Chargebacks are a sore point for US streamers: Streamlabs charges $15 per chargeback, and PayPal does not protect sellers on small disputes of around $20. This guide explains how disputes work when tips run through your own Stripe account, how a refund differs from a dispute and what you can do to keep the risk low.
You issue a refund, for example when someone tipped the wrong streamer. A dispute, or chargeback, is opened by the cardholder with their card issuer, which reviews the case and may pull the money back.
Because each tip is a direct charge on your connected account, the dispute arrives in your Stripe account. Stripe notifies you, and you can submit evidence before the deadline; Stripe may charge a dispute fee under its terms. DonoLink marks the tip as disputed or refunded and removes it from your totals.
Streamlabs charges $15 per chargeback on tips. PayPal does not protect sellers on small disputes around $20, and it can hold funds for new sellers for up to 21 days. With DonoLink the rules are Stripe's, the money is on your own account and you see every dispute in one place.
A few habits help:
A live alert cannot be taken back, but a disputed tip stops counting toward your goal and income. Treat tips as final only once the dispute window has closed.
They can dispute a card payment with their card issuer, which decides under its rules. Stripe notifies you and you can respond.
Yes, from your Stripe account or through DonoLink support. The tip then shows as refunded in DonoLink.
DonoLink adds no fee of its own. Stripe may charge a dispute fee under its terms.
No method removes the risk. Direct charges on your own account, Stripe's fraud screening and clear dispute notices make it easier to follow.