Buy Me a Coffee TOS Changed

What changed

Extensive updates added new sections on content moderation, payment collection, dormant accounts, copyright procedures, and several user protections and obligations across the terms.

Details

• •Added a clarification that section summaries are for reading convenience only and the full text controls if there is any conflict
• •Changed age requirement wording from 'or' to 'and' regarding being 18 and old enough to form a binding contract
• •Added a clause confirming that users acting on behalf of a business or organization are authorized to accept the terms on its behalf
• •Added a requirement for creators to keep a current mailing address on file for tax reporting and unclaimed property compliance
• •Expanded the list of prohibited content to explicitly include non-consensual intimate images
• •Added a requirement for creators who endorse or promote brands to disclose paid relationships as required by FTC guidelines
• •Added a requirement that creators raising money for charities or others must clearly identify who receives funds and comply with applicable laws
• •Added a clarification that creators are independent and are not employees, agents, or partners of Buy Me a Coffee
• •Added a statement that no additional fees are charged for inactive or dormant accounts
• •Added a 'limited payment collection agent' clause stating that once a supporter's payment is received by Buy Me a Coffee, the supporter's obligation to the creator is considered settled even if the payout to the creator later fails
• •Changed cancellation wording to specify supporters can cancel online through account settings in the same way they signed up
• •Added a requirement to remind supporters of active memberships at least once per year with cost and cancellation details
• •Changed the advance notice window for membership price changes from 'at least 30 days' to 'at least 7 and no more than 30 days,' and added the right to cancel before the new price applies
• •Added a step during account deletion that shows active memberships and offers to cancel them
• •Added a provision that if a creator's account becomes dormant, active memberships to that creator will be ended and supporters notified
• •Added a detailed content moderation policy clarifying that Buy Me a Coffee does not pre-screen content and may remove content at its discretion without that implying approval of other content
• •Added a requirement to update creators at least every 30 days during an ongoing payout hold
• •Added a note that child-safety-related account actions are not subject to appeal
• •Expanded and significantly revised the dormant account policy: inactivity threshold changed from 12 months to 18 months, defined what counts as 'owner activity,' added provisions for paying out available balances to valid payout methods, and detailed a process for reporting unclaimed funds to state authorities
• •Changed account deletion policy to advise users to withdraw their balance first, and to pay out any remaining balance after deletion or handle it as unclaimed property
• •Changed the liability cap from the total amount paid through the service to the greater of fees paid to Buy Me a Coffee in the prior 12 months or US$100
• •Expanded the copyright infringement notice section to name a designated copyright agent with contact details, list required elements of a DMCA notice, and add a counter-notice process with timelines
• •Added that the 30-day pre-dispute resolution requirement does not prevent either party from seeking urgent court orders or going to small-claims court
• •Added a requirement that material changes to terms be communicated at least 30 days before taking effect, with an exception for law-required or feature-only changes
• •Added a provision granting Apple third-party beneficiary status under the terms for mobile app purposes
• •Added clauses covering electronic notices, force majeure, third-party services, mobile app store terms, and interpretive rules
• •Added an Accessibility Statement link to the footer