These API Terms of Service ("API Terms") govern your access to and use of the Chargezen Application Programming Interfaces ("APIs"), including any associated software development kits, documentation, sample code, and tools (collectively, the "API Services").

By accessing or using the API Services, you agree to be bound by these API Terms, the Chargezen Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, Data Processing Agreement, and all applicable laws. If you are using the APIs on behalf of an organization, you represent that you have authority to bind that organization to these terms.

These API Terms supplement, and do not replace, the main Chargezen Terms of Service. In case of conflict, these API Terms prevail with respect to the API Services.

2.1 API Credentials: To access the APIs, you must obtain API credentials (API keys, tokens, or OAuth credentials) through your Chargezen account. You are solely responsible for:

• Maintaining the confidentiality of your API credentials
• All activities that occur using your credentials
• Immediately notifying Chargezen if you suspect unauthorized use
• Rotating credentials periodically as a security best practice

2.2 Account Requirements: You must have an active Chargezen account in good standing to access the APIs. API access may be suspended if your account is suspended or terminated.

2.3 No Sharing: API credentials are non-transferable. You may not sell, share, or sublicense your credentials to any third party.

You may use the API Services to:

• Build applications that integrate with Chargezen services
• Automate workflows within your own business operations
• Access and manage your own data stored in Chargezen
• Build integrations for use by your customers (if you are a Chargezen partner)
• Test and develop applications in sandbox/test environments

You must comply with all documentation, guidelines, and best practices published by Chargezen.

You may NOT use the API Services to:

• Compete: Build a product or service that substantially replicates or competes with Chargezen's core offerings
• Resell: Resell, sublicense, or redistribute API access to third parties without express written permission
• Circumvent: Circumvent rate limits, access controls, or other restrictions
• Scrape: Systematically scrape, harvest, or collect data beyond what is necessary for your application
• Abuse: Overload, disrupt, or interfere with Chargezen systems or other users
• Reverse Engineer: Reverse engineer, decompile, or attempt to derive source code from the APIs
• Malware: Distribute malware, viruses, or other harmful code through your integrations
• Illegal Activity: Use the APIs for any unlawful purpose or to process illegal content
• Data Misuse: Use data obtained through the APIs in violation of applicable privacy laws or our Privacy Policy
• Benchmark: Publish performance benchmarks without Chargezen's prior written consent

API usage is subject to rate limits and quotas based on your subscription tier. Current limits are displayed in your API dashboard and are subject to change with notice.

Rate Limit Enforcement:

• Requests exceeding rate limits will receive HTTP 429 (Too Many Requests) responses
• Implement exponential backoff when receiving rate limit errors
• Sustained violations may result in temporary or permanent API access suspension

Requesting Higher Limits: Enterprise customers may request custom rate limits by contacting api-support@chargezen.com.

6.1 Your Data: You retain all rights to data you submit through the APIs. By using the APIs, you grant Chargezen a license to process your data as necessary to provide the API Services.

6.2 Customer Data: If you access customer data through the APIs, you must:

• Comply with all applicable privacy laws (GDPR, CCPA, etc.)
• Only collect data necessary for your application's stated purpose
• Provide clear privacy notices to end users
• Honor data subject rights requests
• Implement appropriate security measures
• Delete data when no longer needed or upon request

6.3 Data Processing Agreement: If your API usage involves processing personal data of EU/EEA residents, our Data Processing Agreement applies. Contact legal@chargezen.com to execute a DPA.

You must implement and maintain appropriate security measures, including:

• Credential Security: Store API credentials securely; never expose in client-side code or public repositories
• Transport Security: Use HTTPS for all API communications; TLS 1.2+ required
• Authentication: Implement proper OAuth flows if using OAuth; do not store user passwords
• Input Validation: Validate and sanitize all inputs to prevent injection attacks
• Access Control: Implement appropriate access controls in your application
• Logging: Maintain audit logs of API usage for security monitoring
• Incident Response: Notify Chargezen immediately of any security incidents involving the APIs

8.1 Availability: Chargezen targets 99.9% API uptime. Current status and historical uptime are available at status.chargezen.com.

8.2 Maintenance: We may perform scheduled maintenance with advance notice. Emergency maintenance may occur without notice to address security or stability issues.

8.3 Support:

• Documentation: Available at chargezen.com/docs
• Community Support: Developer forums and community channels
• Email Support: api-support@chargezen.com (response within 1-2 business days)
• Priority Support: Available for Pro and Enterprise tiers

8.4 No SLA for Free Tier: Free/Trial API usage is provided without any service level commitments.

9.1 Versioning: The Chargezen API is versioned. We will maintain backward compatibility within major versions.

9.2 Deprecation Policy:

• Notice Period: We provide at least 12 months notice before deprecating a major API version
• Communication: Deprecation notices sent via email and posted in API documentation
• Migration Support: Migration guides provided for transitioning to new versions

9.3 Breaking Changes: Breaking changes in minor versions will be communicated at least 30 days in advance except for security-related changes.

9.4 Beta/Preview APIs: Beta or preview APIs may change at any time without notice and are not recommended for production use.

10.1 Chargezen IP: The APIs, documentation, and all related materials are owned by Chargezen. These API Terms grant you a limited, non-exclusive, revocable license to use the API Services solely for permitted purposes.

10.2 Your Applications: You retain all rights to applications you build using the APIs. However, you grant Chargezen a license to feature your application in our partner directory if you opt in.

10.3 Feedback: If you provide feedback or suggestions about the APIs, Chargezen may use this feedback without obligation to you.

10.4 Branding: You may use Chargezen's name and logo to indicate API integration, subject to our brand guidelines. Contact marketing@chargezen.com for approval of specific uses.

11.1 AS IS: THE API SERVICES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT.

11.2 No Guarantee: Chargezen does not guarantee that the APIs will meet your requirements or be error-free, uninterrupted, or secure.

11.3 Limitation of Liability: TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, CHARGEZEN'S LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIMS ARISING FROM THE API SERVICES IS LIMITED TO THE FEES YOU PAID FOR API ACCESS IN THE 12 MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM. CHARGEZEN IS NOT LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES.

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Chargezen and its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees) arising from:

• Your use of the API Services
• Applications you build using the APIs
• Your violation of these API Terms
• Your violation of any applicable law or third-party rights
• Data you process through the APIs

13.1 By You: You may stop using the APIs at any time. To fully terminate, revoke your API credentials through your account dashboard.

13.2 By Chargezen: We may suspend or terminate your API access immediately if:

• You violate these API Terms
• Your main Chargezen account is terminated
• Your usage threatens the security or stability of our systems
• Required by law or legal process

13.3 Effect of Termination: Upon termination, your API credentials will be revoked. You must cease all use of the APIs and delete any cached Chargezen data. Sections 10-12 survive termination.

These API Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes shall be resolved through binding arbitration in Wilmington, Delaware, in accordance with the arbitration provisions in our main Terms of Service.