Effective Date: July 30, 2025
Company: Cointract UAB
Website: https://cointract.io
Contact: [email protected]
Registered in: Republic of Lithuania
1. Introduction
Welcome to Cointract, a freelance marketplace connecting Clients and Freelancers globally, with a centralized escrow service supporting both cryptocurrency and traditional payment methods, and application-based access using Platform Tokens.
By using the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions, our Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and any other policies referenced here (collectively, the “Agreement”). If you do not agree, do not use the Platform.
2. Definitions
“Platform” means the Cointract website and related apps, tools, and features.
“User,” “you,” or “your” means any person or entity using the Platform, including Clients and Freelancers.
“Client” means a User seeking services.
“Freelancer” means a User offering services.
“Service Contract” means the agreement between a Client and a Freelancer. Cointract is not a party.
“Escrow Service” means funds held by Cointract until release conditions are met.
“Cryptocurrency” means a digital asset secured by cryptography.
“Fiat Currency” means government-issued currency (e.g., EUR, USD).
“Wallet” means a digital wallet for Cryptocurrency held outside Cointract’s custody.
“Platform Fee” means any fee charged by Cointract (service, escrow, dispute, conversion, withdrawal, opt-out).
“Application Token(s)” or “Token(s)” means non-transferable, non-refundable digital access credits to submit proposals or unlock application features; not crypto, e-money, or securities.
“Promotional Credit(s)” means free or discounted Tokens or fee waivers granted at Cointract’s discretion.
“Fee Schedule” means Annex A, as updated from time to time.
“Work Product” means deliverables produced by a Freelancer.
3. Eligibility and Compliance
You must be at least 18 and legally able to contract. You must not be in a prohibited jurisdiction or on sanctions lists. You will comply with applicable laws, including AML/CTF and data protection. Cointract may refuse, suspend, or terminate access for compliance or risk reasons.
4. Account Registration and Security
Provide accurate information and keep it updated. One primary account per person or entity. You are responsible for safeguarding credentials. Notify us of unauthorized use.
Security notice: Cointract will never ask for your seed phrase, private keys, or 2FA codes. Do not share them with anyone (including Clients or Freelancers). Losses arising from disclosure of such secrets are your responsibility.
Wallet responsibility (for crypto payouts): once funds are sent from Cointract to your external wallet, you are solely responsible for that wallet and any losses.
5. Use of the Platform and Prohibited Conduct
You agree not to violate laws; post unlawful, misleading, or harmful content; introduce malware; scrape without consent; interfere with systems; harass Users; or engage in illegal activities (including fraud, money laundering, sanctions evasion, or deceptive crypto schemes).
Non-circumvention: For two (2) years after first contact on Cointract, you must not solicit or transact off-platform with a User you met on Cointract without paying the Opt-Out Fee (see Annex A). Attempts to bypass payments or share off-platform contact details prior to funding escrow may result in suspension or termination.
Token abuse: You must not manipulate token pricing, issuance, or consumption; or misuse Promotional Credits.
6. Payments and Escrow
All payments for work initiated via Cointract must go through the Escrow Service.
Clients pre-fund each contract. Funds are held by Cointract during the escrow period.
After Client approval or a dispute decision favoring the Freelancer, escrow becomes releasable.
Payouts are processed after a hold of ten (10) business days. Additional time may apply for compliance or processing.
If escrow was funded in crypto, Freelancers may choose crypto or fiat payout. If funded in fiat, payouts are fiat only to a bank account.
Network fees, bank charges, and card processor fees are borne by the User and may be deducted.
Cointract may delay, reverse, or block transfers for legal, AML/CTF, fraud, or security reasons.
Users are responsible for their own taxes. Cointract does not provide tax advice.
Off-platform risk disclaimer: Any arrangement to pay or be paid outside Cointract is entirely at your own risk. Cointract is not responsible for losses, non-payment, fraud, quality issues, or chargebacks arising from off-platform dealings. Platform protections (escrow, dispute handling, chargeback defense) do not apply off-platform.
7. Fees and Pricing
Platform Fees apply as set out at checkout and in Annex A. You authorize Cointract to deduct fees from deposits, escrow, and/or payouts.
Variable fees are disclosed before confirmation.
Off-platform engagement triggers the Opt-Out Fee (Annex A).
Dispute initiation or escalation may incur a Dispute Review Fee (Annex A).
You remain liable for reversals and associated costs; Cointract may recover from balances or future payouts.
You agree to promptly top up negative balances; Cointract may offset against future receipts.
Cointract may update fees prospectively.
8. Platform Tokens (Application Credits)
Tokens are access credits to apply to jobs or unlock application features. They are not crypto, e-money, deposits, or securities; no interest; non-transferable.
Each Freelancer receives 50 free Tokens per month.
Each Freelancer may post one (1) Gig per month without buying more Tokens.
