# Partner Guidelines

These guidelines help partners market Bead-enabled payment options in a way that is clear for merchants and consumers, and safe for all parties. Payment products are highly regulated. Unclear claims can create legal and reputational risk.

**Quick Start**

* Use Approved Messaging for promotional materials.
* Only use payment-method names or logos that a specific merchant is enabled for.
* Submit any custom merchant-facing marketing for review before you publish or send it.
* Include the standard disclaimer footer on partner-created materials.

#### [What Requires Review?](#what-requires-review)

Submit the following for Bead review before distribution:

* Partner-created merchant-facing marketing, landing pages, sell sheets, pitch decks, or FAQs that mention Bead.
* Any mention of "crypto," "digital wallets," or "Buy Now Pay Later" (BNPL).
* Any promotion tied to a payment method (e.g., discount for paying with BNPL).
* Any use of third-party wallet or BNPL provider logos or trademarks.
* Marketing images, videos, documents that go along with text.

Note: Internal-only enablement or training content that is not shared externally does not require review but must still follow these rules.

#### [Approved Messaging](#approved-messaging)

Use the copy blocks below as-is. Do not change the meaning.

**Short Description:**

"Bead provides payment orchestration technology that helps eligible merchants offer additional payment options through regulated financial partners."

**Standard Description:**

"Bead is a technology provider supporting payment acceptance and risk controls. Processing and settlement are provided by regulated financial partners. Availability varies by merchant."

**FAQ Response:**

"Supported payment options vary by merchant and eligibility. Merchants must confirm their enabled methods in the Bead portal (or via their integrator) before advertising specific payment types to customers."

**Trust & Safety Talking Points:**

* "Merchants do not need to custody crypto. Crypto payments are converted and settled to the merchant's designated bank account."
* "Some customers may be asked to complete identity verification (KYC) for certain crypto transactions."
* "Transactions are subject to compliance screening, including sanctions screening and wallet-risk checks."

#### [Prohibited Claims & Risky Phrasing](#prohibited-claims-and-risky-phrasing)

Do not use the following claims in any partner or merchant-facing materials:

* No "Bank" Claims: Do not describe Bead as a bank, custodian, money transmitter, MSB, trustee, escrow agent, or fiduciary.
* No "FDIC" Claims: Do not claim any funds are "FDIC insured" through Bead.
* No Guarantees: Do not guarantee approval rates, conversion rates, settlement times, or "chargeback protection" unless Bead provides written substantiation for the specific claim.
* No Evasion Language: Do not use "no KYC," "anonymous," "untraceable," "bypass the banks," or similar language.
* No Over-Promising: Do not imply a merchant can accept every wallet/BNPL provider by default. Merchants must be enabled per method.

#### [Brand and Logo Usage Rules](#brand-and-logo-usage-rules)

Third-party brand marks create two risks: (1) misleading advertising when a merchant is not enabled, and (2) trademark misuse.

The Rules:

* Only use a payment method name or logo after the specific merchant is confirmed enabled for that method.
* Use only approved logo files provided by the merchant or the applicable brand, and follow their brand guidelines.
* Do not create "logo soups" that imply coverage you cannot substantiate.
* When in doubt, use generic wording: "digital wallets" or "pay over time."
* Never edit or recolor third-party logos.

#### [Promotions and Discounts](#promotions-and-discounts)

If you run a promotion (e.g., "Save 10% when you pay with BNPL"), you must:

* Clearly disclose all terms (dates, eligibility, exclusions, redemption limits).
* Submit the full promotion and terms for Bead review prior to launch.
* Avoid creating urgency claims you cannot support (e.g., "guaranteed savings").

#### [Onboarding, Data Privacy, and Support](#onboarding-data-privacy-and-support)

* Accuracy: If you assist with onboarding, ensure all merchant information is accurate and complete. Do not coach merchants to work around eligibility questions.
* Privacy: Use merchant and consumer data only for onboarding, support, reconciliation, and compliance purposes. Do not use payor or transaction data for unrelated marketing.
* Support: Support requests from merchants onboarded through a reseller/integrator should be directed to that reseller/integrator unless otherwise agreed in writing.

#### [Required Disclaimer Footer](#required-disclaimer-footer)

The following disclaimer must appear on all partner-created external resources that reference Bead-enabled payment methods:

"Partner resource. For informational purposes only. Payment method availability varies by merchant and is subject to eligibility and compliance review. Bead is not a bank."

#### [How to Submit Materials for Review](#how-to-submit-materials-for-review)

Submit via your Bead Partner Strategy Team member or <resellers@bead.xyz>. \
Please include:

1. The merchant name (or segment) and intended audience.
2. Where it will be used (website, email, deck, etc.).
3. Which payment methods are enabled (list specific wallets/BNPL brands if naming them).
4. Any promotion terms (if applicable).