Settlement Framework
Merchant settlement is the process of moving approved customer payment funds to the merchant through processor and bank rails. Dream OS should track order status, payment references, fulfillment notes, refund status, and analytics, while the processor controls actual settlement timing and funding.
Key Boundary
Dream OS records activity. The processor settles funds.
Settlement Data Dream Can Show
Dream OS dashboards can help merchants understand activity without becoming the source of regulated settlement truth.
- Order ID
- Payment status
- Processor reference ID
- Gross amount
- Refund status
- Chargeback flag
- Estimated settlement status
Settlement Data Partner Owns
The processor or bank should remain the source of truth for funding and disputes.
- Settlement batch
- Net deposits
- Fees and reserves
- Chargebacks
- Payout timing
- Processor risk holds
Settlement Lifecycle
- Customer places an order through a processor-approved checkout.
- Processor authorizes and captures payment according to merchant settings.
- Dream OS receives verified webhook confirmation and marks order status.
- Merchant fulfills the order or service.
- Processor settles funds to merchant account based on risk and schedule.
- Dream OS shows status references for reconciliation.
- Refunds, disputes, or chargebacks are handled through processor workflows.
Reconciliation Table
| Field | Dream OS Record | Processor/Bank Record |
|---|---|---|
| Order amount | Yes | Yes |
| Customer payment method token | Reference only | Yes |
| Settlement deposit | Reference/status only | Yes |
| Processor fees | Imported or displayed if provided | Yes |
| Chargeback evidence | Support documents and notes | Yes |
| Refund status | Yes after webhook/update | Yes |
Merchant communication: Dream OS should not guarantee settlement timing. Settlement depends on processor, bank, risk review, holidays, disputes, and account status.
Dream OS stays the growth layer. Regulated partners handle the financial rails.
This architecture is designed to protect Dream OS, participating businesses, customers, banks, processors, and sponsors by keeping regulated money movement inside approved financial infrastructure.