The Legal Stuff

  • Privacy Policy

    Effective Date: 12/21/2023
    Last Updated: 03/23/2026

    1. Introduction

    Align Ecommerce (“Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal and business information of our clients, partners, and website visitors.

    This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information in compliance with applicable laws, including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA/CPRA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) where applicable.

    2. Information We Collect

    A. Information You Provide Directly

    • Full name

    • Business name and details

    • Email address

    • Phone number

    • Billing and banking information

    • Government-issued identification (for underwriting/compliance)

    • Merchant processing history and financial data

    B. Automatically Collected Information

    • IP address

    • Browser type and device information

    • Pages visited and time spent

    • Referral URLs

    • Cookies and tracking data

    C. Information from Third Parties

    • Banking partners and acquiring institutions

    • Credit bureaus and underwriting platforms

    • Fraud prevention and compliance tools (KYC, AML, OFAC screening providers)

    3. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

    If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), we process your personal data under the following legal bases:

    • Contractual Necessity: To provide payment processing and related services

    • Legal Obligations: Compliance with financial regulations, AML, KYC, and fraud prevention

    • Legitimate Interests: Business operations, risk mitigation, service improvement

    • Consent: For marketing communications (you may withdraw at any time)

    4. How We Use Your Information

    We use your information to:

    • Provide merchant accounts and payment processing services

    • Conduct underwriting, risk assessment, and compliance checks

    • Prevent fraud, chargebacks, and unauthorized activity

    • Communicate with you regarding services and support

    • Improve website functionality and performance

    • Send marketing communications (with opt-out rights)

    5. Sharing and Disclosure of Information

    We do not sell personal information.

    We may share information with:

    A. Financial & Processing Partners

    • Sponsor banks and acquiring institutions

    • Payment networks (Visa, Mastercard, etc.)

    • Payment gateways and processors

    B. Service Providers

    • Cloud hosting and infrastructure providers

    • CRM and communication platforms

    • Analytics providers

    • Identity verification and compliance vendors

    C. Legal & Regulatory Authorities

    • Government agencies, regulators, or law enforcement when required

    • To comply with subpoenas, legal processes, or regulatory obligations

    6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

    We use cookies and similar technologies to:

    • Analyze website traffic and performance

    • Enhance user experience

    • Support marketing and remarketing efforts

    You may manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.

    7. Your Privacy Rights (California – CCPA/CPRA)

    If you are a California resident, you have the following rights:

    A. Right to Know

    You may request disclosure of:

    • Categories of personal information collected

    • Sources of that information

    • Purpose for collecting or sharing

    • Categories of third parties receiving the data

    B. Right to Access

    You may request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.

    C. Right to Delete

    You may request deletion of your personal data, subject to legal and regulatory retention requirements (e.g., financial compliance obligations).

    D. Right to Correct

    You may request correction of inaccurate personal information.

    E. Right to Opt-Out of Sale or Sharing

    We do not sell personal information.
    If applicable in the future, you will have the right to opt out of such activity.

    F. Right to Non-Discrimination

    We will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights.

    How to Exercise Your Rights

    To submit a request, contact:
    [Insert Email]
    [Insert Phone or Web Form URL]

    We may verify your identity before fulfilling requests.

    8. Your Privacy Rights (GDPR – EEA Users)

    If you are located in the EEA, you have the right to:

    • Access your personal data

    • Rectify inaccurate data

    • Erase your data (“Right to be Forgotten”)

    • Restrict Processing

    • Data Portability

    • Object to Processing

    • Withdraw Consent at any time

    You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.

    To exercise your rights, contact:
    [Insert Email Address]

    9. Data Retention

    We retain personal information:

    • As long as necessary to provide services

    • To comply with financial, legal, and regulatory obligations (including AML/KYC requirements)

    • To resolve disputes and enforce agreements

    10. Data Security

    We implement industry-standard safeguards, including:

    • Encryption of sensitive data

    • Secure servers and infrastructure

    • Access controls and authentication protocols

    • Continuous monitoring for vulnerabilities

    Despite these measures, no system is completely secure.

