HL Hunt Pay
Payment Processing Services
Payment Services Agreement
⚠️ Important Legal Notice — Read Before Proceeding
THIS IS A LEGALLY BINDING AGREEMENT. This Payment Services Agreement ("Agreement") constitutes a binding contract between you ("Merchant," "you," or "your") and HL Hunt Inc. and HL Hunt Lending LLC (collectively, "HL Hunt," "HL Hunt Pay," "we," "us," or "our"). By accessing or using HL Hunt Pay services, you agree to be bound by all terms herein.
FINANCIAL SERVICES NOTICE: HL Hunt Pay provides payment processing, merchant services, and related financial technology services. You are responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable laws, regulations, and Card Network Rules governing your use of these services.
SUB-PROCESSOR AND SPONSOR BANK NOTICE: HL Hunt Pay delivers the Services through a network of licensed sub-processors, gateways, acquirers, and sponsor banks, including Finix Payments, Inc., NMI (Network Merchants LLC), Luqra, Goat Payments, and Fifth Third Bank, National Association, together with any additional or successor sub-processors engaged by HL Hunt from time to time. By accepting this Agreement, you simultaneously accept, execute, and become bound by each applicable Sub-Processor Agreement, and you appoint HL Hunt as your attorney-in-fact to execute those agreements in your name. See Section 2 (Sub-Processors, Sponsor Banks, and Flow-Down Agreements).
BY CLICKING "I AGREE," SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION, OR PROCESSING ANY TRANSACTION THROUGH HL HUNT PAY, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND AGREE TO BE LEGALLY BOUND BY THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING ALL EXHIBITS, SCHEDULES, AND SUB-PROCESSOR AGREEMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE.
This Payment Services Agreement, together with all exhibits, schedules, addenda, and policies incorporated by reference (collectively, the "Agreement"), governs Merchant's use of payment processing services, merchant accounts, APIs, dashboards, and related services provided by HL Hunt Pay.
HL Hunt Pay enables businesses to accept payments, manage transactions, prevent fraud, and streamline financial operations through our proprietary technology platform. Our services include credit and debit card processing, ACH transfers, digital wallet acceptance, invoicing, recurring billing, payouts, and related merchant services.
This Agreement incorporates by reference: (i) the Fee Framework (Exhibit A) and the Merchant Pricing Schedule issued to Merchant; (ii) the Prohibited and Restricted Activities Policy; (iii) the Data Security Requirements; (iv) the Privacy Policy; (v) all Card Network Rules and Operating Regulations; (vi) all Sub-Processor Agreements identified in Exhibit B or otherwise made available by HL Hunt; and (vii) all sponsor bank, acquirer, and gateway terms applicable to Merchant's Account.
HL Hunt Pay does not operate as a card network or a chartered depository institution. The Services are delivered in partnership with licensed payment facilitators, gateways, acquiring processors, and sponsor banks. Merchant's ability to accept payments is therefore contingent upon Merchant's acceptance of, and continuing compliance with, the agreements imposed by those parties.
Definitions
For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below. Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Card Network Rules.
- "Account" means Merchant's HL Hunt Pay account, including all associated sub-accounts, connected accounts, and credentials.
- "ACH" means the Automated Clearing House network for electronic funds transfers.
- "Acquiring Bank" or "Acquirer" means the financial institution(s) that HL Hunt partners with to provide merchant acquiring services and process Transactions.
- "API" means the application programming interfaces provided by HL Hunt Pay for integration with Merchant's systems.
- "Authorization" means approval from an Issuer to proceed with a Transaction.
- "Card" means any credit card, debit card, prepaid card, or other payment card issued under the rules of a Card Network.
- "Card Network" means Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and any other payment card network whose cards are accepted through HL Hunt Pay.
- "Card Network Rules" means all bylaws, rules, regulations, operating procedures, and guidelines of the Card Networks, as amended from time to time.
- "Cardholder" means the authorized user or holder of a Card.
- "Chargeback" means a Transaction that is returned or reversed by the Issuer or Card Network.
- "Confidential Information" means any non-public information disclosed by either party, including technical, business, and financial information.
- "Customer" means any person or entity that purchases goods or services from Merchant.
- "Dashboard" means the web-based interface provided by HL Hunt Pay for Account management.
- "Effective Date" means the date this Agreement becomes effective, as indicated in the header.
- "Fee Framework" means Exhibit A to this Agreement, describing the categories and structure of fees that may apply.
- "Merchant Pricing Schedule" means the pricing document specific to Merchant's Account, individually determined through underwriting and issued to Merchant at or prior to account activation, as amended from time to time. The Merchant Pricing Schedule sets forth the rates and fees actually applicable to Merchant and controls over any other statement of pricing.
- "Funds" means amounts collected from Transactions less applicable fees, Chargebacks, refunds, and other deductions.
- "Issuer" or "Issuing Bank" means the financial institution that issued the Card used in a Transaction.
- "Merchant" means the business or individual that has entered into this Agreement to use HL Hunt Pay services.
- "Payment Credentials" means Card numbers, CVV codes, expiration dates, PINs, bank account numbers, routing numbers, and similar payment authentication data.
- "PCI DSS" means the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard.
- "Payout" means the transfer of settled Funds to Merchant's designated bank account.
- "Reserve" means funds held by HL Hunt to secure Merchant's obligations under this Agreement.
- "Services" means all payment processing, merchant services, APIs, tools, and related services provided by HL Hunt Pay.
- "Settlement" means the process by which Transaction funds are deposited to Merchant's Account.
- "Sponsor Bank" means any financial institution that sponsors HL Hunt or Merchant into the Card Networks or the ACH network, including without limitation Fifth Third Bank, National Association, and any successor, additional, or replacement sponsor bank.
- "Sub-Processor" means any third party engaged by HL Hunt to perform, enable, or support any portion of the Services, including without limitation payment facilitators, gateways, acquiring processors, sponsor banks, ledgering providers, onboarding and underwriting providers, KYC/KYB vendors, fraud and risk vendors, card issuing processors, and data hosting providers. Sub-Processors include, without limitation, Finix Payments, Inc.; NMI (Network Merchants LLC); Luqra; Goat Payments; and Fifth Third Bank, National Association, together with any additional, successor, or replacement Sub-Processor engaged by HL Hunt from time to time.
- "Sub-Processor Agreement" means any agreement, addendum, schedule, merchant application, attestation, operating regulation, acceptable use policy, program guide, or other instrument required by a Sub-Processor as a condition of Merchant's access to, or continued use of, the Services, whether existing as of the Effective Date or entered into thereafter.
- "Transaction" means any payment, refund, credit, or other financial operation processed through HL Hunt Pay.
Services, License, and Sub-Processors
2.1 Services Provided
Subject to the terms of this Agreement, HL Hunt Pay provides Merchant with the following services:
- Payment Processing: Processing of credit card, debit card, ACH, and digital wallet transactions;
- Merchant Account Services: Establishment and maintenance of a merchant account for accepting payments;
- Settlement and Payouts: Settlement of Transaction proceeds and transfer of Funds to Merchant's bank account;
- APIs and Integration: Access to APIs, SDKs, and developer tools for integrating payment acceptance;
- Dashboard and Reporting: Access to web-based dashboard for Transaction management, reporting, and analytics;
- Fraud Prevention: Access to fraud detection and prevention tools;
- Recurring Billing: Tools for subscription management and recurring payments;
- Invoicing: Creation and management of invoices;
- Dispute Management: Tools and support for managing Chargebacks and disputes;
- Customer Support: Access to merchant support services.
