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1. Payment Architecture Overview

Kelviq uses Stripe Connect with separate charges and transfers as its payment integration model. Under this model:
  • Kelviq is the Merchant of Record (MoR) for all transactions. The payment charge is created on Kelviq’s platform Stripe account.
  • After a successful charge, Kelviq initiates a separate transfer to the Seller’s Stripe Connected Account for the Seller’s share of the revenue (Net Revenue).
  • Kelviq deducts Platform Fees and applicable taxes before transferring funds to the Seller.
  • The Buyer sees “KELVIQ” (or a Kelviq-branded descriptor) on their bank or card statement.
  • Kelviq is responsible for refunds, disputes, and chargebacks as the settlement merchant.

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1.1 Key Entities

Buyer

Pays for digital products through Kelviq Checkout

Kelviq (MoR)

Platform Stripe account that receives the charge

Seller

Stripe Express Connected Account that receives transfers

Stripe

Payment processor handling charges, transfers, and payouts

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2. Purchase Payment Flow

The following describes the step-by-step payment flow for a standard purchase through Kelviq Checkout.
1

Checkout Initiated

Buyer clicks purchase link and lands on Kelviq-hosted checkout page.
2

Payment Details Entered

Buyer enters payment details on Kelviq-hosted checkout (card data collected by Stripe.js).
3

PaymentIntent Created

Stripe creates a PaymentIntent on Kelviq’s platform account.
4

Charge Processed

After successful charge, Kelviq calculates fee split.
5

Fee Calculation

Kelviq deducts: Platform Fee + Applicable Taxes = Net Revenue for Seller.
6

Transfer Initiated

Kelviq initiates separate Transfer to Seller’s Connected Account.
7

Payout to Seller

Stripe processes payout to Seller’s bank account on schedule.

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3. Fee Breakdown Example

The following illustrates how a $100 transaction is split between the parties.
Line ItemAmount
Gross Transaction$100.00
Kelviq Platform Fee (3.9% + 40¢)-$4.30
Seller Net Revenue$95.70
Additional fees may apply:
  • International cards: +1.5% (cards issued outside the Seller’s country)
  • Subscriptions: +0.5% (recurring billing transactions)
The Platform Fee includes all payment processing costs. The complete fee schedule is available at kelviq.com/pricing and in the Seller Dashboard.

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4. Refund Payment Flow

Refunds can be initiated by either the Seller or through Kelviq as the Merchant of Record.
1

Request

Buyer requests a refund by contacting the Seller directly (via contact form or email) or by emailing Kelviq at [email protected].
2

Review & Approval

The Seller reviews the request and can issue a refund directly through the Seller Dashboard. If the request is made through Kelviq, Kelviq reviews it against the applicable refund policy.
3

Processing

Once approved, the refund is processed through Stripe. The refund is issued to the Buyer’s original payment method. The refunded amount is deducted from the Seller’s balance.

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5. Chargeback/Dispute Payment Flow

When a Buyer files a chargeback with their bank, the dispute flow is handled by Kelviq as the MoR.
1

Dispute Filed

Buyer files chargeback with their bank or card issuer.
2

Notification Chain

Bank notifies Stripe, Stripe notifies Kelviq, and Kelviq notifies the Seller.
3

Evidence Collection

Seller provides evidence within the due date mentioned in the notification.
4

Response Submitted

Kelviq compiles and submits dispute response to Stripe.
5

Card Network Review

Card network reviews and decides (typically 60-75 days).
6

Resolution

Won: Funds returned to Kelviq/Seller. Lost: Chargeback amount + $15 dispute fee deducted from Seller’s balance.

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6. Technical Implementation Details

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6.1 Stripe Connect Configuration

ConfigurationValue
Account typeStripe Connect with separate charges and transfers
Platform accountKelviq, Inc. (standard Stripe account)
Connected accountsExpress accounts for Sellers (Stripe-hosted onboarding)
Charge creationPaymentIntent created on Kelviq’s platform account
TransferSeparate Transfer object to Seller’s Connected Account after successful charge
Statement descriptorSet on the PaymentIntent, shows “KELVIQ” or a Kelviq-branded descriptor
Payout scheduleManual withdrawals; Sellers can withdraw available balance anytime

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6.2 PCI Compliance

Kelviq uses Stripe.js and Stripe Elements on the checkout page. Card data is collected directly by Stripe and never passes through or is stored on Kelviq’s servers. This keeps Kelviq at the lowest PCI compliance level (SAQ-A).

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6.3 3D Secure and Strong Customer Authentication (SCA)

Kelviq supports 3D Secure (3DS) authentication through Stripe for transactions where it is required by regulation or recommended for fraud prevention. For Buyers in the European Economic Area (EEA) and the United Kingdom, Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) is applied in accordance with the Payment Services Directive 2 (PSD2) requirements. 3DS authentication is triggered automatically by Stripe based on the issuing bank’s requirements and Stripe’s risk assessment (Stripe Radar).

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6.4 Tax Handling

Kelviq calculates and collects applicable sales tax, VAT, or GST at checkout based on the Buyer’s location. Tax amounts are remitted to the appropriate tax authorities by Kelviq as the MoR. Tax is deducted from the gross transaction amount before the Seller’s Net Revenue is calculated.

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6.5 Multi-Currency Support

Kelviq supports checkout in multiple currencies. The Buyer pays in the currency displayed at checkout. Currency conversion for Seller payouts is handled by Stripe based on the Seller’s Connected Account currency.

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7. Contact

Questions about Kelviq’s payment flow or Stripe integration should be directed to:

Kelviq, Inc.2261 Market Street STE 46163 San Francisco, CA 94114Email: [email protected]