Platform merchant terms · signer side · Dubai, 2026
Withholding of any settlements for 180-plus days at the Platform's judgment
The clause
Pursuant to Clause 12 below, the Platform reserves the right, at any time during the term of this Merchant Agreement, to withhold amounts from any settlements due and payable to the Merchant if any of the above conditions listed under Clause 6.3 are not satisfied or are partially satisfied, for the Withholding Period.Clause 6.4 · page 1
Why it matters
If the Platform considers any 6.3 condition unmet or only partly met, it may withhold amounts from any of your settlements for the Withholding Period, which is 180 days or longer if a regulator requires. There is no notice, no limit to the affected transaction, no interest and no release step, and no cap or exit limits the hold. Article 223 lets a court modify unfair terms in an adhesion contract, but your earned money stays held in the meantime.
The law
“If a contract is concluded by way of adhesion and contains unfair conditions, the court may”
What's typical
Settlement holds are typically limited to the amount at risk from the affected transactions and released once the condition is met.
Suggested wording
Add to 6.4: "The Platform shall give the Merchant written notice stating the unmet condition and the amount withheld. The amount withheld shall not exceed the value of the transactions directly affected, and shall be released within five (5) Business Days after the condition is satisfied or the related dispute or claim is resolved, and in any event at the end of the Withholding Period."