2.2 License Grant
Subject to Merchant's compliance with this Agreement and timely payment of all fees, HL Hunt grants Merchant a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, non-sublicensable, revocable license to access and use the Services, APIs, Dashboard, and related documentation solely for Merchant's internal business purposes of accepting payments from Customers.
2.3 License Restrictions
Merchant shall NOT:
- Use the Services for any purpose other than accepting legitimate payments for goods or services;
- Sublicense, resell, or provide access to the Services to third parties without authorization;
- Reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble any aspect of the Services;
- Circumvent any security measures, rate limits, or access controls;
- Use the Services in violation of applicable law or Card Network Rules;
- Process Transactions for any Prohibited Activities (Section 10);
- Use the Services to launder money, finance terrorism, or engage in any illegal activity;
- Submit fraudulent, unauthorized, or illegal Transactions;
- Store Payment Credentials except in compliance with PCI DSS;
- Use the Services in any manner that could damage or overburden HL Hunt systems.
2.4 Service Modifications
HL Hunt reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any aspect of the Services at any time. HL Hunt will provide reasonable notice of material changes when practicable. Continued use of the Services after changes constitutes acceptance.
2.5 Delivery of Services Through Sub-Processors
Merchant acknowledges and agrees that HL Hunt Pay delivers the Services in whole or in part through Sub-Processors, and that HL Hunt does not itself operate a card network, acquiring bank charter, or depository institution. Merchant's ability to originate, authorize, capture, settle, or receive Transactions is dependent upon Sub-Processors and Sponsor Banks, and is subject at all times to their approval, underwriting, rules, and continued willingness to support Merchant's Account.
Binding Acceptance of Sub-Processor Agreements
BY ACCEPTING THIS AGREEMENT, MERCHANT SIMULTANEOUSLY ACCEPTS, ADOPTS, EXECUTES, AND BECOMES A BOUND PARTY TO EACH SUB-PROCESSOR AGREEMENT APPLICABLE TO MERCHANT'S ACCOUNT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THOSE OF FINIX PAYMENTS, INC.; NMI (NETWORK MERCHANTS LLC); LUQRA; GOAT PAYMENTS; AND FIFTH THIRD BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AND ANY AND ALL OTHER SUB-PROCESSORS ENGAGED BY HL HUNT NOW OR IN THE FUTURE. No separate signature, click-through, countersignature, or further act of any kind is required for such Sub-Processor Agreements to bind Merchant. Merchant's acceptance of this Agreement constitutes Merchant's signature on each such Sub-Processor Agreement for all purposes, including under the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (E-SIGN) and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA).
2.6 Identified Sub-Processors
As of the Effective Date, HL Hunt engages the following Sub-Processors, whose agreements are incorporated into this Agreement by reference and are binding upon Merchant to the extent applicable to Merchant's Account:
| Sub-Processor | Role | Nature of Flow-Down Obligations |
|---|---|---|
| Finix Payments, Inc. | Payment facilitation, processing, onboarding, and ledgering | Merchant terms, acceptable use policy, prohibited business list, underwriting attestations, reserve and funding terms |
| NMI (Network Merchants LLC) | Payment gateway and tokenization | Gateway terms of service, PCI DSS obligations, API and integration terms, data handling requirements |
| Luqra | Processing, orchestration, and related platform services | Platform terms, acceptable use restrictions, risk and compliance requirements |
| Goat Payments | Merchant acquiring, ISO/processing services | Merchant processing agreement, program guide, prohibited and restricted business rules, chargeback and reserve terms |
| Fifth Third Bank, N.A. | Sponsor Bank / member bank | Bank merchant agreement, Card Network sponsorship terms, BSA/AML and OFAC obligations, settlement account terms |
| Additional Sub-Processors | As engaged by HL Hunt from time to time | All terms required by such Sub-Processor as a condition of service |
The foregoing list is illustrative and not exhaustive. The absence of a Sub-Processor from this table does not limit the scope of Merchant's obligations under Sections 2.5 through 2.13. Sub-Processor roles may change, and a single Sub-Processor may perform multiple roles.
2.7 Availability of Sub-Processor Agreements
Copies of, or links to, then-current Sub-Processor Agreements applicable to Merchant's Account are made available to Merchant through one or more of the following channels: (a) the HL Hunt Pay Dashboard; (b) the onboarding and application flow; (c) publication at hlhunt.org or a designated legal terms page; (d) direct delivery by electronic mail; or (e) upon written request to legal@hlhunt.org, which HL Hunt will fulfill within ten (10) business days.
Merchant acknowledges that it has been afforded a meaningful opportunity to review each Sub-Processor Agreement prior to acceptance, and that Merchant's failure to review any Sub-Processor Agreement does not affect its enforceability against Merchant. Merchant is solely responsible for reviewing Sub-Processor Agreements and for monitoring updates thereto.
2.8 Appointment of HL Hunt as Attorney-in-Fact
Merchant hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints HL Hunt, and each of its officers and authorized agents, as Merchant's true and lawful attorney-in-fact, coupled with an interest, with full power of substitution, to execute, deliver, submit, accept, acknowledge, attest to, and countersign in Merchant's name and on Merchant's behalf:
- Any and all Sub-Processor Agreements, merchant applications, and enrollment forms;
- Any amendments, renewals, restatements, or replacements thereof;
- Any attestations, certifications, or representations required by a Sub-Processor, Sponsor Bank, or Card Network regarding Merchant's business, ownership, or compliance status;
- Any documents required to migrate Merchant's Account to a successor or replacement Sub-Processor or Sponsor Bank;
- Any documents required to effect settlement, funding, reserve, or debit authorizations contemplated by this Agreement.
This power of attorney is limited to the purposes set forth above, shall remain in effect for so long as this Agreement remains in force and thereafter until all Merchant obligations are fully satisfied, and shall survive termination of this Agreement. Merchant ratifies and confirms all acts lawfully taken by HL Hunt pursuant to this Section 2.8.
2.9 Addition, Substitution, and Removal of Sub-Processors
- HL Hunt may add, substitute, remove, or replace any Sub-Processor at any time in its sole discretion, including for reasons of pricing, redundancy, risk appetite, regulatory requirement, or Sub-Processor termination.
- HL Hunt will provide Merchant with notice of the addition of a new Sub-Processor whose agreement imposes materially new obligations on Merchant, by email or Dashboard notification, not less than ten (10) days prior to the effective date where commercially practicable.
- Where a Sub-Processor change is required on an expedited basis — including due to regulatory directive, Card Network action, Sponsor Bank instruction, risk event, or Sub-Processor termination or insolvency — HL Hunt may implement the change immediately and provide notice as soon as practicable thereafter.
- Merchant's continued use of the Services following notice constitutes acceptance of, and execution of, the new or substituted Sub-Processor Agreement.
- Merchant's sole and exclusive remedy for objecting to a new Sub-Processor is to terminate this Agreement in accordance with Section 20, subject to Merchant's continuing obligations under Section 21.
2.10 Merchant Compliance With Sub-Processor Requirements
Merchant shall at all times comply with each applicable Sub-Processor Agreement as if Merchant had negotiated and signed it directly. Without limiting the foregoing, Merchant shall:
- Comply with all prohibited and restricted business classifications imposed by any Sub-Processor or Sponsor Bank, which may be more restrictive than Section 10 of this Agreement;
- Provide all information, documentation, and attestations required by any Sub-Processor for underwriting, KYC/KYB, beneficial ownership, BSA/AML, or OFAC screening, promptly upon request;
- Maintain PCI DSS compliance as required by any gateway or processing Sub-Processor;
- Cooperate fully with any audit, inspection, site visit, or information request initiated by a Sub-Processor, Sponsor Bank, Card Network, or regulator;
- Accept and comply with any reserve, funding delay, volume cap, or velocity limit imposed by a Sub-Processor or Sponsor Bank;
- Not take any action that would cause HL Hunt to be in breach of any Sub-Processor Agreement.
