1. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing, using, or applying for Scratchpay services operated by Scratch Financial, Inc. ("Scratchpay," "we," "us," or "our"), you ("User," "you," or "your") acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms").
These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Scratch Financial, Inc. If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not use our services.
Important Notice
These Terms include important provisions that limit our liability and require disputes to be resolved through individual arbitration rather than class action lawsuits. Please read all terms carefully.
2. Service Description
Scratchpay provides veterinary financing services that allow pet owners to pay for veterinary care through installment payment plans. Our services include:
- Credit Application Processing: Evaluating applications for veterinary financing
- Payment Plans: Offering flexible payment terms from 6 to 24 months
- Direct Provider Payment: Paying veterinary providers on behalf of approved applicants
- Account Management: Online and mobile account management tools
- Customer Support: Assistance with account questions and payment issues
Scratchpay services are available only at participating veterinary providers. Not all applicants will qualify for financing, and approval terms vary based on creditworthiness and other factors.
3. Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for Scratchpay services, you must meet the following requirements:
- Age: Be at least 18 years old
- Residency: Be a legal resident of the United States
- Identity: Provide valid government-issued identification
- Social Security Number: Have a valid Social Security Number
- Bank Account: Maintain an active U.S. bank account
- Income: Have verifiable income sufficient to support repayment
- Contact Information: Provide accurate contact information
Important Requirements
Approval is not guaranteed and depends on our credit review process. We reserve the right to verify all information provided and may require additional documentation.
4. Application Process
When you apply for Scratchpay financing, you agree to the following:
Information Accuracy
- All information provided is true, accurate, and complete
- You will promptly notify us of any changes to your information
- You authorize us to verify the information provided
- You understand that false information may result in application denial or account closure
Credit Authorization
- You authorize us to obtain credit reports and scores
- You consent to ongoing monitoring of your credit profile
- You understand that credit inquiries may impact your credit score
- You agree to our use of alternative credit assessment methods
Decision Process
We use proprietary underwriting algorithms and may approve, decline, or request additional information. Our credit decisions are typically provided within seconds, though some applications may require manual review.
5. Credit Terms and Conditions
Upon approval, you will receive specific credit terms including:
- Credit Limit: The maximum amount available for financing
- Interest Rate: Annual Percentage Rate (APR) based on creditworthiness
- Payment Terms: Monthly payment amount and due dates
- Loan Term: Length of repayment period (6-24 months)
- Late Fees: Charges for payments received after the due date
Truth in Lending Disclosure
All credit terms, including APR, finance charges, and payment schedules, will be clearly disclosed before you accept financing. You have the right to review and accept or decline the terms.
6. Payment Obligations
Payment Requirements
- Payments are due monthly on the date specified in your agreement
- Payments must be received by 11:59 PM ET on the due date to be considered on time
- You are responsible for ensuring payments are received on time
- Partial payments may not be accepted and do not extend due dates
Payment Methods
- Automatic bank account deduction (ACH)
- Online payments through your account portal
- Phone payments through customer service
- Mobile app payments
Late Payments
Late payments may result in:
- Late fees as disclosed in your agreement
- Negative reporting to credit bureaus
- Account suspension or closure
- Collection activities
- Legal action to recover amounts owed
7. Fees and Charges
Scratchpay may charge the following fees, which will be clearly disclosed:
- Interest Charges: Based on your APR and outstanding balance
- Late Payment Fees: Charged for payments received after the due date
- Returned Payment Fees: For payments that are returned unpaid
- No Prepayment Penalties: You may pay off your balance early without additional fees
We do not charge application fees, annual fees, or origination fees. All applicable fees will be disclosed before you accept financing terms.
8. User Responsibilities
As a Scratchpay user, you are responsible for:
- Account Security: Protecting your login credentials and account information
- Information Updates: Keeping your contact and payment information current
- Payment Management: Ensuring timely payments and monitoring your account
- Authorized Use: Only using services for legitimate veterinary expenses
- Compliance: Following all applicable laws and regulations
- Communication: Promptly responding to account-related communications
Account Security Notice
You are liable for all activities that occur under your account. Never share your login credentials or allow unauthorized access to your account.
9. Prohibited Uses
You may not use Scratchpay services for:
- Any illegal or fraudulent activities
- Non-veterinary expenses or services
- Expenses not directly related to pet healthcare
- Cash advances or balance transfers
- Resale of veterinary services or products
- Business or commercial veterinary expenses (unless specifically approved)
- Services not provided by authorized veterinary partners
Violation of prohibited uses may result in immediate account suspension, demand for full payment, and legal action.
10. Privacy and Data Protection
Your privacy is important to us. Please review our Privacy Policy, which describes how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.
By using our services, you consent to:
- Collection and processing of your personal and financial information
- Sharing information with veterinary partners for treatment verification
- Reporting account information to credit bureaus
- Using information for underwriting and risk management
- Contacting you about your account and related services
11. Intellectual Property
The Scratchpay platform, including our website, mobile applications, logos, trademarks, and content, are owned by Scratch Financial, Inc. and protected by intellectual property laws.
You may not:
- Copy, modify, or distribute our intellectual property
- Use our trademarks or logos without permission
- Reverse engineer our software or systems
- Create derivative works based on our platform
- Use our services to compete with us
12. Disclaimers and Warranties
Scratchpay services are provided "as is" and "as available." We disclaim all warranties, express or implied, including:
- Warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose
- Warranties regarding system availability or uninterrupted access
- Warranties about the accuracy of credit decisions
- Warranties regarding third-party veterinary services
Important Disclaimer
We are not responsible for the quality, safety, or outcome of veterinary services provided by partner clinics. Our role is limited to providing financing for approved treatments.
13. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Scratch Financial's liability is limited as follows:
- We are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
- Our total liability shall not exceed the amount of fees paid by you
- We are not responsible for damages caused by third parties
- Time limitations apply to all claims against us
Some jurisdictions do not allow certain limitations of liability, so these limitations may not apply to you.
14. Termination
Termination by You
You may close your account at any time by paying your outstanding balance in full and contacting customer service.
Termination by Us
We may terminate or suspend your account if:
- You violate these Terms of Service
- Your account becomes delinquent
- We suspect fraudulent activity
- You provide false or misleading information
- We cease offering services in your area
Termination does not relieve you of payment obligations for outstanding balances.
15. Dispute Resolution
Binding Arbitration Agreement
By using Scratchpay services, you agree that disputes will be resolved through binding arbitration rather than in court, except for certain specified claims.
Arbitration Process
- Disputes will be resolved through individual arbitration
- Class action lawsuits are waived
- Arbitration will be conducted under American Arbitration Association rules
- Arbitration location will be in your state of residence
- We will pay arbitration fees for claims under $10,000
Exceptions
The following disputes are not subject to arbitration:
- Small claims court proceedings
- Intellectual property disputes
- Injunctive relief requests
16. Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms of Service periodically. When we make changes, we will:
- Update the "Last Updated" date
- Post the revised terms on our website
- Send email notifications for material changes
- Provide notice through our mobile application
Your continued use of our services after changes indicates acceptance of the updated Terms. If you do not agree to changes, you should discontinue using our services.