> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.gamer2z.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Gamer2z Shield

> The escrow layer that protects every order — how funds are held and released.

**Gamer2z Shield** is the escrow and buyer-protection layer on top of every
order. Funds are held by the platform until delivery is confirmed, so neither
side has to trust the other up front.

## How escrow holds funds

<Steps>
  <Step title="Buyer pays → funds held">
    On payment, the money goes into the seller's **pending** balance — held in
    escrow, not withdrawable.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Seller delivers">
    The seller fulfils the order (instantly for keys/gift cards/accounts, or by
    hand within the guaranteed time for currency/top-ups/items).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review window">
    The buyer has a window to check the order and confirm. If they don't act, it
    auto-confirms.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Protection hold">
    A protection hold runs after delivery — a safety buffer during which a
    dispute can still pause the release.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Release">
    Once the hold clears with no dispute, funds move from **pending** to
    **available** in the seller's wallet.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Hold timing by category

Review and hold windows scale with risk — higher for categories that can be
charged back or recovered, lower for low-risk goods.

| Category                | Relative risk          | Hold length |
| ----------------------- | ---------------------- | ----------- |
| Top-ups                 | Low                    | Short       |
| Keys, gift cards        | Low                    | Short       |
| Items, in-game currency | Medium                 | Medium      |
| Accounts                | Higher (recovery risk) | Longest     |

<Note>
  Exact windows can be tuned per category and even per game (some games carry a
  longer hold). The buyer and seller both see the timing that applies to their
  order.
</Note>

## Why escrow matters

<Columns cols={2}>
  <Card title="Buyers" icon="user-shield">
    Your money isn't released until you've received your order. If it doesn't
    arrive or isn't as described, you can dispute before release.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Sellers" icon="hand-holding-dollar">
    Buyers can't claw back funds on a whim — once the hold clears with no valid
    dispute, your earnings are yours.
  </Card>
</Columns>

<Card title="Disputes & refunds" icon="scale-balanced" href="/trust/disputes-and-refunds">
  What happens when an order is contested.
</Card>