Terms of Service

By accessing or using the HandUp platform (“Platform”), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service (“Terms”). If you do not agree, do not use the Platform. HandUp reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

HandUp provides software infrastructure that enables individuals to create, document, and manage personal loans between people who know and trust each other. HandUp is not a bank, lender, credit union, or financial institution. HandUp does not lend money, guarantee loans, or provide financial advice.

The Platform facilitates: loan request creation, private invite-based funding, automated repayment scheduling via ACH, loan agreement generation, and optional credit bureau reporting.

You must meet all of the following to use HandUp:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a U.S. resident
• Have a valid phone number capable of receiving SMS
• Complete identity verification through our KYC provider
• Provide accurate and truthful information

You are responsible for maintaining the security of your account credentials and for all activity under your account. You must notify HandUp immediately of any unauthorized use. HandUp is not liable for losses arising from unauthorized access to your account.

Loans created on HandUp are agreements between individual users. HandUp is not a party to any loan agreement. By creating or participating in a loan, you acknowledge:

• You are entering into a legally binding agreement with the other party
• HandUp does not guarantee repayment or assume liability for defaults
• Interest rates, terms, and amounts are set by the parties involved
• Loans may have tax implications (see IRS AFR guidance provided in the Platform)
• HandUp generates loan documentation for convenience; you are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable laws

HandUp facilitates ACH payments between borrowers and lenders through licensed third-party payment processors. HandUp charges the following fees:

• Annual platform fee: 0.35% added to the borrower's interest rate
• Origination fee: $25.00 one-time fee at loan creation
• Credit reporting (optional): $5.00/month if both parties opt in

All fees are disclosed transparently during loan creation. The annual platform fee is included in the borrower's effective APR.

HandUp offers optional credit bureau reporting. When both the borrower and lender opt in during loan creation, payment history (including on-time and missed payments) is reported to major credit bureaus. This election is binding for the life of the loan. HandUp complies with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) in all reporting activities.

All users must complete identity verification (KYC) before creating or participating in loans. This process is conducted through Plaid and may include government-issued ID verification and biometric selfie matching. By using the Platform, you consent to this verification process.

You may not use HandUp to:

• Create fraudulent or fictitious loan agreements
• Launder money or finance illegal activities
• Manipulate credit scores through fabricated loans
• Harass, threaten, or coerce other users
• Circumvent identity verification or security measures
• Use the Platform for commercial lending operations

To the maximum extent permitted by law, HandUp and its officers, directors, employees, and agents shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of the Platform, including but not limited to: loan defaults, payment failures, tax consequences, or disputes between users.

HandUp's total liability shall not exceed the amount of platform fees you have paid in the 12 months preceding the claim.

• HandUp is not a bank, lender, or financial advisor
• Loans facilitated through HandUp are not FDIC insured
• HandUp does not guarantee the creditworthiness of any user
• Tax guidance provided in the Platform is informational only and does not constitute tax advice
• The Platform is provided “as is” without warranties of any kind

HandUp may suspend or terminate your account at any time for violation of these Terms or for any reason with reasonable notice. Upon termination, active loans remain in effect and payment obligations continue. You may request account deletion at any time, subject to data retention requirements.

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.

Questions about these Terms may be directed to: [email protected]