    11. International Data Transfers

    Your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States or other jurisdictions where our partners operate.

    Where required, we implement safeguards such as:

    • Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs)

    • Data processing agreements with vendors

    12. Children’s Privacy

    Our services are not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children.

    13. Third-Party Links

    Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices.

    14. Updates to This Privacy Policy

    We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Updates will be posted with a revised “Last Updated” date.

  • Terms of Service

    Effective Date: 12/21/2023
    Last Updated: 03/23/2026

    1. Acceptance of Terms

    By accessing or using the Align Ecommerce website (“Site”) or services (“Services”), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service (“Terms”). If you do not agree, you may not access or use our Services.

    These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you (“User,” “Merchant,” or “you”) and Align Ecommerce (“Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us”).

    2. Description of Services

    Align Ecommerce provides payment processing solutions, merchant account placement, consulting, and related financial technology services.

    We act as:

    • A facilitator between merchants and acquiring banks

    • A service provider for payment infrastructure and support

    • A compliance and risk advisory partner

    We are not a bank, payment network, or card issuer.

    3. Eligibility

    To use our Services, you must:

    • Be at least 18 years old

    • Operate a legally registered business

    • Provide accurate and complete information

    • Not be listed on any prohibited or sanctions lists (including OFAC)

    We reserve the right to deny or terminate service at our discretion.

    4. Merchant Responsibilities

    By using our Services, you agree to:

    • Provide truthful, accurate, and complete application information

    • Maintain compliance with all applicable laws and regulations

    • Adhere to card network rules (Visa, Mastercard, etc.)

    • Maintain transparent billing and refund practices

    • Monitor and manage chargeback ratios

    You are solely responsible for your business operations, customer interactions, and fulfillment of goods/services.

    5. Underwriting & Approval

    All merchant accounts are subject to:

    • Underwriting review

    • Approval by acquiring banks and financial institutions

    • Ongoing monitoring and risk assessment

    Approval is not guaranteed, and terms (rates, reserves, processing limits) may vary based on risk profile.

    6. Fees & Payment Terms

    Fees may include, but are not limited to:

    • Transaction processing fees

    • Monthly service fees

    • Chargeback and dispute fees

    • Gateway or platform fees

    All fees will be disclosed in your merchant agreement or pricing schedule.

    Failure to pay fees may result in suspension or termination of Services.

    7. Chargebacks & Disputes

    You acknowledge that:

    • Chargebacks are governed by card network rules

    • Excessive chargebacks may result in penalties, monitoring programs, or account termination

    • You are financially responsible for all chargebacks, fees, and associated losses

    Align Ecommerce may assist with chargeback management, but we do not guarantee outcomes.

    8. Prohibited Activities

    You agree not to use our Services for:

    • Illegal products or services

    • Fraudulent or deceptive business practices

    • Unauthorized transactions or card testing

    • Activities that violate card network rules

    • Businesses on restricted or prohibited lists

    We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts engaging in prohibited activities.

    9. Reserves, Holds, and Risk Mitigation

    To manage financial risk, we or our banking partners may:

    • Establish rolling or fixed reserves

    • Delay or hold funds

    • Suspend processing activity

    • Terminate accounts

    These actions may occur without prior notice if risk thresholds are exceeded.

    10. Third-Party Relationships

    Our Services rely on third parties, including:

    • Acquiring banks

    • Payment processors and gateways

    • Card networks (Visa, Mastercard, etc.)

    We are not responsible for:

    • Decisions made by these third parties

    • Downtime, interruptions, or service limitations caused by them

    11. Intellectual Property

    All content on this Site, including:

    • Logos

    • Branding

    • Text and graphics

    are the property of Align Ecommerce and may not be used without written permission.

    12. Confidentiality

    You agree to maintain confidentiality of:

    • Pricing structures

    • Banking relationships

    • Proprietary processes

    We also take reasonable measures to protect your information as outlined in our Privacy Policy.

    13. Disclaimers

    Services are provided “as is” and “as available.”

