Getting started is simple

Setting up payments on Marmel.AI is straightforward. Our payment partner, Stripe Connect, provides a streamlined onboarding experience refined to be as fast and frictionless as possible. Stripe powers payments for millions of creators and businesses worldwide, from independent artists to major platforms like Shopify, Lyft, and Amazon.

If you've ever monetized a YouTube channel, launched a Kickstarter campaign, sold on Etsy, or received payments through any modern platform, the process will feel familiar. Stripe Connect onboarding is no more complicated than what you've likely done before - often it's simpler.

Most creators complete the entire setup in just a few minutes. You'll verify your identity, connect a bank account, and you're ready to receive funds directly. No complex paperwork, no lengthy waiting periods, no unnecessary friction.

Stripe Connect onboarding

To launch a funding campaign on Marmel.AI, you must create a verified account with Stripe Connect, our payment processing partner. This account is where supporter contributions are deposited directly. Marmel.AI does not hold, control, or access your funds.

During onboarding, you'll be guided through a verification process designed to comply with financial regulations and anti-money laundering laws in your jurisdiction. You'll be asked to provide identity verification documents (passport, driver's license, or national ID card), bank account details for receiving payouts, and tax information including your tax identification number or equivalent.

Most creators complete verification within minutes if documents are clear, up-to-date, and match registration information. Business entities may need to provide articles of incorporation, business registration documents, or proof of authority. Complex cases or regions with stricter KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements may take several business days.

Keep verification documents ready before you start. Ensure scans or photos are high-resolution, well-lit, and show all corners without obstruction. If verification is delayed or rejected, you'll receive an email with specific instructions. A verified Stripe account is required before any funding campaign can go live.

Fees

Understanding the fee structure helps you plan your campaign finances effectively. Marmel.AI applies a platform service fee ranging from 1% to 5% of each transaction. This fee covers platform hosting, payment integration, customer support, fraud prevention, and ongoing product development.

Our platform rewards creators who help grow the community. Transaction fees decrease based on the number of new supporters who discover Marmel.AI through your campaign. A new supporter is someone making their first contribution on the platform, directed to one of your live campaigns. The more first-time supporters your project attracts, the lower your effective platform fee becomes.

In addition to Marmel.AI's service fee, standard Stripe processing fees apply. These depend on region, payment method (credit card, bank transfer, or digital wallet), and currency conversion where applicable. Processor fees generally range between 2% and 4%, plus a small fixed amount per transaction. All fees are deducted automatically at the time of payment, so the amount deposited represents net proceeds after deductions.

Transparency is central to our model. You can review detailed fee information for each transaction through Stripe's dashboard, where processor and platform fees are itemized. Your creator dashboard displays your current platform fee rate and progress through fee-reduction stages. If you have questions about fees, contact support with your transaction details.

Terms of Service

How payouts work

Supporter contributions are processed through Stripe Connect and deposited directly into your verified Stripe account. Marmel.AI does not hold or control these funds, they go straight to you.

The current payment workflow is driven by Stripe Connect operations. Contributions are processed as single payments and deposited into your account as they come in. You receive support even if your full funding goal is not reached, which is why we encourage planning projects in episodes or parts that can be delivered at various funding levels.

A 1–2 week grace period applies after each contribution. During this window, Marmel.AI may reverse a transaction if the backer requests it or if issues arise, such as suspected fraud or Terms violations. After the grace period ends, funds are considered settled and fully available to you.

You can track all contributions, grace period status, and available balances directly in your Stripe dashboard.

Payout timing

Once the grace period ends, funds are settled and available in your Stripe account. Standard payouts from Stripe to your bank account typically arrive within 2–7 business days, depending on your region and bank.

The exact timing may vary based on your bank's processing speed and regional transfer networks. International transfers may take slightly longer due to currency conversion and intermediary banking processes.

Instant payouts may be available in select regions and for eligible accounts, allowing funds to be received within minutes or hours. This option may include a small additional processing fee, disclosed before activation. Check your Stripe dashboard or contact support for availability.

Failed payouts

Occasionally, a payout may fail due to incorrect or outdated bank account information, account restrictions, or issues on your bank's side. When a payout fails, you'll receive an email notification with details and steps to resolve it.

Common reasons include mismatched account holder names, invalid account or routing numbers, closed accounts, or banks that don't accept the currency or transfer method. To fix a failed payout, update your bank details in Stripe with accurate information, ensuring the account holder name matches your verified identity documents exactly.

Once updated, the payout will typically be retried automatically within 1–2 business days. If the issue persists, contact support with your payout reference number and we'll work with you and Stripe to resolve it.

Contact support

Limits for new creators

Platform limits apply to support responsible growth and protect both creators and supporters. For new creators, the maximum campaign goal is $10,000 and the maximum individual pledge is $1,000.

These limits encourage realistic planning and reduce risk. Larger projects should be structured into multiple campaigns, with content released in stages - episodes, chapters, or parts. This approach builds trust with supporters, demonstrates your ability to deliver, and creates sustainable momentum for ongoing work.

As you successfully deliver projects and build a track record on the platform, higher limits may become available. Consistent delivery, transparent communication, and positive supporter feedback all contribute to expanded opportunities over time.

Tax forms

Depending on your country of residence and the jurisdictions where the platform operates, you may be required to submit specific tax forms to certify your tax status and residency. Common forms include the W-9 (for U.S. persons), W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (for non-U.S. individuals and entities), and equivalent forms for other regions such as VAT registration documents in the EU.

These forms help Stripe determine the correct withholding rates and reporting obligations for your income. Filling out tax forms accurately is critical - use your legal name exactly as it appears on your government-issued ID and provide your correct taxpayer identification number. Errors or mismatches can trigger withholding or delay payouts.

If you're unsure which form applies to you, consult a tax professional familiar with international income and digital platform earnings. The platform cannot provide tax advice, but we can point you to the correct forms and requirements.

Tax withholding

Tax withholding may apply if your tax information is missing, incomplete, or doesn't meet requirements. Withholding is a legal requirement in many countries to collect taxes at the source before funds are paid out. Withheld amounts are remitted to the appropriate tax authority and can typically be claimed when you file your annual tax return.

The rate and application of withholding vary by country and tax residency status. To minimize or eliminate withholding, ensure your tax information is complete and up-to-date in your Stripe account settings. Provide the correct forms and respond promptly to any requests for documentation.

If withholding has been applied in error, or if you need documentation for tax filings, contact support with your payout details and tax residency information.

Contact support

Keeping tax information current

Tax forms often have expiration dates or need renewal when circumstances change - such as moving to a new country, changing your business structure, or updating your legal name. You can update tax information through your Stripe account settings at any time.

Proactively maintaining accurate tax records prevents payout delays, reduces withholding risk, and ensures compliance with applicable laws. If you receive a notice that your tax information needs updating, respond quickly to avoid interruptions to your earnings.