> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://hot-labs.gitbook.io/hot-pay/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://hot-labs.gitbook.io/hot-pay/terms-of-service.md).

# Terms of Service

HOT PAY is **not a money transmission service**, **payment institution**, or **custodial service**.

All transactions executed via the platform occur **directly on-chain** between the user and the merchant, without intermediaries. Payments are processed through **smart contracts**, and funds move peer-to-peer at the protocol level.

#### Non-Custodial Architecture

* HOT PAY **does not custody, hold, control, or manage user or merchant funds**.
* The platform **cannot freeze, block, reverse, or seize** any on-chain assets.
* All funds remain under the full control of their respective owners at all times.

#### Open-Source Protocol

* All core smart contract code is **open source** and publicly auditable.
* HOT PAY provides infrastructure and tooling only and **does not control how the protocol is used**.
* The platform is **not responsible for misuse, abuse, or illegal activity** conducted by third parties.

#### No Transaction Guarantees

* Transactions are executed according to the logic of deployed smart contracts and the underlying blockchains.
* HOT PAY does not guarantee transaction finality, execution speed, or success beyond what is provided by the underlying networks.

#### Underlying Infrastructure

The platform is built on top of:

* **NEAR OmniBridge**
* [**NEAR Intents**](https://docs.near-intents.org/near-intents)

HOT PAY acts solely as a **technical interface** to these decentralized protocols.

#### Responsibility

By using HOT PAY, merchants and users acknowledge that:

* They are solely responsible for complying with applicable laws and regulations.
* They understand the risks associated with blockchain transactions and smart contracts.