Payments

How payments work in SimBuster

Depending on what you are buying, you may be paying for:

• a phone number;
• number renewal or extension;
• Call Credit;
• a Calling Plan;
• SMS Credit;
• Speech Credit;
• Buster Minutes or an AI plan;
• a travel eSIM;
• a mobile top-up;
• another bundle, offer or supported service.

The payment methods, currency, renewal rules and refund conditions can differ between services.

Before confirming any payment, check the final screen for:

• product or service;
• quantity or allowance;
• validity;
• renewal behaviour;
• currency;
• final price;
• payment method; and
• any service-specific terms shown.

Which payment methods does SimBuster accept?

Available methods can include supported options such as:

• payment cards;
• Apple Pay;
• Google Pay;
• Apple App Store in-app purchase;
• Google Play in-app purchase; or
• another payment method shown at checkout.

The payment methods displayed in the live checkout are the ones available for that transaction.

Do not assume that a method you used for one SimBuster product will always be available for another.

Why can payment methods differ between SimBuster services?

For example:

• a phone number purchase may use SimBuster’s normal card or wallet checkout;
• Call Credit or a plan may use the payment options offered for that product;
• SMS Credit or Speech Credit can use an Apple App Store or Google Play in-app purchase where required by the platform;
• Mobile Top-Up can use a different checkout route from other SimBuster services;
• eSIM checkout can have its own available payment methods.

Payment availability can also change without notice because of:

• app-store requirements;
• payment-provider availability;
• issuer restrictions;
• country;
• currency;
• product type;
• fraud controls; or
• operational changes.

Always use the payment methods shown for the purchase you are making.

The checkout screen shows the price you authorise

The final screen should make it clear what you are purchasing.

Check:

• product;
• quantity or credit;
• price;
• currency;
• applicable validity;
• renewal status where relevant; and
• payment method.

Do not rely on an old screenshot, advertisement or previous purchase price.

Prices, promotional offers and available payment routes can change.

The current checkout is the final price presented for authorisation.

Are taxes included in SimBuster prices?

You should not normally need to calculate an additional tax amount yourself after reaching the final SimBuster checkout price.

However, your own bank, card issuer, wallet provider or app store can apply separate charges that are outside SimBuster’s control, such as foreign-exchange or card-related fees.

What happens if your currency is not supported?

If the relevant currency is not supported, the transaction can be charged in US dollars (USD).

Your bank or payment provider can then convert the USD transaction into the currency of your account.

This means the final amount appearing on your bank statement can differ slightly from the displayed USD amount when your bank performs the conversion.

Can your bank charge a foreign-exchange fee?

If SimBuster charges a transaction in USD because your currency is not supported, your card issuer or bank can apply:

• its own exchange rate;
• a foreign transaction fee;
• a currency conversion fee; or
• another bank-specific charge.

These charges are imposed by your financial institution, not by SimBuster.

If you want to know the exact conversion or fee your card will use, check with your bank before purchasing.

Keep payment receipts and transaction references

Useful information includes:

• transaction ID;
• order ID;
• date and time;
• product;
• amount;
• currency;
• payment method;
• phone number or eSIM order where relevant; and
• final status.

If something goes wrong, this is much more useful than only saying that a payment was made.

Where SimBuster provides transaction history, use it to compare the product purchase with your bank or app-store record.

Why does SimBuster have different credits and balances?

SimBuster separates them so the cost of one service does not unexpectedly consume the allowance for another.

The main balances include:

Call Credit

For supported outgoing calls, calling usage and eligible external PSTN forwarding.

SMS Credit

For supported outgoing SMS messages.

Speech Credit

For generated spoken audio such as Receptionist greetings and supported voice prompts.

Buster Minutes

For supported live AI Assistant and AI call handling.

These balances are not interchangeable.

Buying Speech Credit does not increase your Call Credit, and buying SMS Credit does not give you Buster Minutes.

What is Call Credit?

It can be used for things such as:

• pay-as-you-go outgoing calls;
• supported international calling;
• eligible PSTN call forwarding; and
• other call usage identified by SimBuster as using Call Credit.

A Calling Plan or bundle can change how eligible calls are charged, so check whether your destination is covered by an active plan before assuming Call Credit will be used.

You can see the available Call Credit in the app.

What is the low Call Credit announcement?

This warning is designed to reduce the chance of a call ending unexpectedly because there is not enough Call Credit remaining.

If you hear the low Call Credit announcement:

1. check your Call Credit balance;
2. check whether an active Calling Plan covers the destination;
3. add Call Credit if needed;
4. consider the expected length of the call; and
5. remember that external PSTN forwarding can also use Call Credit where applicable.

The warning does not add credit automatically.

If the available balance becomes insufficient, a chargeable call can be unable to start or can end according to the applicable service rules.

Learn about making calls

What is SMS Credit?

SMS pricing and availability can depend on:

• destination country;
• destination network;
• originating SimBuster number;
• SMS capability of the number; and
• current service rules.

SMS Credit is separate from Call Credit.