Breach of a Sub-Processor Agreement Is a Breach of This Agreement
Any breach by Merchant of any Sub-Processor Agreement constitutes a material breach of this Agreement, entitling HL Hunt to suspend or terminate Merchant's Account immediately and without prior notice pursuant to Section 20, and to exercise all remedies available under Sections 7, 19, and 21.
2.11 Sub-Processor Authority Over Merchant's Account
Merchant acknowledges and agrees that a Sub-Processor or Sponsor Bank may, independently of HL Hunt and without liability to Merchant:
- Decline, suspend, limit, or terminate Merchant's Account or processing privileges;
- Impose, increase, or extend reserves, funding holds, or settlement delays;
- Impose transaction volume, ticket size, or velocity restrictions;
- Require additional documentation, verification, or attestation;
- Report Merchant to the MATCH list, Terminated Merchant File (TMF), or any Card Network fraud or risk database;
- Withhold funds pending investigation of suspected fraud, illegality, or rule violation.
HL Hunt shall have no liability whatsoever to Merchant for any action taken by a Sub-Processor or Sponsor Bank, and Merchant's sole recourse for such action, if any, lies against the Sub-Processor or Sponsor Bank directly. Where a Sub-Processor or Sponsor Bank terminates or restricts Merchant's ability to process, HL Hunt may terminate this Agreement immediately without liability.
2.12 Order of Precedence
In the event of a conflict between this Agreement and any Sub-Processor Agreement, Card Network Rule, or Sponsor Bank requirement, the following order of precedence shall govern, from highest to lowest authority:
- Applicable law, regulation, and regulatory directive;
- Card Network Rules and Operating Regulations;
- Sponsor Bank requirements;
- Sub-Processor Agreements;
- This Agreement and its Exhibits.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, where a Sub-Processor Agreement or Sponsor Bank requirement imposes an obligation on Merchant that is more restrictive or more protective of HL Hunt than this Agreement, the more restrictive or more protective provision shall control. Nothing in any Sub-Processor Agreement shall be construed to diminish Merchant's obligations to HL Hunt or to expand HL Hunt's liability to Merchant.
2.13 Third-Party Beneficiaries; Data Sharing; Survival
- Third-Party Beneficiaries. Each Sub-Processor and Sponsor Bank is an express intended third-party beneficiary of this Agreement and may enforce the provisions of this Agreement applicable to it directly against Merchant.
- Data Sharing. Merchant authorizes HL Hunt to disclose to any Sub-Processor, Sponsor Bank, Card Network, or regulator all information relating to Merchant, its Account, its beneficial owners, control persons, Transactions, chargeback history, and compliance status, as necessary or appropriate to provide the Services or satisfy any legal, regulatory, or contractual obligation.
- Consumer Reports. Merchant and each of its beneficial owners and control persons authorize HL Hunt and its Sub-Processors to obtain consumer reports, business credit reports, and background verification, at onboarding and on an ongoing basis.
- Independent Obligations. Merchant's obligations under each Sub-Processor Agreement are independent of, and additional to, Merchant's obligations under this Agreement. Termination of this Agreement does not automatically terminate any Sub-Processor Agreement.
- Survival. Sections 2.5 through 2.13 survive termination or expiration of this Agreement.
2.14 Other Third-Party Services
Beyond Sub-Processors, the Services may integrate with or rely upon other third-party services, including analytics providers, accounting integrations, e-commerce platforms, and communication tools. Merchant agrees to comply with all applicable third-party terms. HL Hunt makes no representation or warranty regarding, and assumes no responsibility for, any third-party service, including its availability, accuracy, security, or continued interoperability with the Services.
Merchant Account and Onboarding
3.1 Application and Approval
- To use the Services, Merchant must complete the application process and be approved by HL Hunt.
- HL Hunt reserves the right to approve or reject any application in its sole discretion.
- Approval may be subject to additional underwriting, identity verification, and risk assessment.
- HL Hunt may request additional information or documentation at any time.
3.2 Know Your Customer (KYC)
Merchant agrees to provide accurate, complete, and current information as required for KYC verification, including:
- Legal business name, DBA, and business structure;
- Tax identification number (EIN or SSN);
- Business address, phone, email, and website;
- Beneficial ownership information for all owners with 25% or greater ownership;
- Personal information for control persons, including government-issued ID;
- Bank account information for Payouts;
- Business license and formation documents;
- Description of products/services sold;
- Estimated Transaction volume and average ticket size;
- Any other information required by HL Hunt or applicable regulations.
3.3 Ongoing Verification
- Merchant must promptly update Account information whenever it changes.
- HL Hunt may periodically re-verify Merchant information.
- Failure to maintain accurate information may result in Account suspension or termination.
- HL Hunt may conduct ongoing risk monitoring and adjust Account parameters accordingly.
3.4 Account Security
- Merchant is responsible for maintaining the security of Account credentials, API keys, and access tokens.
- Merchant must implement strong authentication and access controls.
- Merchant must immediately notify HL Hunt of any unauthorized access or suspected security breach.
- Merchant is liable for all activity under its Account credentials.
Identity Verification Required
HL Hunt is required by law to verify the identity of merchants and beneficial owners. Providing false or misleading information is a federal crime and will result in immediate termination and potential referral to law enforcement.
Transaction Processing
4.1 Authorization
- Merchant must obtain Authorization for all Card Transactions before delivering goods or services.
- Authorization confirms available funds but does not guarantee payment.
- Authorization codes are valid for limited periods per Card Network Rules.
- Merchant must not split Transactions to avoid Authorization limits or fraud detection.
4.2 Transaction Submission
- Merchant must submit Transactions for settlement within the timeframes required by Card Network Rules (typically within 24-48 hours of Authorization).
- Merchant must submit accurate Transaction data, including amount, date, description, and customer information.
- Merchant must not submit duplicate Transactions.
- Merchant must not alter Transaction amounts after Authorization without re-authorizing.
4.3 Transaction Requirements
For each Transaction, Merchant must:
- Only accept payments for bona fide sales of goods or services;
- Provide accurate descriptions of goods or services;
- Disclose all terms, conditions, and pricing to Customers before payment;
- Provide receipts or confirmation for all Transactions;
- Honor all representations made to Customers;
- Comply with all applicable consumer protection laws;
- Maintain records of all Transactions for at least three (3) years;
- Respond promptly to requests for Transaction documentation.
4.4 Card-Present Transactions
- For Card-present Transactions, Merchant must use EMV chip readers when available.
- Merchant must verify that the Card is not expired and appears valid.
- Merchant may request identification in accordance with Card Network Rules.
- Merchant must follow all point-of-sale security procedures.
4.5 Card-Not-Present Transactions
- For e-commerce and remote Transactions, Merchant must implement appropriate fraud prevention measures.
- Merchant should use Address Verification Service (AVS) and CVV verification.
- Merchant is encouraged to implement 3D Secure authentication.
- Merchant bears increased liability for Card-not-present Transactions.
4.6 Declined Transactions
- If a Transaction is declined, Merchant must not complete the sale.
- Merchant must not repeatedly attempt to process a declined Transaction.
- Merchant must not pressure Customers to use alternative payment methods after a decline.
4.7 Transaction Limits
- HL Hunt may impose Transaction limits, daily limits, or volume limits on Merchant's Account.
- Limits may be adjusted based on Account history, risk assessment, and other factors.
- Exceeding limits may result in Transaction rejection or Account review.
Settlement and Payouts
5.1 Settlement Process
- HL Hunt will settle Transaction proceeds to Merchant's Account after Transactions are processed and cleared.