    We make no guarantees regarding:

    • Approval for merchant accounts

    • Processing volume or revenue outcomes

    • Chargeback success rates

    • Continuous, uninterrupted service

    14. Limitation of Liability

    To the fullest extent permitted by law, Align Ecommerce shall not be liable for:

    • Indirect, incidental, or consequential damages

    • Loss of revenue, profits, or business opportunities

    • Data loss or system interruptions

    Our total liability shall not exceed the fees paid to us in the preceding 3 months.

    15. Indemnification

    You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Align Ecommerce from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from:

    • Your business operations

    • Violation of these Terms

    • Non-compliance with laws or regulations

    • Customer disputes or chargebacks

    16. Termination

    We may suspend or terminate your access to Services at any time, with or without notice, for:

    • Violation of these Terms

    • Excessive risk or chargebacks

    • Regulatory or compliance concerns

    Upon termination:

    • Outstanding balances remain due

    • Funds may be held to cover potential liabilities

    17. Governing Law

    These Terms shall be governed by the laws of the State of Nevada, without regard to conflict of law principles.

    18. Dispute Resolution

    Any disputes arising under these Terms shall be resolved through:

    • Good faith negotiation first

    • Binding arbitration in Nevada, if unresolved

    You waive the right to participate in class action lawsuits.

    19. Changes to Terms

    We may update these Terms at any time. Continued use of Services constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

  • Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

    Effective Date: 12/21/2023
    Last Updated: 03/23/2026

    1. Overview

    This Acceptable Use Policy (“AUP”) outlines prohibited and restricted activities for merchants using Align Ecommerce’s services.

    By using our Services, you agree to comply with this AUP, applicable laws, and all card network rules (including Visa and Mastercard).

    2. Prohibited Activities

    The following business types and activities are strictly prohibited and may not use Align Ecommerce’s services under any circumstances:

    Illegal or Fraudulent Activities

    • Sale of illegal goods or services

    • Fraud, deception, or misrepresentation

    • Unauthorized use of payment credentials

    • Money laundering or financial crimes

    High-Risk or Restricted Financial Schemes

    • Pyramid schemes or multi-level marketing programs lack legitimate products

    • Get-rich-quick schemes or deceptive income claims

    • Unauthorized lending or unlicensed financial services

    Intellectual Property Violations

    • Sale of counterfeit or infringing goods

    • Unauthorized use of trademarks or copyrighted material

    Adult Content (Restricted Cases)

    • Illegal adult content

    • Non-consensual or exploitative material

    3. Restricted Businesses (Case-by-Case Approval)

    The following industries may be supported only with enhanced underwriting and compliance review:

    • Firearms, ammunition, and tactical equipment

    • CBD, hemp-derived products, and supplements

    • Nutraceuticals, peptides, and wellness products

    • Subscription-based businesses

    • Digital goods and online memberships

    • Ticketing, events, and nightlife businesses

    • Telehealth and online medical services

    Approval is not guaranteed and may require additional documentation, reserves, or monitoring.

    4. Card Network Compliance

    Merchants must comply with all applicable rules set forth by:

    • Visa

    • Mastercard

    • Card brand operating regulations

    This includes:

    • Clear billing descriptors

    • Transparent refund and cancellation policies

    • Proper disclosure of recurring billing terms

    • Accurate marketing and product representation

    5. Chargeback Thresholds

    Merchants must maintain acceptable chargeback ratios.

    Excessive chargebacks may result in:

    • Monitoring program placement (e.g., Visa monitoring programs)

    • Increased fees or reserves

    • Suspension or termination of processing

    6. Monitoring and Enforcement

    Align Ecommerce and its partners reserve the right to:

    • Monitor transactions and merchant activity

    • Request additional documentation

    • Suspend or terminate accounts for violations

    • Report suspicious activity to financial institutions or regulators

    7. Updates to This Policy

    We may update this AUP at any time. Continued use of our Services constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

  • Merchant account approvals are subject to underwriting by our banking partners. While Align Ecommerce specializes in placing both standard and high-risk businesses, approval is not guaranteed and terms may vary based on risk profile, processing history, and industry.