Receiving SMS and sending SMS can also have different availability depending on the number.

Buying SMS Credit does not guarantee that every SimBuster number can send or receive every type of SMS or verification code.

What is Speech Credit?

Typical uses include:

• Receptionist greetings;
• IVR prompts;
• generated menu audio;
• supported voice-avatar speech; and
• other pre-generated spoken prompts shown in the app.

For example, generating:

“Thank you for calling. Press 1 for Sales and press 2 for Support.”

can use Speech Credit.

Speech Credit is not Call Credit and it is not the same as Buster Minutes used for live AI conversations.

Learn about Receptionist

What are Buster Minutes?

When AI Assistant answers a caller, listens, understands and responds dynamically, that is different from generating a fixed Receptionist greeting.

Buster Minutes

Live AI call conversation.

Speech Credit

Pre-generated voice prompt or greeting.

The current AI plan screen shows the available allowance, price, validity and other relevant information.

Learn about AI Assistant

Can you convert one SimBuster credit into another?

Normally:

• Call Credit stays Call Credit;
• SMS Credit stays SMS Credit;
• Speech Credit stays Speech Credit; and
• Buster Minutes stay AI call minutes.

Do not buy one balance expecting to use it for another service.

Before purchasing, open the feature you intend to use and follow the credit or plan option linked to that service.

Check your balances before using a paid service

• making a long outgoing call;
• forwarding calls to PSTN;
• sending multiple SMS messages;
• generating a long Receptionist greeting;
• publishing many new spoken prompts; or
• routing a busy phone number to AI Assistant.

The important balance is the one used by that service.

For example, having a large Call Credit balance does not help if you have no Speech Credit to generate a greeting.

What are SimBuster Calling Plans?

A plan can be useful if you make regular calls to covered destinations.

Before buying, check:

• included destinations;
• included minutes or usage;
• validity period;
• price;
• renewal behaviour;
• exclusions; and
• what happens when the plan allowance is exhausted.

A Calling Plan is separate from owning a SimBuster phone number.

Buying a number does not automatically give unlimited outgoing calls.

What are AI Assistant plans?

Before activating an AI plan, check:

• included Buster Minutes;
• validity;
• price;
• renewal behaviour where applicable;
• the Assistant or features covered; and
• what happens when the included minutes are exhausted.

If AI Assistant is important to your business line, monitor remaining minutes instead of waiting until callers stop reaching the expected AI route.

What are Plans & Bundles?

A bundle can be different from simply adding pay-as-you-go credit.

Always check what the specific bundle includes.

For example, a plan might cover:

• particular calling destinations;
• a defined usage period;
• a fixed allowance; or
• another product-specific benefit.

Do not assume a plan covers every country, every number type or every SimBuster service.

Do SimBuster credits and plans expire?

Some balances can have their own rules.

Some plans are valid for a defined period.

Phone numbers, eSIMs, promotional credit and AI plans can each have different expiry or renewal behaviour.

Before paying, check the validity shown for that product.

Do not assume that because one SimBuster balance lasts a certain period, another balance has the same validity.

Which services can auto-renew?

Where SimBuster offers an Auto Renew control, the app will show whether automatic renewal is enabled or disabled for that product.

This can apply to services such as eligible phone-number renewals or other renewable products.

When Auto Renew is on:

• the service can attempt renewal at the appropriate time;
• a valid payment method or sufficient required balance may still be needed; and
• a failed payment can still prevent renewal.

Always check the renewal setting on the actual service rather than assuming one account-wide switch controls everything.

Why did an automatic renewal fail?

Renewal can fail because of:

• declined card;
• expired payment method;
• insufficient funds;
• failed authentication;
• payment-provider restrictions;
• app-store billing issue;
• account or compliance restriction;
• service availability change; or
• another transaction failure.

If a number or service is important, do not rely on Auto Renew without checking that the renewal completed.

After a failed renewal:

1. open the relevant service;
2. check its current status and expiry;
3. update the payment method if needed;
4. renew manually if available; and
5. confirm the new validity.

Turn Auto Renew off

Turning off Auto Renew normally affects the next renewal.

It does not necessarily cancel the current paid service immediately or create a refund for the current period.

Check the service’s expiry date after changing the setting.

For app-store subscriptions, manage cancellation through the relevant Apple or Google subscription controls where the purchase is governed by that store.

When does SimBuster use Apple or Google in-app purchase?

For SimBuster, this can include products such as supported:

• SMS Credit;
• Speech Credit; or
• another digital product where the app-store payment route is required.

Other services can use SimBuster’s normal checkout instead.

This is one reason payment methods can differ between two products in the same app.

Why can in-app purchase pricing differ?

Where required, SimBuster can price an in-app purchase differently from an equivalent product bought through another permitted payment route in order to account for those platform costs.

The price shown in the App Store or Google Play purchase screen is the price you should review before authorising the transaction.

Do not assume that every purchase route will always have exactly the same price.

Can Apple or Google platform fees affect the price?