- Settlement is net of applicable fees, Chargebacks, refunds, and other deductions.
- Standard settlement timing is T+2 (two business days after Transaction date), subject to Account status and risk factors.
- Settlement may be delayed for new Accounts, high-risk Transactions, or Accounts under review.
5.2 Payouts
- Merchant may initiate Payouts of available Funds to the designated bank account.
- Payouts are typically processed within 1-2 business days after initiation.
- Merchant must maintain a valid bank account in Merchant's legal name.
- HL Hunt reserves the right to verify bank account ownership.
5.3 Payout Schedules
Payout schedules may vary based on Account type and status:
| Schedule Type | Frequency | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Daily | T+2 settlement, next business day payout |
| Weekly | Weekly | Every Monday for prior week's settled Funds |
| Monthly | Monthly | First business day for prior month's settled Funds |
| Manual | On-demand | Merchant-initiated Payouts |
5.4 Payout Holds and Delays
HL Hunt may delay or hold Payouts in the following circumstances:
- Pending investigation of suspicious or potentially fraudulent activity;
- Elevated Chargeback or dispute rates;
- Breach or suspected breach of this Agreement;
- Negative Account balance;
- Required Reserve establishment or maintenance;
- Legal hold, regulatory requirement, or law enforcement request;
- Bank account verification issues;
- Risk assessment indicating elevated exposure;
- Any other circumstance where HL Hunt reasonably believes funds may be at risk.
5.5 Negative Balances
- Merchant is liable for any negative balance in its Account.
- Negative balances may result from Chargebacks, refunds, fees, or other deductions exceeding available Funds.
- HL Hunt may debit Merchant's bank account to recover negative balances.
- Merchant authorizes HL Hunt to initiate ACH debits to recover amounts owed.
- Unpaid negative balances may be referred to collections.
Funds Are Not FDIC Insured
Funds held in your HL Hunt Pay Account are not deposits and are not insured by the FDIC. HL Hunt is not a bank. Merchant funds are held in pooled accounts at partner financial institutions.
Fees and Billing
6.1 Fee Structure
Merchant agrees to pay all fees set forth in its Merchant Pricing Schedule. Pricing is individually determined for each merchant through underwriting and is not uniform or published. Exhibit A describes the categories and structure of fees that may apply; the Merchant Pricing Schedule determines which apply to Merchant and in what amount. Fee categories include, but are not limited to:
- Transaction Fees: Per-Transaction percentage and/or flat fee;
- Interchange Fees: Card Network interchange charges (passed through at cost or blended);
- Assessment Fees: Card Network assessment fees;
- Chargeback Fees: Per-Chargeback processing fee;
- Refund Fees: Processing fees for refund Transactions;
- ACH Fees: Fees for ACH transactions and Payouts;
- International Fees: Additional fees for cross-border Transactions;
- Currency Conversion Fees: Fees for foreign currency conversion;
- Monthly Fees: Account maintenance or minimum fees (if applicable);
- PCI Compliance Fees: Fees related to PCI DSS compliance;
- Other Fees: As specified in the Merchant Pricing Schedule or otherwise disclosed.
6.2 Fee Deduction
- Fees are deducted from Transaction proceeds before settlement.
- If insufficient funds are available, HL Hunt may debit Merchant's bank account.
- Merchant authorizes automatic fee deduction from all available sources.
6.3 Fee Changes
- HL Hunt may modify fees upon thirty (30) days' notice.
- Changes to Card Network fees may be implemented immediately.
- Continued use of Services after fee changes constitutes acceptance.
- Merchant may terminate if it does not accept fee changes.
6.4 Taxes
- All fees are exclusive of applicable taxes.
- Merchant is responsible for all sales, use, VAT, and other taxes.
- HL Hunt may collect and remit taxes where required by law.
6.5 Billing Disputes
- Merchant must notify HL Hunt of any billing dispute within sixty (60) days of the charge.
- Disputes not raised within this period are waived.
- Merchant must continue paying undisputed amounts during dispute resolution.
See Exhibit A and Your Merchant Pricing Schedule
Exhibit A sets out the fee framework and how pricing is determined. Merchant's actual rates appear only in its Merchant Pricing Schedule, available in the HL Hunt Pay Dashboard under Settings → Pricing. Both are incorporated by reference. Where they conflict, the Merchant Pricing Schedule controls.
Reserves and Security
7.1 Reserve Requirement
HL Hunt may establish a Reserve to secure Merchant's obligations under this Agreement. Reserves may be required based on:
- Merchant's industry, business model, or risk profile;
- Chargeback history or elevated Chargeback rates;
- Transaction volume, average ticket size, or delivery timeframes;
- Financial condition or creditworthiness;
- Processing history or lack thereof;
- Any other risk factors identified by HL Hunt.
7.2 Reserve Types
- Rolling Reserve: A percentage of daily Transaction volume held for a specified period (e.g., 10% for 180 days).
- Minimum Reserve: A fixed minimum balance that must be maintained.
- Upfront Reserve: A deposit required before processing begins.
- Capped Reserve: A rolling reserve with a maximum cap amount.
7.3 Reserve Adjustments
- HL Hunt may increase Reserve requirements at any time based on risk assessment.
- Reserve decreases are at HL Hunt's sole discretion.
- Reserves may be held for up to 270 days after Account termination.
- Reserves may be used to offset Chargebacks, fees, fines, or other amounts owed.
7.4 Security Interest
Merchant grants HL Hunt a security interest in: (i) all Funds held in or payable to Merchant's Account; (ii) all Reserves; (iii) all Chargebacks, refunds, and adjustments receivable; and (iv) all proceeds thereof. This security interest secures all of Merchant's obligations under this Agreement. Merchant authorizes HL Hunt to file UCC financing statements.
7.5 Right of Setoff
HL Hunt may setoff any amounts owed by Merchant against any Funds, Reserves, or other amounts payable to Merchant, without notice or demand. This right is in addition to all other remedies available to HL Hunt.
Chargebacks and Disputes
8.1 Chargeback Liability
- Merchant is fully liable for all Chargebacks, regardless of the reason.
- When a Chargeback is received, the Transaction amount plus applicable fees will be debited from Merchant's Account.
- If insufficient funds are available, HL Hunt may debit Merchant's bank account or apply Reserves.
- Chargeback liability survives termination of this Agreement.
8.2 Chargeback Response
- HL Hunt will notify Merchant of Chargebacks via Dashboard or email.
- Merchant may submit representment documentation to dispute a Chargeback.
- Representment must be submitted within the timeframe specified (typically 7-14 days).
- HL Hunt does not guarantee success of representment; the Issuer or Card Network makes the final determination.
8.3 Chargeback Thresholds
Merchant must maintain Chargeback rates below Card Network thresholds:
| Card Network | Standard Threshold | Excessive Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Visa | 0.9% of Transactions | 1.8% of Transactions |
| Mastercard | 1.0% of Transactions | 1.5% of Transactions |
| American Express | 1.0% of Transactions | Program-specific |
| Discover | 1.0% of Transactions | Program-specific |
8.4 Excessive Chargebacks
If Merchant exceeds Chargeback thresholds:
- HL Hunt may impose additional fees or Reserve requirements;
- HL Hunt may require Merchant to implement remediation measures;
- Card Networks may impose fines, which will be passed through to Merchant;
- HL Hunt may suspend or terminate Merchant's Account;
- Merchant may be placed on the MATCH/TMF list, preventing future payment processing.
Chargeback Monitoring
Card Networks actively monitor Chargeback rates. Exceeding thresholds can result in fines of $10,000-$200,000+ per month, mandatory compliance programs, and termination of processing privileges industry-wide. Merchant is responsible for all fines assessed by Card Networks.
