# In-app purchases overview https://help.circle.so/p/branded-apps/in-app-purchases/in-app-purchases-overview Category: [Branded apps](https://help.circle.so/p/branded-apps) › [In-app purchases](https://help.circle.so/p/branded-apps/in-app-purchases) --- _Last updated: March 1, 2026_ ## What are in-app purchases and why would I want to adopt this? Unlock seamless monetization with Circle's in-app purchases, allowing you to drive sales directly within the app through integrated payment systems, frictionless checkout, and targeted notifications—all with no additional Circle fees during the launch phase. - **Unlock a new revenue channel** : Drive sales and subscriptions directly from mobile with full integration into Apple and Google’s payment ecosystems. - **Offer the best checkout experience** : Enable members to purchase easily without entering credit card information, making the process frictionless and secure. - **Leverage push notifications** : Prompt members with offers and engagement notifications for upsell opportunities. - **Built-in tax management:** Simplified tax handling managed by Apple and Google’s systems. - **No additional Circle fees** : Circle is offering IAP for branded apps at no extra cost during the initial launch phase. Easily monetize your community with Circle’s in-app purchases, offering flexible pricing, free trials, lock screen promotions, and seamless payment options—all tracked in your Circle dashboard. - **Set up in-app purchases** : Sell memberships or content directly in the app. - **Flexible pricing** : Offer one-time charges or subscriptions. - **Use free trials** : Attract users with free trial options. - **Promote on lock screens** : Display purchase options prominently on your existing lock screens without having to reconfigure your community. - **Seamless purchase experience** : Enable quick and secure in-app purchases through native Apple and Google app store integrations. - **Track in Circle dashboard** : Access transaction and analytics data directly in Circle. ## How would I be impacted by store commissions? By default, Apple and Google charge 30% commission for using their full-service payments tools. However, both Apple and Google have programs to support smaller developers and app distributors. After applying, the first $1,000,000 in sales each calendar year from each respective store will qualify for a 15% commission. The programs are available to all app developers at no cost; simply apply on each store. ## If there are commissions on my products now, can I set a different price for customers purchasing from their app? Yes, for customers using in-app purchases, we will allow you to set distinct web and app price-points for your paywalled products. ## How do I set this up for my community? We are rolling this out incrementally starting in November 2024. If you’re a branded app customer and you’re interested in enabling this for your community, you can opt-in to in-app purchases by going to your paywalls dashboard and clicking the **Get started** button. You can also opt-in from **Lock screen** → **Paywalls** → **Mobile app** in the settings area of a space. ## If I don’t want to use in-app purchases, is that allowed? Of course, you don’t have to make any changes. This feature will be available to you as a branded app customer if you opt in to this in the future. ## How do I receive payouts for in-app purchases? Both Apple and Google issue regular payouts based on your app’s earnings. Here’s what you need to know about receiving these payments through each platform. ### Receiving payouts from Apple For in-app purchases made on the iOS app, Apple deposits payments directly to the bank account you provided, in the currency you specified. Payments are made within **45 days of the last day of the fiscal month** in which the transaction was completed. Make sure you meet all requirements for receiving payments which you can review [here](https://developer.apple.com/help/app-store-connect/getting-paid/overview-of-receiving-payments). You can also [view payments and proceeds](https://developer.apple.com/help/app-store-connect/getting-paid/view-payments-and-proceeds) for fiscal months and [download financial reports](https://developer.apple.com/help/app-store-connect/getting-paid/download-financial-reports) directly from Apple Store Connect. 📚 To learn more about Apple’s payout process, see their official guide [here](https://developer.apple.com/help/app-store-connect/getting-paid/overview-of-receiving-payments).  ### Receiving payouts from Google For in-app purchases made on the Android app, Google issues payments around the **15th of the month** following the month of the transaction. You can also review and export financial reports from Play Console. Follow Google’s guide on accessing this data [here](https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/6056620?hl=en&ref_topic=6299729). 📚 For information on Google’s payout timelines and minimum thresholds, see their detailed guide [here](https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/137997?hl=en&ref_topic=6299729&sjid=2831656025405004345-NC). ## Can I cancel a member’s subscription or issue a refund? You cannot cancel or refund members' in-app purchases via Apple on their behalf. Members must cancel or request a refund directly through their Apple account. For in-app purchases made via Google, you also cannot cancel subscriptions on behalf of members. Members must manage any subscription cancellations on their end. However, you do have the option to issue refunds through your Google Play Console.  ## How can my members manage their subscriptions? Members can manage their subscriptions purchased through the app by using their Apple or Google accounts. ### Apple If a member bought their membership through Apple, they can follow these steps on their iPhone: 1. On your iPhone, go to Settings.  2. Tap [your name] at the top to open your Apple ID account. 3. Tap Subscriptions to view all active and expired subscriptions. 4. Locate the community subscription and tap it to view and manage the subscription. 📚 For further assistance, you can also share [Apple's guide](https://support.apple.com/en-ca/guide/iphone/iph4e3e7324f/ios) with your members. ### Google If a member purchased their membership on Google, they can follow these steps on their Android phone: 1. Open the Play Store app on your Android device.  2. Tap on your profile icon in the top right corner. 3. Tap Payments & subscriptions and then Subscriptions to see your current subscriptions. 4. Find the community subscription and tap it to view and manage the subscription. 📚 For further assistance, you can also share [Google’s guide](https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/7018481?hl=en&ref_topic=1689236) with your members. ## How is access managed when a member cancels their subscription? When a member cancels the subscription they bought through IAP, their access to premium content included in the subscription is automatically revoked once the subscription period ends. If a member receives a refund for a one-time purchase, the member’s access to any associated premium content will be removed. Likewise, if a subscription refund is issued and the subscription expires, access to the associated premium content will be revoked.