For digital products sold through required in-app purchase, Apple or Google can charge SimBuster a platform commission.

The in-app purchase price can therefore include an additional amount to cover some or all of that platform cost.

This is a platform commission or store fee, not an extra tax added by SimBuster after checkout.

Any applicable taxes are already included in the displayed transaction price.

Always compare the final price shown before confirming the purchase.

Restore or recover an in-app purchase

1. confirm the app-store transaction completed;
2. reopen SimBuster;
3. refresh the relevant balance;
4. use any available restore or transaction-recovery option;
5. make sure you are signed into the expected SimBuster account;
6. make sure the device is using the same relevant app-store account where required; and
7. do not buy the same credit again until you know whether the first purchase was applied.

Keep the Apple or Google receipt if support needs to investigate.

In-app purchase completed but credit is not showing

1. wait briefly for the store confirmation to reach SimBuster;
2. close and reopen the relevant SimBuster screen;
3. check the correct balance;
4. verify the app-store receipt;
5. make sure you are in the correct SimBuster account;
6. do not repeat the purchase immediately; and
7. contact support with the receipt and transaction details if the balance still does not update.

Remember that SMS Credit and Speech Credit are separate balances.

A successful Speech Credit purchase will not appear as Call Credit.

You were charged more than once for an in-app purchase

Then compare those transactions with the SimBuster balance.

If duplicate purchases completed:

• keep each app-store receipt;
• record the date and amount;
• check how much credit was actually added; and
• contact SimBuster support with the transaction details.

Where a refund must be handled through Apple or Google because they processed the in-app purchase, follow the applicable store refund process.

Do not delete your receipts until the issue is resolved.

How do SimBuster promo codes work?

A promo code can affect:

• the price;
• included allowance;
• validity;
• bonus credit;
• a particular product; or
• another offer-specific benefit.

The code must meet the conditions of the promotion.

A code being valid for one SimBuster product does not mean it is valid for every other product.

Promo codes can be different for different services

For example, a code could apply to:

• a phone number;
• an eSIM;
• Call Credit;
• an AI plan;
• a bundle;
• Mobile Top-Up; or
• another specified product.

A code for one service may not work on another checkout.

The promotion can also be restricted by:

• country;
• account;
• date;
• first purchase;
• product;
• payment method;
• minimum spend; or
• another stated eligibility condition.

Always apply the code on the service or checkout for which it was issued.

Apply a promo code before payment

1. choose the product;
2. enter the code exactly;
3. apply it;
4. wait for the checkout to update;
5. check the discount or benefit appears;
6. review the final price; and
7. only then complete payment.

If the final checkout does not show the expected discount, do not assume it will be applied after payment.

Go back and check the code first.

Why is a promo code not working?

• the code expired;
• it applies to another SimBuster service;
• the account is not eligible;
• the promotion is only for new customers;
• the minimum purchase has not been met;
• the code is restricted to a country or currency;
• the code has already been used;
• the product is excluded;
• the promotion cannot be combined with another offer; or
• the code was typed incorrectly.

Check the conditions attached to the offer.

Do not repeatedly submit payment expecting an invalid promo code to be corrected afterwards.

What are Special Offers?

Availability can vary by:

• account;
• country;
• product;
• date;
• campaign; and
• eligibility.

An offer can end or change.

The current offer shown in the app is the one to review.

If a special price has expired, an old screenshot or advertisement does not override the current checkout.

What happens when a promotion expires?

A promotional price does not necessarily continue into future renewals unless the promotion explicitly says it does.

For renewable products, check:

• the promotional first payment;
• the normal renewal price;
• renewal date; and
• whether Auto Renew is on.

Paying for a SimBuster phone number

• country;
• number type;
• number itself;
• price;
• validity;
• renewal options;
• SMS capability;
• any KYC or documentation requirement; and
• intended use.

A number purchase gives you the selected number under the service conditions shown.

It does not guarantee that every third-party website, bank, social network or messaging service will accept that number for OTP or account verification.

Learn about Phone Numbers

Pay for phone-number renewal

Before expiry:

1. open the number;
2. check its current expiry;
3. check the renewal price;
4. use Extend or the available renewal option; or
5. keep Auto Renew enabled where you want automatic renewal.

Do not wait until after an important number expires to decide whether you wanted to keep it.

Renewal availability after expiry can be different from extending an active number.

Phone number Auto Renew

You can turn it on or off for the relevant number.

Auto Renew is useful when:

• customers know the number;
• it is printed on business materials;
• it is connected to Receptionist;
• it is used as an important second number; or
• losing it would cause disruption.

Still check that the renewal actually completed.

Auto Renew cannot overcome a failed payment, compliance issue or unavailable service.

Use Extend to keep a phone number longer

Use it when you want to secure the number beyond its current expiry without waiting for the final renewal point.

Before confirming:

• check the number;
• check the extension period;
• check the price;
• review the new expected expiry; and
• complete any required payment authentication.

After purchase, reopen the number and confirm the updated validity.

When can a purchased phone number be returned?