Refunds and Returns
9.1 Refund Policy
- Merchant must maintain a clear, fair, and disclosed refund policy.
- Refund policies must comply with applicable law and Card Network Rules.
- Refunds should be processed to the original payment method when possible.
- Refunds must be processed within the timeframes required by Card Network Rules.
9.2 Processing Refunds
- Refunds are deducted from Merchant's available balance.
- Transaction fees are not refunded when Merchant processes a refund.
- Refunds may be subject to additional processing fees per Merchant's Merchant Pricing Schedule.
- Refunds should not exceed the original Transaction amount.
9.3 Refund vs. Chargeback
Processing a refund after a Customer has initiated a Chargeback may result in a double loss to Merchant (both the refund and the Chargeback). Merchant should check for pending Chargebacks before processing refunds.
Prohibited and Restricted Activities
10.1 Prohibited Activities
Merchant shall NOT use HL Hunt Pay to process Transactions for, or in connection with, any of the following:
- Any activity that is illegal under applicable federal, state, or local law;
- Unlicensed money transmission, money laundering, or terrorist financing;
- Illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, or controlled substances;
- Illegal weapons, firearms sales without proper licensing, or ammunition;
- Child exploitation, child pornography, or any content harmful to minors;
- Human trafficking, prostitution, or escort services;
- Illegal gambling or unlicensed gaming;
- Pyramid schemes, Ponzi schemes, or multi-level marketing without a legitimate product;
- Counterfeit goods, trademark-infringing products, or stolen property;
- Credit repair, debt settlement, or bankruptcy services (without prior approval);
- Unfair, deceptive, or abusive business practices;
- Sales to OFAC-sanctioned countries, entities, or individuals;
- Any activity that violates Card Network Rules;
- Any activity that HL Hunt determines, in its sole discretion, poses unacceptable risk.
10.2 Restricted Activities
The following activities require prior written approval from HL Hunt and may be subject to additional terms, fees, or restrictions:
- Adult content, dating services, or age-restricted products;
- Cryptocurrency, digital assets, or blockchain-related services;
- CBD, hemp, or cannabis-related products (even where legal);
- Firearms, ammunition, or weapons (licensed dealers only);
- Gambling, gaming, lottery, or sweepstakes;
- Pharmaceutical sales or telemedicine;
- Nutraceuticals, supplements, or health products with claims;
- Travel, airlines, or hospitality with advance booking;
- Timeshare, vacation clubs, or membership programs;
- High-value goods (jewelry, precious metals, art);
- Business opportunities, coaching, or training programs;
- Subscription services with negative option billing;
- Any industry with historically elevated Chargeback rates.
10.3 Consequences of Prohibited Activity
- Immediate termination without notice;
- Forfeiture of all Funds, Reserves, and pending Payouts;
- Reporting to law enforcement and regulatory authorities;
- Placement on Card Network prohibited merchant lists (MATCH/TMF);
- Legal action to recover damages, fines, and costs.
Zero Tolerance
HL Hunt maintains a zero-tolerance policy for prohibited activities. Any violation will result in immediate, permanent termination and potential legal action. Merchant represents and warrants that it will not engage in any prohibited activity.
Compliance Obligations
11.1 Legal Compliance
Merchant shall comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, including but not limited to:
- Federal and state consumer protection laws;
- Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and Regulation Z;
- Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) and Regulation E;
- Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA);
- Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA);
- Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and anti-money laundering (AML) laws;
- OFAC sanctions and export controls;
- State money transmission laws;
- Privacy laws (CCPA, GDPR if applicable);
- Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA);
- CAN-SPAM Act;
- All applicable industry-specific regulations.
11.2 Card Network Rules
- Merchant shall comply with all Card Network Rules, as amended from time to time.
- Merchant acknowledges that Card Network Rules may be updated without notice.
- Card Network Rules are available from each Card Network's website.
- In the event of conflict between this Agreement and Card Network Rules, the more restrictive provision applies.
11.3 Licenses and Permits
- Merchant shall obtain and maintain all licenses, permits, and registrations required for its business.
- Merchant shall provide evidence of licensing upon request.
- Merchant shall notify HL Hunt of any license revocation, suspension, or expiration.
11.4 Cooperation with Investigations
- Merchant shall cooperate fully with any investigation by HL Hunt, Card Networks, regulators, or law enforcement.
- Merchant shall promptly provide requested documentation and information.
- Merchant shall not interfere with or obstruct any investigation.
Compliance is Mandatory
Compliance with all applicable laws and Card Network Rules is a material obligation of this Agreement. Non-compliance may result in Account suspension, termination, fines, and legal liability.
Data Security and PCI DSS
12.1 PCI DSS Compliance
- Merchant shall comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) at the level appropriate to its Transaction volume.
- Merchant shall complete annual PCI DSS validation (SAQ or ROC as applicable).
- Merchant shall provide evidence of PCI DSS compliance upon request.
- Use of HL Hunt Pay does not exempt Merchant from its own PCI DSS obligations.
12.2 Data Security Requirements
Merchant shall:
- Implement and maintain appropriate security measures to protect Payment Credentials and Cardholder data;
- Not store CVV/CVC codes, PIN blocks, or full magnetic stripe data;
- Encrypt all stored Cardholder data using strong encryption;
- Use secure transmission protocols (TLS 1.2+) for all data in transit;
- Maintain firewalls, antivirus, and intrusion detection systems;
- Implement strong access controls and user authentication;
- Regularly test security systems and processes;
- Maintain an information security policy.
12.3 Security Breach
- Merchant shall notify HL Hunt immediately (within 24 hours) upon discovery of any actual or suspected security breach involving Payment Credentials or Cardholder data.
- Merchant shall take immediate steps to contain and remediate any breach.
- Merchant shall cooperate fully with forensic investigations.
- Merchant shall be responsible for all costs associated with a breach, including forensic investigation, customer notification, credit monitoring, fines, and damages.
12.4 Tokenization
HL Hunt provides tokenization services to reduce Merchant's PCI DSS scope. When using HL Hunt tokenization, actual Card numbers are replaced with tokens that have no exploitable value if compromised. Merchant is encouraged to use tokenization to minimize data security risk.
Breach Liability
Data breaches can result in Card Network fines of $500,000 or more, forensic investigation costs of $50,000-$500,000, and significant legal liability. Merchant is fully responsible for all costs and damages arising from a breach of Merchant systems.
Privacy and Data Use
13.1 HL Hunt Privacy Policy
HL Hunt's collection, use, and disclosure of information is governed by the HL Hunt Privacy Policy, which is incorporated by reference. The Privacy Policy is available at www.hlhunt.org/privacy.
13.2 Merchant Data
- HL Hunt collects and processes Merchant and Transaction data to provide the Services.
- HL Hunt may use aggregated, anonymized data for analytics, product improvement, and industry benchmarking.
- HL Hunt may share data with Acquiring Banks, Card Networks, and service providers as necessary to provide the Services.
- HL Hunt may disclose data as required by law, regulation, or legal process.
13.3 Customer Data
- Merchant is responsible for its own privacy policies and compliance with privacy laws.
- Merchant shall obtain all necessary consents for processing Customer data.
- Merchant shall not provide HL Hunt with data beyond what is necessary for Transaction processing.
13.4 Data Portability
Upon termination, Merchant may request export of Transaction data. Data export requests must be made within sixty (60) days of termination. HL Hunt will provide data in a standard format within thirty (30) days of request.
Intellectual Property
14.1 HL Hunt Intellectual Property
- HL Hunt retains all right, title, and interest in the Services, APIs, Dashboard, documentation, and all related intellectual property.
- The HL Hunt name, logo, and product names are trademarks of HL Hunt.
