This page describes the various escrow transaction statuses on Payluk and explains what each status represents within the escrow lifecycle. These statuses determine how funds are handled and what actions are permitted for buyers and sellers.

Escrow Status Overview

Each escrow transaction moves through a defined set of states, ensuring transparency, fairness, and protection for all parties involved.

Escrow Status Definitions

`PENDING` — Escrow Created

Escrow has been created successfully
Buyer has not yet made payment
No funds are locked or transferred
Buyer may proceed to payment

`ONGOING` — Funds Held in Escrow

Buyer has completed payment
Funds are held in the seller’s escrow wallet
Seller may deliver goods or services
Funds cannot be withdrawn yet

`COMPLETED` — Funds Released

Buyer has confirmed delivery
Funds are released to the seller’s main wallet
Escrow transaction is closed permanently

`REFUNDED` — Funds Returned to Buyer

Funds have been returned to the buyer’s main wallet
Usually occurs after dispute resolution
Escrow transaction is closed

`CLAIMED` — Seller Requested Fund Release

Delivery timeline has expired
Buyer did not release funds
Seller has requested fund release
Buyer has 24 hours to raise a dispute
If no dispute is raised:
- Funds are released to seller
- Status becomes COMPLETED

`DISPUTED` — Dispute Opened

Buyer has opened a dispute
Funds remain locked in escrow
Both parties can submit messages and evidence
No funds move during this state

`INVESTIGATING` — Dispute Under Review

Seller has responded to the dispute
Payluk is reviewing evidence (for non-merchant transactions)
Funds remain locked until a final decision is made

Status Transition Table

Current Status	Possible Next Status	Description
`PENDING`	`ONGOING`	Buyer completes payment
`ONGOING`	`COMPLETED`	Buyer releases funds
`ONGOING`	`DISPUTED`	Buyer opens dispute
`ONGOING`	`CLAIMED`	Seller claims funds after delivery timeout
`CLAIMED`	`COMPLETED`	Buyer does not respond within 24 hours
`DISPUTED`	`INVESTIGATING`	Seller responds to dispute
`INVESTIGATING`	`COMPLETED`	Dispute resolved in seller’s favor
`INVESTIGATING`	`REFUNDED`	Dispute resolved in buyer’s favor

Buyer Actions

Status	Allowed Actions
`ONGOING`	Payment made for goals/service
`DISPUTED`	Submit evidence
`COMPLETED`	Confirm payment to be sent to seller main wallet

Seller Actions

Status	Allowed Actions
`CLAIMED`	Await buyer response
`INVESTIGATING`	Await Payluk decision