The key operational rule is:

A phone number can only be returned within 24 hours of purchase if there has been no call or SMS usage on the number.

Once there has been usage, or the 24-hour return period has passed, the number is not eligible under this return rule.

Before buying a number:

• check the country and type;
• review SMS capability;
• review any restrictions;
• complete KYC where required; and
• do not use the number if you are still deciding whether to return it.

A number cannot be used for calls or SMS and then treated as unused for return purposes.

OTP or verification-code failure is not a reason to buy and return numbers repeatedly

It is not sold with a guarantee that every third-party service will accept it for OTP, verification or account registration.

Third-party services can:

• reject virtual numbers;
• reject particular number ranges;
• restrict VoIP numbers;
• change their verification rules;
• require a mobile SIM number;
• block repeated verification attempts; or
• accept one number while rejecting another.

Do not buy a phone number solely on the assumption that it will work with a particular bank, social network, marketplace, WhatsApp, Telegram or other third-party verification system unless compatibility is explicitly stated.

Using the number to attempt calls or SMS can also affect eligibility for the 24-hour unused-number return rule.

Learn about SMS and verification codes

Paying for a SimBuster eSIM

• destination;
• device compatibility;
• network unlock status;
• data allowance;
• validity;
• activation conditions;
• hotspot support where important;
• price; and
• refund conditions.

A travel eSIM is a digital product that can become consumed or activated quickly.

Do not install or use it while you are still deciding whether you bought the correct plan.

Learn about eSIM

When can an eSIM be refunded?

Do not activate, consume data from or otherwise use the eSIM if you intend to request a refund.

Once an eSIM has been used, the underlying mobile-data service has begun to be consumed and it is not eligible for an unused-product refund.

If you think you purchased the wrong eSIM:

1. stop before installing or using it;
2. keep the order details;
3. check the plan status; and
4. contact SimBuster support promptly.

Why does using an eSIM affect refund eligibility?

Once the eSIM has been used, SimBuster and its network partners can already have supplied mobile-data service against that plan.

Examples of use can include the eSIM becoming active and consuming mobile data.

For this reason, do not test an eSIM with real data traffic and then expect it to remain an unused purchase.

If you are unsure about compatibility, verify your device and destination before purchase.

You bought an eSIM for a device that cannot use it

• do not install or use the eSIM on another device just to test it;
• keep the order details;
• confirm the exact device model;
• check whether the eSIM remains unused; and
• contact support promptly regarding any available refund option.

Compatibility should ideally be checked before purchase.

A phone can be eSIM-capable in one regional variant and not another.

You bought an eSIM for the wrong country or region

1. do not activate or consume data;
2. keep the order information;
3. verify the destination you actually need; and
4. contact support promptly regarding the unused purchase.

If the eSIM has already been used, normal unused-eSIM refund eligibility no longer applies.

Do not assume that a plan for a neighbouring country automatically covers your destination.

Mobile Top-Up can use different payment methods

Use the methods shown in the Mobile Top-Up checkout for that transaction.

Do not assume that because Apple Pay, Google Pay or a particular card route appears somewhere else in SimBuster, it will always appear for Mobile Top-Up.

Payment methods can change without notice based on transaction, country, provider or other operational requirements.

Learn about Mobile Top-Up

Review a Mobile Top-Up carefully before payment

Before paying, check:

• destination country;
• mobile number;
• current operator;
• airtime or bundle product;
• recharge value;
• final price; and
• currency.

Do not continue until the recipient number is correct.

This is one of the purchases where a ten-second review before payment can prevent a permanent mistake.

What if you top up the wrong mobile number?

The value has been sent into the destination mobile operator’s prepaid system.

For this reason:

• check every digit;
• confirm the country;
• check the operator; and
• review the final order before payment.

If the order is still pending or failed, do not assume the same rule applies automatically. Keep the order details and check the final state.

But once the wrong valid number has successfully received the top-up, do not expect the recharge to be recoverable.

What if you choose the wrong mobile operator?

If the transaction is already processing:

• do not create another top-up immediately;
• wait for the final status;
• keep the order reference; and
• check whether the destination network rejected it.

If the recharge successfully completes, reversal can be unavailable because the top-up has already been delivered through the external operator system.

For ported numbers, always check the recipient’s current network.

Can a completed mobile top-up be refunded?

This includes cases where the sender later decides:

• the wrong amount was chosen;
• a different bundle would have been better; or
• the recipient did not need the recharge.

Wrong-number top-ups that successfully reach the entered valid number also cannot simply be recalled.

If the transaction failed, was charged incorrectly or never reached a final delivery state, keep the payment and top-up references so the actual transaction can be investigated.

Do not duplicate a pending Mobile Top-Up

1. do not send the same top-up again;
2. do not repeatedly press the payment button;
3. check the payment status;
4. check the top-up status separately;
5. ask the recipient to check their balance; and
6. wait for the first transaction to resolve.

A duplicate top-up can result in two valid completed recharges.