200 Tokens for USD 10, includes two (2) additional Gig postings; purchasable anytime.
Each proposal consumes five (5) Tokens. Consumption is immediate and non-refundable.
Tokens and Promotional Credits generally expire after 12 months.
Cointract may void Tokens, cancel credits, or suspend accounts for abuse or policy violations.
9. Referral Program
If a Freelancer introduces a new Client, that Freelancer pays 2.5% on contracts with that Client (50% discount).
The referring Freelancer receives 20% of Cointract’s Platform Fees earned from that Client’s future hires, for the life of that Client relationship.
Until referral links are live, email the Client’s name and email to [email protected] prior to registration.
Cointract may decline or revoke referral status for duplicates, self-referrals, or abuse.
10. User Safety & Security
Never share passwords, 2FA codes, seed phrases, or private keys with any User or anyone claiming to be Cointract support.
Report concerns using the Report User button on the profile or email [email protected].
Verify communications come from cointract.io. If in doubt, contact support before acting.
Payout accounts must be in your name or your registered agency’s name. Providing third-party accounts is prohibited and may lead to account action or legal referral.
11. Dispute Resolution
First try to resolve issues through in-platform chat. Either party may open a dispute. Cointract may mediate or decide, in its discretion, how escrowed funds are released or refunded. A Dispute Review Fee may apply (Annex A). Funds remain in escrow during disputes. Cointract is not liable for outcomes between Users.
12. Privacy and Data Protection (GDPR)
Your use is governed by our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. We comply with GDPR and applicable EU/LT laws. You have rights of access, rectification, erasure, restriction, objection, portability, and to withdraw consent. We apply appropriate security measures and safeguards for international transfers.
13. Support and Communications
For help or uncertainty, contact [email protected]. We aim to reply within one (1) business day. Service levels may vary during incidents or investigations. Notices may be delivered via email, in-app, or on-site postings.
14. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Cointract disclaims liability for indirect or consequential damages, crypto price volatility, network failures, wallet compromises, forks/rollbacks, third-party services, or off-platform dealings. Total aggregate liability is limited to the greater of (a) fees you paid to Cointract in the preceding 12 months or (b) EUR 100.
15. Indemnification
You will indemnify and hold harmless Cointract and its personnel from claims, losses, and costs arising from your use, your breach of this Agreement, your violations of law or third-party rights, your Service Contracts, disputes with other Users, and your User Content.
16. Termination
You may terminate at any time after satisfying outstanding obligations. Cointract may suspend or terminate for breach, misuse, illegality, inactivity, or legal requirements. On termination, escrow is handled per dispute outcomes; residual balances are returned subject to fees and law. Sections intended to survive will survive.
17. Changes to These Terms
We may modify these Terms prospectively. We will update the Effective Date and may notify by email or in-app. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.
18. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
Lithuanian law governs. Courts of Vilnius, Republic of Lithuania, have exclusive jurisdiction, subject to mandatory consumer protections where applicable.
19. Miscellaneous
Entire Agreement; Severability; No waiver; Assignment (your assignment requires consent; ours does not); Force Majeure; No partnership or employment; No third-party beneficiaries; Electronic communications satisfy legal requirements; Headings are for convenience only.
Annex A — Fee Schedule
Effective Date: July 30, 2025
A. Platform & Transaction Fees
– Client Service Fee: 2% of funded amount per contract. Minimum €2 (or crypto equivalent).
– Freelancer Service Fee: 5% of released amount per contract. Minimum €2.
– Founder Badge Discount: First 100 Freelancers designated by Cointract receive 20% lifetime discount on the Freelancer Service Fee.
– Escrow Fee: Included within Platform Fees unless expressly stated otherwise.
– Dispute Review Fee: Up to 5% of escrowed amount, capped at €200.
– Currency Conversion Fee: 0.8–2.5% over provider mid-rate.
– Withdrawal/Payout Fees: Fiat €1–€10; Crypto network fee + up to €2 processing.
– Chargeback/Recovery Fee: At cost, minimum €25 per incident.
– Opt-Out (Circumvention) Fee: Greater of €1,000 or 15% of first year’s expected contract value.
– Negative Balance Recovery: Offsets from future payouts.
B. Tokens, Gigs, and Applications
– Monthly Free Tokens: 50 Tokens per Freelancer.
– Free Gig Posting: 1 per Freelancer per month.
– Token Package: 200 Tokens for USD 10, includes 2 additional Gig postings.
– Application Cost: 5 Tokens per proposal.
– Token Expiry: 12 months from issuance unless otherwise stated.
– Promotional Credits: Subject to terms and expiries at grant.
C. Examples
– Client funds €1,000: Client Fee €20.
– Freelancer paid €1,000: Freelancer Fee €50; with Founder Badge discount, €40.
– Crypto-to-fiat payout: provider conversion fee displayed; network fee deducted at cost.