Quick answer: If the seller hasn’t accepted yet, ask them to decline the escrow — or wait 7 days for the acceptance window to expire and cancel it yourself. Either way, you get a full refund.
How Cancellation Works
There is no single “Cancel” button. How you get your funds back depends on the current state of the escrow. Here’s every scenario:By Escrow State
Pending — Seller Hasn’t Accepted
This is the most common cancellation scenario. The escrow is created and funded, but the seller hasn’t accepted yet.Option 1: Seller Declines
The seller logs in and clicks Decline. The full escrow amount is refunded to the buyer instantly.
Option 2: Acceptance Window Expires
If the seller doesn’t respond within 7 days, the buyer can cancel the escrow and receive a full refund.
Active — Seller Accepted, Work In Progress
Once the seller accepts, the buyer can no longer cancel alone. But there are two ways to return the funds:| Method | Who | How |
|---|---|---|
| Seller Refund | Seller | The seller can refund 100% to the buyer at any time — no approval needed |
| Mutual Split | Both | Either party proposes a split (can be 100% to buyer), the other approves, and funds are distributed |
Fulfilled — Seller Marked Complete
Same options as Active:- Seller can still refund 100% to the buyer
- Both parties can agree on a split
Disputed — Dispute Opened
Even during a dispute, funds can still be returned:- Seller refund — seller can refund 100% at any time
- Mutual split — both parties agree on a split
- Invite the agent — the agent decides how to split the funds
Agent Invited — Waiting for Resolution
While the agent is reviewing the case:- Seller can still refund 100%
- Both parties can still agree on a split
- Agent resolves and distributes funds (minus their fee)
- If the agent doesn’t respond within 7 days, either party can claim timeout — the escrow returns to Disputed state with no agent, and you settle via split or seller refund
Terminal States — It’s Over
Once an escrow reaches Released, Refunded, Split, or Agent Resolved, no further actions are possible. The funds have already been distributed.What About the Protocol Fee?
The protocol fee (paid by the buyer at creation) is not refunded regardless of how the escrow ends. This fee covers the cost of deploying and maintaining the smart contract infrastructure.
Summary Table
| State | Buyer Can Cancel? | Seller Can Cancel? | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pending (within 7 days) | ❌ | ✅ Decline | Seller clicks Decline |
| Pending (after 7 days) | ✅ Cancel Expired | ✅ Decline | Either party acts |
| Active | ❌ | ✅ Refund | Seller refunds or both agree on split |
| Fulfilled | ❌ | ✅ Refund | Seller refunds or both agree on split |
| Disputed | ❌ | ✅ Refund | Seller refunds, split, or agent resolves |
| Agent Invited | ❌ | ✅ Refund | Seller refunds, split, agent resolves, or timeout |
| Terminal | ❌ | ❌ | Already finalized |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I cancel an escrow if the seller hasn't accepted?
How do I cancel an escrow if the seller hasn't accepted?
You have two options: ask the seller to log in and decline the escrow (instant refund), or wait for the 7-day acceptance window to expire and cancel it yourself.
Can the buyer cancel an active escrow?
Can the buyer cancel an active escrow?
No. Once the seller accepts, the buyer cannot unilaterally cancel. The seller can refund, or both parties can agree on a split.
Will I get my protocol fee back?
Will I get my protocol fee back?
No. The protocol fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
What happens if the agent doesn't respond?
What happens if the agent doesn't respond?
After 7 days, either party can claim agent timeout. The escrow returns to disputed state with no agent. From there, settle via mutual split or seller refund.
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