If both are successfully delivered, the fact that the second was sent accidentally does not necessarily make it refundable.

Call Credit refunds

Once Call Credit has been used for chargeable calls or eligible forwarding, that consumed usage cannot be refunded as unused credit.

Where an exceptional billing or technical issue is being investigated, SimBuster can review the specific transaction and call records.

Do not confuse:

• dissatisfaction with a completed call;
• an ordinary chargeable call;
• an accidental dialled destination; and
• a verified billing error.

They are different situations.

Keep the call time, destination and transaction information if you believe the service was charged incorrectly.

SMS Credit is non-refundable

Buy the amount appropriate for the SMS usage you expect.

SMS Credit is a separate digital balance and cannot be returned simply because:

• a third-party OTP service rejects a virtual number;
• a particular destination does not support the type of SMS you wanted;
• you later decide not to send messages; or
• you purchased the wrong credit type.

Before purchasing SMS Credit, check that your intended SimBuster number and use case support the messaging you need.

Speech Credit is non-refundable

Speech Credit is used for supported generated voice audio such as:

• Receptionist greetings;
• IVR prompts; and
• supported generated speech.

Once purchased, Speech Credit cannot be refunded simply because you:

• changed the wording;
• chose another voice;
• decided not to use the greeting;
• rebuilt the Receptionist; or
• purchased more credit than you later needed.

Preview and proofread important prompts before generating them where the app gives you the opportunity.

AI plan and Buster Minute refunds

Refund eligibility, if any, depends on the applicable plan terms and whether the service has already been used.

Do not assume that used AI minutes can be returned.

If you believe an AI plan was charged incorrectly or did not become available after a confirmed payment, keep the payment reference and contact support so the transaction can be checked.

Promotional and bonus credit

They can be subject to:

• expiry;
• product restrictions;
• account eligibility;
• non-transferability;
• no cash value;
• usage conditions; or
• promotional terms.

Do not assume promotional credit can be refunded, withdrawn as cash or transferred between balances.

The conditions of the specific promotion apply.

Refer & Earn earnings are not the same as SimBuster credit

For example:

• Call Credit is for calls.
• SMS Credit is for SMS.
• Speech Credit is for generated speech.
• Buster Minutes are for AI call usage.
• Refer & Earn earnings are eligible commission or reward value subject to the withdrawal rules.

Do not assume an earnings balance is immediately withdrawable just because it appears in the account.

A hold period, minimum amount and withdrawal review can apply.

Learn about Refer & Earn

How can eligible earnings be withdrawn?

• bank payment;
• cryptocurrency through regulated partners; or
• an equal-value gift card option where offered.

The methods available to a user can vary by:

• country;
• amount;
• account eligibility;
• compliance requirements;
• withdrawal partner;
• currency; and
• current service availability.

Use the withdrawal options shown in your account at the time you request payment.

Why does SimBuster use regulated withdrawal partners?

SimBuster can use regulated payment or cryptocurrency partners to process eligible withdrawals rather than handling every payout rail directly.

A partner can require:

• identity verification;
• beneficiary details;
• wallet information;
• compliance screening;
• country eligibility; or
• other information needed to process the payout.

The exact checks depend on the withdrawal method and partner.

Passing SimBuster account checks does not automatically remove a regulated partner’s own legal or compliance requirements.

Withdraw eligible earnings to a bank account

1. open the relevant earnings or withdrawal area;
2. check that the balance is eligible;
3. check the minimum withdrawal amount;
4. complete any required hold period;
5. enter the beneficiary information requested;
6. complete any identity or compliance steps;
7. review the withdrawal amount; and
8. submit the request.

Bank availability, supported countries, currencies and processing time can vary.

The receiving bank can also apply its own fees or currency-conversion rules.

Withdraw eligible earnings in cryptocurrency

Before confirming:

• choose the correct supported asset;
• use the correct wallet address;
• check the required network;
• check minimum withdrawal;
• review any fee;
• complete required identity/compliance checks; and
• verify every character of the destination information where necessary.

Cryptocurrency transactions can be irreversible.

Sending to the wrong address or wrong blockchain network can result in permanent loss.

Never use a wallet address supplied by an unknown caller or message claiming to be SimBuster support.

Equal-value gift card withdrawals

Availability can depend on:

• country;
• reward partner;
• balance;
• denomination;
• minimum withdrawal; and
• current offer.

Gift cards can have their own:

• expiry;
• merchant restrictions;
• country restrictions; and
• redemption terms.

Review the gift-card terms before choosing it instead of bank or crypto withdrawal.

Why is there a hold period before earnings can be withdrawn?

The hold allows time for the underlying customer transaction to clear normal risks such as:

• chargebacks;
• reversals;
• refunds;
• payment disputes;
• fraud checks; or
• another adjustment to the transaction that generated the commission.

An earnings figure can therefore appear before the corresponding amount becomes available for withdrawal.

The current account view should distinguish pending, held or available earnings where those states are provided.

Is there a minimum withdrawal amount?