- Merchant acquires no ownership interest in any HL Hunt intellectual property.
14.2 Merchant Content
- Merchant retains ownership of its own content, branding, and materials.
- Merchant grants HL Hunt a license to use Merchant's name and logo to identify Merchant as a customer and for marketing purposes.
- Merchant may opt out of marketing use by written notice.
14.3 Feedback
Any feedback, suggestions, or ideas provided by Merchant regarding the Services become the property of HL Hunt and may be used without compensation or attribution.
Confidentiality
15.1 Confidential Information
"Confidential Information" means any non-public information disclosed by either party, including business plans, financial information, customer data, pricing, technical specifications, and trade secrets.
15.2 Obligations
- Each party shall maintain the confidentiality of the other's Confidential Information.
- Confidential Information shall only be used for purposes of this Agreement.
- Confidential Information shall not be disclosed to third parties without consent.
- Standard industry security measures shall be used to protect Confidential Information.
15.3 Exceptions
Confidentiality obligations do not apply to information that: (a) is or becomes public through no fault of the receiving party; (b) was rightfully known prior to disclosure; (c) is independently developed; or (d) is required to be disclosed by law.
15.4 Duration
Confidentiality obligations survive termination of this Agreement for five (5) years, except for trade secrets which remain protected indefinitely.
Representations and Warranties
16.1 Merchant Representations
Merchant represents and warrants that:
- Merchant is a validly existing business entity duly organized under applicable law;
- Merchant has full power and authority to enter into this Agreement;
- The person accepting this Agreement has authority to bind Merchant;
- All information provided to HL Hunt is true, accurate, and complete;
- Merchant's business is lawful and complies with all applicable laws;
- Merchant holds all licenses and permits required for its business;
- Merchant is not engaged in any Prohibited Activities;
- Merchant is not on any government sanctions list or watch list;
- Merchant has not previously been terminated by a payment processor for cause;
- Merchant will only submit Transactions for bona fide sales;
- Merchant will comply with all Card Network Rules;
- Merchant will maintain PCI DSS compliance;
- Merchant will not use the Services in any way that violates this Agreement.
16.2 Ongoing Representations
The foregoing representations and warranties are made as of the Effective Date and are deemed repeated each time Merchant submits a Transaction.
Disclaimer of Warranties
Important Disclaimer
THE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.
17.1 No Warranties
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, HL HUNT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, INCLUDING:
- IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY;
- IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE;
- IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF NON-INFRINGEMENT;
- WARRANTIES THAT THE SERVICES WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, ERROR-FREE, OR SECURE;
- WARRANTIES THAT TRANSACTIONS WILL BE PROCESSED, AUTHORIZED, OR SETTLED;
- WARRANTIES REGARDING THIRD-PARTY SERVICES, CARD NETWORKS, OR BANKS;
- WARRANTIES THAT THE SERVICES WILL MEET MERCHANT'S REQUIREMENTS.
17.2 Third-Party Disclaimer
HL Hunt is not responsible for the actions, omissions, or failures of Card Networks, Issuers, Acquiring Banks, or other third parties involved in Transaction processing.
Limitation of Liability
18.1 Exclusion of Consequential Damages
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, HL HUNT SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES, INCLUDING:
- LOST PROFITS, REVENUE, OR BUSINESS;
- LOST DATA OR INFORMATION;
- BUSINESS INTERRUPTION;
- LOSS OF GOODWILL OR REPUTATION;
- COST OF SUBSTITUTE SERVICES;
- DAMAGES ARISING FROM DECLINED TRANSACTIONS;
- DAMAGES ARISING FROM CHARGEBACKS OR DISPUTES;
- DAMAGES ARISING FROM THIRD-PARTY ACTIONS;
WHETHER BASED ON WARRANTY, CONTRACT, TORT, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY, EVEN IF HL HUNT HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
18.2 Cap on Liability
HL HUNT'S TOTAL CUMULATIVE LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT SHALL NOT EXCEED THE LESSER OF:
- The total fees actually paid by Merchant to HL Hunt during the six (6) months immediately preceding the claim; or
- Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00).
18.3 Exceptions
The limitations in this Section 18 do not apply to: (a) Merchant's indemnification obligations; (b) Merchant's liability for Chargebacks, fees, fines, or amounts owed; (c) breaches of confidentiality; (d) infringement of intellectual property; or (e) liability that cannot be limited by law.
18.4 Basis of the Bargain
The limitations in this Section 18 reflect the allocation of risk between the parties and are a fundamental element of the basis of the bargain. HL Hunt would not provide the Services without these limitations.
Indemnification
19.1 Merchant Indemnification
Merchant shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless HL Hunt and its officers, directors, employees, agents, Acquiring Banks, and Card Networks from and against any and all claims, demands, losses, liabilities, damages, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or related to:
- Merchant's breach of this Agreement;
- Merchant's violation of any law, regulation, or Card Network Rule;
- Merchant's products, services, or business operations;
- Any Transaction processed through Merchant's Account;
- Any Chargeback, dispute, or Customer complaint;
- Any fraud or unauthorized activity on Merchant's Account;
- Any security breach or data compromise involving Merchant;
- Any claim by a Customer or third party related to Merchant;
- Any Card Network fine, penalty, or assessment related to Merchant;
- Any regulatory investigation or enforcement action related to Merchant;
- Merchant's negligence, willful misconduct, or misrepresentation.
19.2 Indemnification Procedure
- HL Hunt will promptly notify Merchant of any claim subject to indemnification.
- HL Hunt may, at its option, assume control of the defense.
- Merchant shall cooperate fully in the defense of any claim.
- Merchant shall not settle any claim without HL Hunt's prior written consent.
19.3 Survival
Merchant's indemnification obligations survive termination of this Agreement and apply to claims arising from events that occurred during the term.
Term and Termination
20.1 Term
- This Agreement begins on the Effective Date and continues until terminated.
- Either party may terminate for convenience upon thirty (30) days' written notice.
20.2 Termination by HL Hunt
HL Hunt may suspend or terminate this Agreement immediately, without notice, if:
- Merchant breaches any material term of this Agreement;
- Merchant engages in Prohibited Activities;
- Merchant exceeds Chargeback thresholds;
- Merchant poses unacceptable financial or reputational risk;
- Merchant fails to maintain required compliance;
- Merchant provides false or misleading information;
- A Card Network, Acquiring Bank, or regulator requires termination;
- HL Hunt is required to terminate by law;
- Merchant becomes insolvent or enters bankruptcy;
- HL Hunt determines, in its sole discretion, that continued service is not appropriate.
20.3 Suspension
HL Hunt may suspend Merchant's Account, processing, or Payouts at any time pending investigation. Suspension may occur without notice in urgent circumstances. HL Hunt will endeavor to notify Merchant promptly and explain the reason for suspension when possible.
Effects of Termination
21.1 Upon Termination
- Merchant's right to use the Services immediately terminates.
- All outstanding fees, Chargebacks, and amounts owed become immediately due.
- HL Hunt may hold Reserves for up to 270 days after termination.
- HL Hunt may continue to process Chargebacks, refunds, and adjustments.
- Merchant must cease displaying HL Hunt branding and payment acceptance marks.
21.2 Final Settlement
- After the Reserve hold period, HL Hunt will release remaining Funds less any amounts owed.
- If amounts owed exceed available Funds, Merchant remains liable for the balance.
- HL Hunt may debit Merchant's bank account to recover amounts owed.
21.3 MATCH/TMF Listing
If Merchant's Account is terminated due to excessive Chargebacks, fraud, violation of Card Network Rules, or other cause, HL Hunt may report Merchant to the MATCH (Member Alert to Control High-Risk Merchants) or TMF (Terminated Merchant File) databases maintained by Card Networks. Listing may prevent Merchant from obtaining payment processing services from other providers.
