A direct bank transfer is simple and free, but it puts all the trust on one side — someone pays first and hopes. Escrow keeps the same bank-to-bank simplicity but holds the money on trust until the work is approved. Here's how they compare.
| Feature | Escrow (CASHBOX) | Direct bank transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Payment protection | Funds held on trust and only released when the buyer approves the work. | Money is gone the moment it's sent; recovery relies on goodwill or legal action. |
| Who carries the risk | Shared — neither side has to pay or work on a promise. | Whoever transfers (or starts work) first carries all of it. |
| Chargebacks / reversals | None — funded bank-to-bank, released on approval. | None, but also no recourse if the other side doesn't deliver. |
| Cost | Flat 2% per payment, GST-inclusive. | Free. |
| Speed to set up | A payment link in about a minute; funded via open banking. | Instant if you already have the account details. |
| Best for | Deposits, new clients, larger jobs, or any work done over time. | Small amounts between people who already trust each other. |
For small, low-risk payments between people who already trust each other, a bank transfer is perfectly fine and free. For deposits, new customers, or larger jobs, escrow's protection is usually worth the flat 2% — nobody has to pay or work on a promise.
Create a payment link in about a minute. No monthly fees, no lock-in — a flat 2% per protected payment.
Get started