The minimum can vary by:

• bank payout;
• crypto payout;
• gift card;
• country;
• payout partner;
• currency; or
• current programme rules.

Use the minimum shown for the withdrawal method in your account.

Do not assume the minimum for one method is the same for another.

If the eligible balance is below the threshold, it remains in the account until enough qualifying earnings become available or another permitted method is used.

Why can a withdrawal be reviewed?

• identity verification;
• beneficiary checks;
• anti-fraud controls;
• chargeback exposure;
• unusual transaction activity;
• sanctions or country restrictions;
• wallet screening;
• regulated partner requirements; or
• programme eligibility.

A review does not necessarily mean the withdrawal has failed.

Provide accurate information if a regulated payout partner requests it.

Do not create repeated withdrawal requests while the first one is still being reviewed.

Can withdrawal fees or FX charges apply?

For example:

• a receiving bank can charge an incoming-payment fee;
• a bank can convert from one currency to another;
• a crypto transfer can have a network or partner fee;
• a payout partner can support only particular settlement currencies.

Review the final withdrawal information before confirming.

SimBuster cannot control a fee independently imposed by the recipient’s bank or another third-party financial institution.

What is 3D Secure authentication?

Depending on the transaction, your bank can ask you to:

• approve the payment in a banking app;
• enter a one-time code;
• use biometrics; or
• complete another verification step.

If authentication fails, the payment may fail even when the card number and available balance are correct.

If you see an authentication error:

1. return to the bank or issuer prompt;
2. complete the verification;
3. check whether the transaction actually failed;
4. avoid repeated identical payments while the first is unresolved; and
5. use another available payment method if appropriate.

Apple Pay and Google Pay

Using a wallet does not mean every transaction is automatically approved.

The payment can still be affected by:

• bank authorisation;
• fraud checks;
• wallet token status;
• 3D Secure or another authentication step;
• country restrictions; or
• payment-provider rules.

Also distinguish Apple Pay / Google Pay wallet payments from App Store / Google Play in-app purchases.

They are not the same payment mechanism.

Why was a payment declined?

Common examples include:

• insufficient funds;
• issuer decline;
• failed 3D Secure authentication;
• expired card;
• incorrect billing details;
• card restrictions;
• unsupported country;
• fraud controls;
• wallet issue;
• payment-provider restriction; or
• repeated attempts.

The error shown by SimBuster or the payment provider can help identify the next step.

If the card issuer declined the payment, SimBuster normally cannot force the bank to approve it.

Payment is pending

While it is pending:

• do not create repeated identical purchases;
• check the payment status;
• check whether the product has been provisioned;
• keep the transaction reference; and
• allow the bank or payment provider time to complete or reverse the pending authorisation.

A pending card authorisation can sometimes disappear without becoming a completed charge if the transaction ultimately fails.

Your bank controls how pending authorisations appear on your account.

You think you were charged twice

Check whether you have:

• two completed SimBuster orders;
• one order and two bank authorisations;
• two App Store or Google Play receipts;
• one completed payment and one pending entry; or
• a genuine duplicate payment.

Keep:

• screenshots;
• transaction IDs;
• app-store receipts;
• timestamps; and
• product details.

If two payments completed but only one product was credited, contact support with both references.

How can chargebacks affect credits, earnings or withdrawals?

A chargeback can affect:

• the underlying purchase;
• associated promotional credit;
• referral commission generated from that purchase;
• earnings availability;
• withdrawal eligibility; and
• account review.

This is one reason Refer & Earn commissions can be held before withdrawal.

If a transaction that generated commission is later reversed or charged back, the related earnings can also need adjustment.

Do not treat pending referral earnings as final cash until the applicable clearance period has passed.

You were charged but the product is missing

Check:

1. payment status;
2. SimBuster transaction status;
3. the correct product area;
4. the correct balance;
5. the correct account;
6. app-store receipt if it was an in-app purchase;
7. whether the product is still provisioning; and
8. whether the transaction is only a temporary bank authorisation.

Examples:

• Call Credit appears under Call Credit, not Speech Credit.
• An eSIM appears in the eSIM area, not as account credit.
• A Mobile Top-Up is delivered to the external mobile number, not to a SimBuster balance.
• Speech Credit does not appear as Buster Minutes.

If the payment is confirmed and the product still does not appear, contact support with the transaction reference.

The product appeared but you cannot see a completed bank charge

You may initially see:

• a pending authorisation;
• delayed wallet posting;
• app-store billing later in the day;
• grouped app-store billing; or
• another payment-provider timing difference.

Do not assume the product is free simply because the bank statement has not yet reached its final state.

Keep the purchase record until the payment settles.

The charge appeared in USD instead of your local currency

Your bank then converts that transaction into your account currency where necessary.

This can create:

• a different statement currency;
• a converted GBP/EUR/etc. amount;
• a bank exchange-rate difference; or
• a foreign-transaction fee.

The bank’s own FX charge is separate from the SimBuster price.

