Payment Options
Last updated: September 6, 2026
Secure payment methods and best practices for buying and selling mobile apps. Protect both parties with proper payment structures.
✅ Secure Payments: Start your acquisition payment through Escrow.com from your WTA deal. Review the fees, inspection period and transaction terms before funding.
Legal Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before entering into any transaction.
Escrow.com
Create an Escrow.com transaction from WTA, then review and fund it with Escrow.com. Escrow.com manages the escrow process and its transaction terms.
Fees and who pays
- WTA’s standard broker fee is 3% of the sale price, split equally between buyer and seller (1.5% each, rounded to cents).
- Escrow.com’s own fees are additional. The amount and who pays them are confirmed in the Escrow.com transaction before funding. WTA’s initial subtotal excludes those fees; it is not a final quote.
- For a $10,000 sale: buyer subtotal is $10,150 and seller subtotal is $9,850, before their applicable Escrow.com or bank fees.
See the Escrow.com fee calculator and review the final transaction quote.
Inspection and release
The agreed inspection period is 1–30 days. It starts when the buyer marks the assets received or Escrow.com confirms delivery. Acceptance can end inspection early; expiry can lead to release under Escrow.com’s terms. See Escrow.com’s inspection rules.
Direct wire transfers
For a direct wire transfer arranged through WTA, the buyer sends the agreed price to the seller. The seller pays WTA’s invoiced fee: 4% for sales below $10,000, or 3% for sales of $10,000 and above, within three business days of receiving payment. Bank fees are separate. A direct wire transfer has no WTA inspection hold.
Stripe is no longer available for new acquisition payments. Existing Stripe-funded transactions retain their payment history and support for completion, refunds and disputes. See the terms for existing Stripe payments.
Payment Terms
Common payment structures for app sales. Choose terms that protect both parties.
Full Upfront Payment
Buyer pays 100% of the purchase price before transfer begins.
Pros
- Simplest structure
- Seller gets paid immediately
- No ongoing payment obligations
Cons
- Higher risk for buyer
- Less protection if issues arise
Best for: Smaller transactions, established sellers with good reputation, or when using escrow.
50% Upfront, 50% on Transfer
Buyer pays 50% upfront, remaining 50% when all transfers are complete and verified.
Pros
- Balanced risk for both parties
- Buyer has leverage during transfer
- Seller gets partial payment upfront
Cons
- Requires clear definition of "complete"
- Potential disputes over completion
Best for: Most app sales. Provides good balance of protection and trust.
Milestone-Based Payments
Payments tied to specific milestones (e.g., 30% on signing, 40% on App Store transfer, 30% on final verification).
Pros
- Maximum protection for buyer
- Clear progress tracking
- Reduces risk at each stage
Cons
- More complex to manage
- Requires detailed milestone definitions
- Slower payment for seller
Best for: Larger transactions, complex transfers, or when buyer wants maximum protection.
Earnout Structure
Base price plus additional payments based on future performance (e.g., revenue targets over 12 months).
Pros
- Aligns incentives
- Seller can get higher total price
- Buyer pays less upfront
Cons
- Complex to structure legally
- Requires ongoing relationship
- Potential disputes over metrics
Best for: High-growth apps, when seller believes app will grow significantly, or when buyer wants to reduce upfront cost.
Best Practices
Use Escrow for Protection
For transactions over $10,000, strongly consider using an escrow service. It protects both parties and ensures funds are only released when conditions are met.
Define Clear Payment Terms
Specify exact payment amounts, timing, and conditions in your purchase agreement. Define what "transfer complete" means and how it will be verified.
Set Realistic Timelines
App transfers can take 1-4 weeks. Set payment milestones that account for platform processing times. See our transfer checklist for typical timelines.
Document Everything
Keep records of all payments, communications, and transfer milestones. This protects both parties if disputes arise.
Consult Professionals
Work with a lawyer to draft the purchase agreement and an accountant to understand tax implications. Their fees are worth avoiding costly mistakes.
Payment Methods
Wire Transfer
Most common for large transactions. Secure but can take 1-3 business days. Verify bank account details carefully before sending.
ACH Transfer
Lower fees than wire transfers but can take 3-5 business days. Good for US-based transactions.
Cryptocurrency
Fast and borderless, but volatile and irreversible. Only use if both parties are comfortable with crypto and understand the risks.
Escrow Service Payment
Escrow services typically accept wire transfers, ACH, and credit cards. They hold funds until conditions are met, then release to seller.
Important Notes
Avoid These Payment Methods
- Cash or cash equivalents: No paper trail, high fraud risk
- Personal checks: Can bounce, slow processing
- Gift cards or prepaid cards: High fraud risk, no protection
- Friends & Family PayPal/Venmo: No buyer protection, violates terms of service
Tax Considerations
Both buyer and seller should consult with tax professionals. App sales may have capital gains implications, and payment structure can affect tax treatment. Keep detailed records of all transactions.