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Susu is a mobile app that digitizes rotating savings circles. It allows groups of friends, family, or community members to pool their money together and take turns receiving the full amount. It's a modern take on a tradition practiced in many cultures around the world.

Download the app, create an account, and tap "Create Circle." You'll set the contribution amount, frequency (weekly, monthly, etc.), and maximum number of members. Then invite your friends to join using a unique invite code or link.

You can join a circle by entering an invite code or clicking an invite link shared by the circle organizer. Once approved by the organizer, you'll become a member and can start contributing.

Susu is free to download and create circles. There's a flat platform fee of $3 per period for integrated payments ($2 for manual tracking). Payment processing fees apply separately. See our Pricing page for details.

We accept bank transfers (ACH in the US, SEPA in the EU, Bacs in the UK), debit cards, credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Bank transfers have the lowest fees and are recommended for regular contributions.

Payouts are sent directly to your linked bank account via Stripe. You'll need to complete identity verification (KYC) and connect a bank account through Stripe Connect before receiving your first payout.

Standard payouts typically arrive within 2-3 business days. First-time recipients may have a 30-day hold period for security purposes.

We send automated reminders before payments are due. If a payment is missed, the organizer is notified and can take action. Auto-pay helps prevent missed payments altogether.

No! Recipients receive the full payout amount with no deductions. The platform fee is paid by all members as part of their contribution (integrated payments) or charged separately at the start of each period (manual tracking).

Yes. All payments are processed securely through Stripe, a leading payment processor used by millions of businesses. Contributions are collected and distributed directly through Stripe—we never have direct access to your money.

KYC (Know Your Customer) verification confirms your identity before you can receive payouts. This protects all circle members and is required by financial regulations. The process is quick and handled securely through Stripe Identity.

We use bank-level encryption (256-bit) for all data. Your information is stored securely and never sold to third parties. See our Privacy Policy for full details.

Rotating circles have members take turns receiving payouts. Target circles save toward a specific goal amount. Community Funds are ongoing pools for community needs. Each type suits different savings goals.

You can request to leave a circle, but approval depends on your contribution status and circle rules. Generally, you must be current on contributions and may need organizer approval.

If a circle is cancelled, all collected contributions are refunded back to contributors proportionally. The organizer initiates cancellation, and the refund process is handled automatically.

Share your unique referral link with friends. When they sign up using your link and complete qualifying activity (receiving $100 in total payouts within 12 months), you'll earn a $15 bonus. Find your referral link in the app under Profile → Invite Friends.

A valid referral is someone who: (1) signs up using your unique referral link, (2) has never been referred before, (3) is not referring you back (circular referrals aren't allowed), and (4) completes $100 in cumulative payouts within 12 months of signing up.

You'll receive your bonus once your referred friend qualifies (meaning they've received at least $100 in total payouts from their circles). This usually happens after they complete a few successful rounds in a rotating circle. The bonus is paid to your connected Stripe account.

Open the app, go to your Profile tab, and tap "Invite Friends." You can copy your unique link to share anywhere, or use the Share button to send it directly via text, email, WhatsApp, or social media.

No! You can refer as many friends as you like. Each qualified referral earns you $15, with no cap on total earnings.

Your bonus is paid when your friend qualifies by receiving $100 in total payouts. This can take time depending on their circle activity. You can track your referrals' progress in the app under Profile → Invite Friends, which shows pending and qualified referrals.

Referral bonuses may be considered taxable income. If your total bonuses exceed reporting thresholds, you may receive a 1099 form. We recommend consulting a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.

Generally, no. Rotating circle payouts are typically not considered taxable income because you're receiving back pooled savings, essentially money you and others contributed. You put in what you get out, so there's no net gain to tax. However, tax situations vary, so consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.

In most cases, no. Money received from a Community Fund is typically treated as a gift from other members, not income. In the US, gifts are not taxable to the recipient. The same generally applies in the EU, though gift tax rules vary by country.

No. JoinSusu is not a registered 501(c)(3) charity, so contributions are not tax-deductible. You're saving with your community, not making charitable donations.

Possibly, if your total payouts exceed $5,000 in a calendar year. Payment processors like Stripe are required to report transactions above this threshold. However, receiving a 1099-K is just reporting; it doesn't mean you owe taxes. You'll report it on your tax return and note it as a return of pooled savings, not income.

Report the amount on your tax return (typically Schedule 1) and indicate it's a non-taxable return of pooled savings or gifts received. The net taxable amount is usually $0. If you're unsure how to file, consult a tax professional.

Similar principles apply in the EU. Rotating circle payouts are generally not taxable because you're receiving back your pooled savings. Community Fund support is typically treated as gifts between individuals. However, each EU country has different tax rules, especially regarding gift tax thresholds. We recommend consulting a local tax professional for country-specific advice.

Payment processors like Stripe report transactions above certain thresholds to tax authorities. This is required by law. However, reporting is not the same as taxation. The government receives information about transactions, but that doesn't mean those transactions are taxable. Your ROSCA payouts are typically just a return of savings, not income.

Yes. Rotating savings circles (ROSCAs) are legal and have been practiced worldwide for centuries. JoinSusu simply provides a digital platform to organize these traditional savings groups with added security, transparency, and payment automation.