The promo code was accepted but the discount is not showing

Check:

1. the promo code is for that service;
2. the code has not expired;
3. the product is eligible;
4. minimum-spend conditions are met;
5. the account is eligible;
6. the promotion is not restricted to another country or payment route; and
7. the final price has refreshed.

If the final price does not change, treat the promotion as not applied.

Do not assume support can retroactively add a discount after an otherwise correct completed purchase.

A credit balance has not updated after purchase

Then:

1. open the correct balance;
2. refresh or reopen the screen;
3. check the transaction completed;
4. check the correct SimBuster account;
5. check Apple or Google receipt if applicable;
6. avoid buying the same credit again immediately; and
7. contact support with the receipt if the balance still does not update.

The most common confusion is checking the wrong balance.

Call Credit, SMS Credit, Speech Credit and Buster Minutes are separate.

Auto Renew is on but the service did not renew

Check:

• payment method;
• sufficient funds;
• transaction authentication;
• service eligibility;
• expiry date;
• app-store subscription state if applicable; and
• any account or compliance issue.

If the service is still active and manual Extend is available, use it before expiry if the number or plan is important.

For a phone number, also check the number’s actual new expiry after payment.

How do you check a refund?

• the original payment method;
• payment provider;
• bank;
• app store;
• card network; and
• whether the refund was approved.

Once a refund is issued, the receiving bank or wallet can take additional time to display it.

Keep:

• original transaction;
• refund confirmation;
• amount;
• date; and
• payment method.

If Apple or Google processed the original in-app purchase and controls the refund, use the relevant app-store refund status as part of the check.

Your Refer & Earn withdrawal is pending

• the minimum hold period finishes;
• chargeback exposure clears;
• account details are checked;
• a regulated payout partner performs verification;
• bank details are validated;
• crypto wallet or network details are checked; or
• the payout is being processed.

Do not submit repeated withdrawal requests for the same balance.

Check:

1. available vs pending earnings;
2. minimum withdrawal amount;
3. requested method;
4. any verification request;
5. payout partner status; and
6. the transaction reference.

Learn about Refer & Earn

Payments FAQ

Does every SimBuster service use the same payment method?

No. Payment methods can differ by product, country, device and payment route.

Can Mobile Top-Up use different payment methods?

Yes. Mobile Top-Up has its own checkout and available methods can differ from phone numbers, credits, eSIMs or other services.

Can payment methods change?

Yes. Available payment methods can change without notice because of provider, platform, country, product or operational requirements.

Are prices inclusive of taxes?

Yes. The displayed SimBuster transaction price is inclusive of applicable taxes for the transaction as presented.

Can my bank still charge me an extra fee?

Yes. Your bank can independently apply foreign-exchange, foreign transaction or other card fees.

What currency will I be charged in?

Use the currency shown in checkout. If the required currency is not supported, the transaction can be charged in USD.

Why did my bank convert a USD charge to GBP or another currency?

Your bank converts the USD transaction into your account currency and can use its own exchange rate or FX fee.

What is Call Credit?

Call Credit pays for supported outgoing calls, eligible PSTN forwarding and other chargeable call usage.

What is the low Call Credit announcement?

It is a spoken warning that your available Call Credit is running low during supported calling. Add credit if you need the call to continue reliably.

Does the low-balance announcement automatically buy more credit?

No.

What is SMS Credit?

SMS Credit pays for supported outgoing SMS messages.

What is Speech Credit?

Speech Credit pays for supported generated speech such as Receptionist greetings and IVR prompts.

What are Buster Minutes?

Buster Minutes are used for supported live AI Assistant call handling.

Is Speech Credit the same as Buster Minutes?

No. Speech Credit is for generated fixed audio; Buster Minutes are for live AI conversations.

Can I move credit from one balance to another?

Normally no. The balances are separate.

Can I use Call Credit to send SMS?

No. Use SMS Credit for supported outgoing SMS.

Can I use Speech Credit for AI Assistant calls?

No. Live AI call handling uses the relevant AI allowance or Buster Minutes.

Can I use Buster Minutes for ordinary outgoing calls?

No. Ordinary calling uses the applicable Call Credit or Calling Plan.

What are Calling Plans?

Calling Plans provide the included usage or pricing shown for eligible destinations for the plan period.

Can a plan auto-renew?

Where Auto Renew is offered and enabled, SimBuster can attempt renewal according to the service terms.

Does Auto Renew guarantee renewal?

No. Payment or other service conditions can still cause the renewal to fail.

Can I turn Auto Renew off?

Yes, where the service provides an Auto Renew setting. For store subscriptions, use the applicable Apple or Google subscription controls.

Why is an Apple or Google in-app purchase sometimes more expensive?

Required in-app purchases can include an additional amount to account for Apple or Google’s platform commission and billing structure.

Is the Apple or Google commission a tax?

No. It is a platform commission or store fee. Applicable taxes are already included in the displayed transaction price.

Are SMS Credit purchases refundable?

No. SMS Credit is non-refundable.

Are Speech Credit purchases refundable?

No. Speech Credit is non-refundable.

