Patreon’s payment processing problems create headaches for creators

The subscription platform Patreon enables people to directly support creators (game makers, streamers, authors, and more) with monthly donations. But due to processing issues, a large chunk of these payments were declined and marked as fraud. Patreon posted that it’s looking into the problem, and has suggested that people reach out directly to their subscribers — called patrons — and ask them to either use a different card or to call their bank.

Declined payments cut into creators’ monthly income, which can be disastrous if they are relying solely on their subscribers for financial support. Patreon provides steady funds for indie developers who are working on games, and other people who are working on a whole range of creative projects. It’s a valuable tool for podcasters, streamers, artists, and musicians, as well as those who are running nonprofits like The Video Game History Foundation.