21.4 Survival
The following provisions survive termination: Definitions, Fees and Billing, Reserves, Chargebacks, Prohibited Activities, Data Security, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Disclaimer of Warranties, Limitation of Liability, Indemnification, Effects of Termination, Dispute Resolution, and General Provisions.
Post-Termination Liability
Termination does not limit Merchant's liability for Chargebacks, fees, fines, or other amounts arising from Transactions processed before termination. Merchant remains liable for all obligations even after Account closure.
Dispute Resolution
22.1 Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, without regard to conflict of law principles.
22.2 Mandatory Arbitration
All disputes arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be resolved exclusively through final and binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its Commercial Arbitration Rules. Arbitration shall take place in Lexington, Kentucky, before a single arbitrator selected in accordance with AAA rules. The arbitrator's award shall be final and binding, and judgment may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.
22.3 Class Action Waiver
MERCHANT WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS ACTION, CLASS ARBITRATION, OR OTHER REPRESENTATIVE PROCEEDING. All claims must be brought individually. The arbitrator may not consolidate claims or preside over any form of class or representative proceeding.
22.4 Jury Trial Waiver
MERCHANT WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL in any action or proceeding arising out of or related to this Agreement.
22.5 Limitation on Claims
Any claim arising out of or related to this Agreement must be filed within one (1) year after the claim arose, or the claim shall be permanently barred.
22.6 Equitable Relief
Notwithstanding the above, HL Hunt may seek injunctive or other equitable relief in any court of competent jurisdiction to protect its intellectual property, Confidential Information, or to prevent irreparable harm.
22.7 Prevailing Party
In any arbitration or legal proceeding, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its reasonable attorneys' fees and costs from the non-prevailing party.
General Provisions
23.1 Entire Agreement
This Agreement, including all exhibits and incorporated policies, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements, representations, and understandings.
23.2 Amendments
HL Hunt may amend this Agreement at any time by posting the revised terms or notifying Merchant by email. Material changes will be communicated at least thirty (30) days in advance when practicable. Continued use of the Services after the effective date of any amendment constitutes acceptance.
23.3 Assignment
- Merchant may not assign this Agreement without HL Hunt's prior written consent.
- HL Hunt may freely assign this Agreement to any successor or affiliate.
- Any attempted assignment in violation of this section is void.
23.4 Severability
If any provision is held invalid or unenforceable, such provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid, or severed if modification is not possible. Remaining provisions continue in full force.
23.5 Waiver
No waiver of any term shall be deemed a continuing waiver or waiver of any other term. HL Hunt's failure to enforce any provision shall not constitute a waiver.
23.6 Force Majeure
Neither party shall be liable for failure to perform due to circumstances beyond reasonable control, including acts of God, natural disasters, war, terrorism, labor disputes, government actions, pandemics, or failures of Card Networks, banks, or telecommunications providers.
23.7 Independent Contractors
The parties are independent contractors. Nothing in this Agreement creates any partnership, joint venture, agency, franchise, or employment relationship.
23.8 Notices
Notices to HL Hunt must be sent to the address in Section 24. Notices to Merchant will be sent to the email address on file or posted in the Dashboard. Electronic notices are effective upon transmission.
23.9 Third-Party Beneficiaries
Card Networks and Acquiring Banks are intended third-party beneficiaries of this Agreement with respect to Merchant's obligations regarding Card Network Rules and compliance.
23.10 Headings
Section headings are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation.
23.11 Electronic Signature
This Agreement may be accepted electronically. Electronic acceptance has the same legal effect as a handwritten signature.
Contact Information
HL Hunt Inc. / HL Hunt Lending LLC d/b/a HL Hunt Pay
Exhibit A
Fee Framework and Merchant Pricing
Pricing Is Merchant-Specific
HL Hunt Pay does not offer uniform or published pricing. All rates, fees, and charges applicable to Merchant are individually determined through underwriting and are set forth exclusively in the Merchant Pricing Schedule issued to Merchant. No rate appearing on any HL Hunt website, marketing material, proposal, rate sheet, quote, or third-party listing constitutes an offer, a binding rate, or an entitlement, and no such rate is incorporated into this Agreement.
A.1 The Merchant Pricing Schedule
The "Merchant Pricing Schedule" means the pricing document specific to Merchant's Account, delivered to Merchant at or prior to account activation and made available thereafter through the HL Hunt Pay Dashboard. The Merchant Pricing Schedule is incorporated into this Agreement by reference and constitutes Exhibit A for all purposes as to that Merchant.
Merchant may access its current Merchant Pricing Schedule at any time through the Dashboard, or by request to support@hlhunt.org. Where a Merchant operates multiple accounts, sub-accounts, locations, or merchant category codes, pricing may differ across them, and a separate Merchant Pricing Schedule may apply to each.
A.2 Basis for Individual Pricing
Merchant acknowledges that pricing is determined in HL Hunt's sole discretion based on underwriting factors that vary by merchant, including without limitation:
- Merchant category code (MCC), industry, and business model;
- Risk classification, including whether Merchant is designated high-risk or engages in Restricted Activities under Section 10;
- Processing volume, average ticket size, and transaction mix;
- Card-present versus card-not-present composition;
- Domestic versus cross-border transaction composition;
- Chargeback and return history, and projected dispute exposure;
- Credit profile of the business and its beneficial owners;
- Time in business, processing history, and prior terminations;
- Settlement timing, payout frequency, and reserve structure;
- Sub-Processor and Sponsor Bank cost, requirements, and risk appetite;
- Contract term, commitment, and any negotiated terms.
A.3 Categories of Fees That May Apply
The Merchant Pricing Schedule may include any combination of the following fee categories. Inclusion below does not mean a fee applies to Merchant; only the Merchant Pricing Schedule determines which fees apply and at what amount.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Processing | |
| Discount Rate | Percentage of transaction value, which may vary by card type, entry method, and qualification tier |
| Per-Transaction Fee | Fixed amount per authorization, capture, or settled transaction |
| Authorization Fee | Charged per authorization request, including declines where applicable |
| Cross-Border / International | Additional charge on transactions involving a foreign-issued card |
| Currency Conversion | Additional charge where settlement currency differs from transaction currency |
| ACH / Bank Debit | Percentage, flat fee, or capped fee per ACH debit |
| Funding and Settlement | |
| Payout Fee | Charged per transfer of settled Funds to Merchant's bank account |
| Instant / Expedited Payout | Premium for accelerated access to settled Funds |
| ACH Return / Failed Payout | Charged when a debit or payout is returned, rejected, or reversed |
| Disputes | |
| Chargeback Fee | Charged per Chargeback received, regardless of outcome |
| Retrieval / Inquiry Fee | Charged per Issuer request for transaction documentation |
| Pre-Arbitration / Arbitration | Charged per escalated dispute filed with a Card Network |
| Excessive Chargeback Program | Assessed where Merchant exceeds Card Network dispute thresholds under Section 8 |
| Account and Platform | |
| Monthly Platform / Service Fee | Recurring charge for Account access, Dashboard, and support |
| Gateway Fee | Recurring or per-transaction charge for gateway and tokenization services |
| Setup / Onboarding Fee | One-time charge for underwriting, provisioning, and integration |
| PCI Compliance / Non-Compliance | Recurring compliance program fee, and a surcharge where Merchant fails to validate |
| Minimum Monthly Processing | Charged where Merchant's processing falls below a contracted minimum |
| Account Maintenance / Dormancy | Charged on inactive or dormant Accounts |
| Other | |
| Early Termination | Charged where Merchant terminates prior to the end of a committed term |
| Research / Documentation | Charged for records requests, statement reprints, and manual research |
| Third-Party Pass-Through | Any fee imposed on HL Hunt by a Sub-Processor, Sponsor Bank, or Card Network attributable to Merchant |
A.4 Interchange, Assessments, and Network Pass-Through
Interchange fees, Card Network assessments, and network-imposed fees are established by the Card Networks and are not set by HL Hunt. These amounts vary by card type, merchant category, geography, and transaction characteristics, and are subject to change by the Card Networks at any time.