Can I return a phone number?

A purchased number can only be returned within 24 hours when there has been no call or SMS usage, subject to the applicable return process.

Can I use a phone number for OTP and return it if the OTP fails?

Do not buy SimBuster numbers on that basis. Third-party OTP acceptance is not guaranteed, and call or SMS usage also affects the unused-number return rule.

Does SimBuster guarantee OTP or verification-code acceptance?

No. Third-party services decide which number types and ranges they accept.

Can an eSIM be refunded?

An eSIM needs to remain unused and otherwise eligible under the applicable refund rules. Do not use it if you intend to request a refund.

Can I use some eSIM data and then ask for a refund?

No. Once the eSIM has been used, it is no longer an unused eSIM purchase.

I bought the wrong eSIM. What should I do?

Do not use it. Keep the order information and contact support promptly while it remains unused.

Can I refund a Mobile Top-Up sent to the wrong number?

A successful top-up delivered to the valid number you entered cannot simply be reversed because the wrong number was entered.

Can I refund a completed top-up because I chose the wrong amount?

A successfully delivered prepaid recharge is generally irreversible once the operator has applied it.

What if a top-up is pending?

Wait for the transaction to reach a final state before sending another one.

Can promo codes work on every service?

No. Promo codes can be specific to a particular product or service.

Can an eSIM promo code work on a phone number?

Only if the promotion explicitly includes that product. Do not assume codes are interchangeable.

Can a promo code have a minimum spend?

Yes. Promotions can have minimum-spend, country, product, account or date restrictions.

Can prices and promotions change?

Yes. Use the current price and offer shown at checkout.

Are promotional credits withdrawable as cash?

Not unless the specific promotion explicitly says so. Promotional credit can have no cash value and can be subject to separate conditions.

Are Refer & Earn earnings the same as Call Credit?

No. Referral earnings are separate from telecom-service balances.

How can eligible Refer & Earn earnings be withdrawn?

Available methods can include bank payment, crypto through regulated partners or equal-value gift cards, depending on eligibility and availability.

Why are crypto withdrawals handled by a partner?

Regulated crypto and payment partners can be used to process payouts and perform required compliance checks.

Can the payout partner ask me for KYC?

Yes. A regulated bank or crypto payout provider can require identity or compliance information.

Is there a waiting period before I can withdraw referral earnings?

A minimum hold period can apply so the transactions that generated the earnings can clear chargeback, refund and reversal risk.

Is there a minimum withdrawal amount?

Yes. Minimums can apply and can vary by withdrawal method.

Can bank and crypto withdrawals have different minimums?

Yes.

Can withdrawal methods change?

Yes. Availability can vary by country, partner, currency, account and current programme rules.

Can my bank charge a fee when I receive a withdrawal?

Yes. A recipient bank can impose its own incoming-payment or FX charges.

Can crypto withdrawals have fees?

A regulated payout partner or blockchain network can apply an applicable fee.

What happens if a customer chargebacks a purchase that generated commission?

Related referral earnings can be held, adjusted or become unavailable because the underlying transaction was reversed.

Why is a withdrawal pending?

It may be waiting for the hold period, compliance review, payout-partner processing, bank validation or another withdrawal check.

What is 3D Secure?

3D Secure is an additional cardholder-authentication process used by some card issuers.

Why can 3D Secure fail?

The bank or authentication service can reject the verification even when the card details are otherwise correct.

Is Apple Pay the same as Apple in-app purchase?

No. Apple Pay is a wallet payment method. Apple App Store in-app purchase is Apple’s platform billing system for supported digital goods.

Is Google Pay the same as Google Play billing?

No. Google Pay is a wallet. Google Play billing is the app-store in-app purchase system.

Why is my bank showing a pending charge?

A card authorisation can remain pending before it completes or disappears after a failed transaction. Your bank controls how pending authorisations are displayed.

What if I was charged but received nothing?

Do not purchase again immediately. Check the payment and product status and contact support with the transaction reference if the product remains missing.

What if I bought the wrong type of credit?

Check before purchase. SimBuster balances are not interchangeable and some digital credits, including SMS Credit and Speech Credit, are non-refundable.

Related SimBuster guides

• Learn about buying, extending and automatically renewing SimBuster phone numbers

  
  Go to Phone Numbers

• Understand Call Credit, SMS usage, Calling Plans and low-balance call warnings

  
  Go to Calling & SMS

• Learn how Speech Credit is used to generate greetings and IVR prompts

  
  Go to Receptionist

• Learn how Buster Minutes and AI call plans are used for live AI conversations

  
  Go to AI Assistant

• Check eSIM compatibility, activation, data usage and unused-eSIM refund considerations

  
  Go to eSIM

• Send airtime and prepaid recharge and understand why completed top-ups can be irreversible

  
  Go to Mobile Top-Up

• Understand commissions, hold periods and available withdrawal methods

  
  Go to Refer & Earn

• Find help with failed payments, missing credits, renewals and withdrawals

  
  Go to Troubleshooting