What does escrow mean?

Escrow means a third party holds the payment until the buyer and seller meet the agreed conditions. DHMAD plays that role for online deals in Tunisia.

Is escrow the same as séquestre?

In this product, yes. Séquestre is the usual French term; escrow is the international word and the one DHMAD uses. Both describe funds held until delivery.

When does escrow release the money?

After the buyer confirms, when automatic release rules apply, or after a dispute decision. Funds are not a seller payout while they are still in escrow.

Escrow

What is escrow?

Escrow is a secure way to pay online: the buyer pays in, a trusted party holds the funds, and the seller is paid only after delivery is confirmed — or the buyer is refunded if the deal fails under the rules. DHMAD is Tunisia's escrow platform. In French this model is also called séquestre.

How escrow works

One party creates the escrow (amount, roles, description). The buyer funds it. The seller delivers. The buyer confirms — then funds release to the seller's wallet. If something is wrong, a dispute can be opened before release is final. See the step-by-step guide How escrow works.

Escrow vs a bank transfer

A direct transfer or mobile-money payment leaves immediately, with little recourse if the service never arrives. Escrow keeps money and delivery aligned: funds stay held until conditions are met. That is the useful model for freelance work, digital goods, and peer-to-peer sales.

Who escrow is for

Freelancers and clients, people buying or selling accounts or files, and platforms that want escrow via the DHMAD API instead of holding funds themselves. Escrow does not replace a clear brief: describe the deliverable, deadlines, and acceptance criteria.

Escrow in Tunisia

DHMAD pairs escrow with local payment rails (card, bank transfer, Flouci, D17) and international options such as PayPal where available. The ledger is TND. Identity checks (KYC) and AML-minded controls apply mainly at payout, not to block an honest payment.

Next steps

FAQ

What does escrow mean?: Escrow means a third party holds the payment until the buyer and seller meet the agreed conditions. DHMAD plays that role for online deals in Tunisia.
Is escrow the same as séquestre?: In this product, yes. Séquestre is the usual French term; escrow is the international word and the one DHMAD uses. Both describe funds held until delivery.
When does escrow release the money?: After the buyer confirms, when automatic release rules apply, or after a dispute decision. Funds are not a seller payout while they are still in escrow.