a base rate plus a small additional percentage for each hold day you select. The exact USDT amount is shown when the deal is created.

Who pays the escrow fee, the buyer or the seller?

The seller decides at deal creation: Buyer pays, Seller pays, or Split 50/50. The choice is locked for that deal and the amounts are shown in the transaction summary.

Are the payment and payout fees the same as the escrow fee?

No. The escrow service fee is a percentage on the deal. Payment method fees are fixed amounts when the buyer pays in, and payout fees are fixed amounts when the seller withdraws. All three may apply on one deal.

What happens to the fee if the deal is canceled?

The full escrow service fee applies to completed deals. If a deal is canceled or doesn't complete, refunds and any amounts paid are handled under the Escrow Rules and Terms of Service.

Can the fee change after I create a deal?

No. The fee agreed when the deal is created stays fixed for that deal. Rate changes only apply to new deals.

See your exact fee before you commit

View current rates and examples on the fees page, learn how escrow works, or create a free account and start a deal to see your transaction summary live.