> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.paywalls.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Choose a mode (Default vs Shared)

Choosing a mode defines how money flows and **can’t be changed later**. Use this decision guide to pick the right setup for your product and team.

### 60‑second decision quickstart

* **Pick Default (App‑scoped)** if you want funds to land in **your Stripe or custom rails**, need tight control over refunds, and can connect your own **model provider** (BYOK).
* **Pick Shared (Cross‑app)** if you want a **built‑in model provider** (powered by OpenRouter) with **no setup**, users to **top up once and spend across apps**, and built‑in **revenue split** that preserves your margin.

### Comparison

| Criterion                       | Default (App‑scoped wallet)                                                           | Shared (Cross‑app wallet)                                                    |
| ------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Who holds funds**             | Developer (virtual, app‑scoped balance)                                               | End user (shared wallet across apps)                                         |
| **Who pays the model provider** | **Developer** (BYOK required)                                                         | **Paywalls (built‑in) or BYOK**; end user pays from shared wallet            |
| **Provider setup**              | **Required**: connect OpenAI, Together, OpenRouter, or any OpenAI‑compatible endpoint | **Optional**: built‑in provider available with no setup; BYOK also supported |
| **End‑user authorization**      | Not required                                                                          | Required (user authorizes your paywall)                                      |
| **Top‑ups / payments**          | Your Stripe (restricted key) or custom rails; auto‑checkout link + auto‑deposit       | Hosted by Paywalls; link provided in assistant message                       |
| **Cash flow**                   | Funds settle to **your accounts** immediately                                         | Earnings accrue in your **paywall**; withdraw later                          |
| **Refunds**                     | You control refunds/credits                                                           | Refunds handled via shared wallet / platform rules                           |
| **Portability**                 | Balance usable **only** in your app                                                   | Balance usable **across** Paywalls‑enabled apps                              |
| **Model catalog**               | Whatever your BYOK provides                                                           | Full OpenRouter catalog via built‑in provider (plus BYOK if desired)         |
| **Setup time**                  | Minutes (provider + payments)                                                         | Seconds (payments hosted; provider optional)                                 |
| **Can switch later?**           | **No**                                                                                | **No**                                                                       |

### Use this if…

* **Default:** You need direct cash flow to your Stripe, custom pricing per model you contract directly, or B2B control (credits, invoices, refunds) under your policies.
* **Shared:** You want a low‑friction launch, cross‑app user wallets, and automatic provider settlement that preserves your configured margin.

### Avoid if…

* **Default:** You don’t want to manage a provider relationship or payments yourself.
* **Shared:** You need per‑customer invoice workflows under your own merchant account.

### After you choose

* **Default:** Connect a model provider (BYOK) and paste a restricted Stripe key or implement your own rails.

* **Shared:** (Optional) connect your own model provider (BYOK) or use the built‑in provider with no setup.

### Next steps

* See [Connect Stripe](/how-to-guides/connect-stripe) for Default mode payments setup.
* See [BYOK vs built‑in provider](/how-to-guides/byok-vs-built-in-provider) for provider options in both modes.
* See [Shared mode](/how-to-guides/shared-mode) for details on how Shared mode works.