- Where the Merchant Pricing Schedule uses an interchange-plus or cost-plus model, interchange and assessments are passed through at cost plus the margin stated in that Schedule.
- Where the Merchant Pricing Schedule uses a flat-rate, blended, or tiered model, interchange and assessments are embedded in the stated rate and are not separately itemized.
- Changes to interchange, assessments, or network fees are passed through to Merchant automatically and take effect on the date the Card Network implements them, without prior notice. Such changes are not amendments to this Agreement and do not require notice under Section 6 or A.6.
- Fines, penalties, and program fees assessed by a Card Network, Sub-Processor, or Sponsor Bank in connection with Merchant's activity are passed through in full, plus any administrative fee stated in the Merchant Pricing Schedule.
A.5 Pricing Models
HL Hunt may offer any of the following pricing structures, as designated in the Merchant Pricing Schedule:
- Interchange-Plus (Cost-Plus). Interchange and assessments passed through at cost, plus a stated markup.
- Flat Rate. A single blended rate applied uniformly across qualifying transactions.
- Blended. A weighted rate reflecting Merchant's expected transaction mix.
- Tiered. Rates that vary by qualification tier (qualified, mid-qualified, non-qualified) as determined by transaction characteristics.
- Custom / Enterprise. Individually negotiated terms, which may include volume commitments, tiered breakpoints, or bundled services.
A.6 Changes to Merchant Pricing
- HL Hunt may amend the Merchant Pricing Schedule upon thirty (30) days' written or electronic notice to Merchant.
- Notice may be provided by email, Dashboard notification, or statement message, and is effective upon delivery under the E-SIGN Consent.
- Merchant's continued processing after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the amended pricing. Merchant's sole remedy for objecting is to terminate under Section 20.
- No notice period applies to: pass-through changes under A.4; fees triggered by Merchant's own conduct, including Chargeback, PCI non-compliance, and Excessive Chargeback Program fees; or repricing required by a Sub-Processor, Sponsor Bank, or regulator.
- HL Hunt may reprice Merchant's Account immediately upon a material change in Merchant's risk profile, including a change in business model, product mix, processing volume, average ticket, or dispute ratio.
A.7 Order of Precedence and No Entitlement
- In the event of a conflict between the Merchant Pricing Schedule and the body of this Agreement regarding fees, the Merchant Pricing Schedule controls.
- The Merchant Pricing Schedule supersedes all prior quotes, proposals, rate sheets, marketing statements, and oral representations concerning pricing.
- Pricing extended to any other merchant creates no entitlement, precedent, or most-favored-nation right in favor of Merchant. Merchant acknowledges that other merchants receive materially different pricing.
- Any promotional, introductory, or waived-fee arrangement applies only for the period expressly stated and reverts automatically to standard pricing thereafter without notice.
- Merchant's pricing is Confidential Information under Section 15 and may not be disclosed to third parties.
A.8 Collection of Fees
- HL Hunt deducts fees from settlement proceeds before Payout, debits Merchant's designated bank account, or offsets against Reserves, in HL Hunt's discretion.
- Where settlement proceeds are insufficient, Merchant remains liable for the shortfall and shall pay on demand.
- Fees are exclusive of taxes. Merchant is responsible for all applicable sales, use, VAT, GST, and similar taxes, excluding taxes on HL Hunt's net income.
- Past due amounts accrue interest at the lesser of 1.5% per month or the maximum rate permitted by law, plus costs of collection and reasonable attorneys' fees.
Where to Find Your Rates
Merchant's current rates are available at any time in the HL Hunt Pay Dashboard under Settings → Pricing, in the welcome materials issued at account activation, and on each monthly statement. Questions regarding pricing should be directed to support@hlhunt.org.
B.1 Purpose
This Exhibit B identifies the Sub-Processors engaged by HL Hunt as of the Effective Date and the categories of Sub-Processor Agreements to which Merchant becomes bound upon acceptance of the Agreement, pursuant to Sections 2.5 through 2.13. This Exhibit is maintained by HL Hunt and may be updated from time to time in accordance with Section 2.9.
B.2 Current Sub-Processors
| Sub-Processor | Category | Data Accessed | Merchant Bound |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finix Payments, Inc. | Payment facilitator / processor | Merchant identity, beneficial ownership, bank account, transaction data | Yes |
| NMI (Network Merchants LLC) | Gateway / tokenization | Transaction data, tokenized Payment Credentials | Yes |
| Luqra | Processing / orchestration | Merchant and transaction data | Yes |
| Goat Payments | Acquiring / ISO services | Merchant underwriting and transaction data | Yes |
| Fifth Third Bank, N.A. | Sponsor Bank | Merchant identity, beneficial ownership, settlement and BSA/AML data | Yes |
B.3 Additional and Successor Sub-Processors
HL Hunt engages, and may in the future engage, additional Sub-Processors in the categories of payment facilitation, acquiring, gateway and tokenization, sponsor banking, ledgering, KYC/KYB and identity verification, fraud and risk scoring, card issuing, dispute management, cloud hosting, and data storage. Merchant is bound by the agreements of all such Sub-Processors, whether or not listed in this Exhibit B, on the terms set forth in Sections 2.5 through 2.13.
Requesting Copies
Merchant may request current copies of any Sub-Processor Agreement at any time by writing to legal@hlhunt.org. HL Hunt will provide responsive materials within ten (10) business days, subject to any confidentiality restrictions imposed by the Sub-Processor.
Merchant Acknowledgment and Acceptance
By using HL Hunt Pay services, Merchant acknowledges and agrees that:
- Merchant has read, understood, and agrees to be bound by this entire Agreement;
- The person accepting has full authority to bind Merchant;
- All information provided to HL Hunt is true, accurate, and complete;
- Merchant simultaneously accepts, executes, and is bound by all Sub-Processor Agreements, including those of Finix, NMI, Luqra, Goat Payments, and Fifth Third Bank, and any and all other Sub-Processors now or hereafter engaged;
- Merchant appoints HL Hunt as its attorney-in-fact to execute Sub-Processor Agreements in Merchant's name pursuant to Section 2.8;
- Merchant has been afforded a meaningful opportunity to review each Sub-Processor Agreement and accepts responsibility for doing so;
- Each Sub-Processor and Sponsor Bank is a third-party beneficiary entitled to enforce this Agreement directly against Merchant;
- A breach of any Sub-Processor Agreement is a material breach of this Agreement;
- Merchant will comply with all Card Network Rules and applicable laws;
- Merchant will maintain PCI DSS compliance;
- Merchant is not engaged in Prohibited Activities;
- Merchant accepts all fees set forth in its Merchant Pricing Schedule, and acknowledges that pricing is individually underwritten, that no published or quoted rate is binding, and that other merchants receive different pricing;
- Merchant accepts full liability for all Chargebacks and disputes;
- Merchant accepts the limitation of liability and disclaimer of warranties;
- Merchant agrees to binding arbitration and waives jury trial rights;
- Merchant waives any right to participate in class action litigation;
- This Agreement may be amended by HL Hunt as provided herein;
- Electronic acceptance has the same effect as a handwritten signature under E-SIGN and UETA.
Effective Date: September 3, 2026 | Version: 1.3 | Governing Law: Commonwealth of Kentucky