Writing a terms and conditions page can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.
A well-crafted terms page isn’t just legal boilerplate—it protects your business, reduces chargebacks, and builds trust with users.
This guide breaks down what you need to include and why it matters.
Why a Good Terms Page Matters
A well written terms page offers tangible benefits:
- Fewer refunds and chargebacks
- Higher chances of the banks siding with you for chargeback cases.
- Lower risk of lawsuits from disgruntled users
Contrary to popular belief, your terms page doesn’t need to be full of legal jargon. The best ones are easy to read and clearly outline expectations.
Who Reads Your Terms?
Your terms page will be reviewed by three main groups, in order of importance:
- Your users – Some users will read the terms before signing up, especially those hesitant to commit.
- Banks – If a user files a chargeback, banks will check your terms for a refund policy.
- Lawyers – If someone wants to file a legal claim, they’ll look at your terms to assess their options.
Writing Terms for Your SaaS Business
Start by writing your terms for your users. Include key sections like refunds, acceptable usage, and cancellations. Then, add sections for legal protection, like liability clauses and AI-generated content disclaimers if applicable.
Sections to Include in Your Terms
There is no strict rule about what sections you need to include. Here's a list of the most common sections found in terms pages. Feel free to add your own.
Definitions
Clarify important terms used throughout the document. This can go at the beginning or end.
About Your Business
Not required, but helpful. A short description of your business makes it easier for third parties to understand what you do.
General Rules
Lay out basic guidelines for users, such as:
- Signing up with a valid email
- Providing accurate personal information
- Prohibiting impersonation or abuse
- Banning illegal content like child pornography
Refund Policy
This is one of the most-read sections. Place it near the top for easy access.
Explain if you offer refunds and under what conditions. Contrary to popular belief, you are not legally required to offer refunds, but you must clearly state your policy upfront.
Cancellation Policy
Specify what happens when:
- A user deletes their account
- An account is terminated for violating your rules
Clarify how long user data will be retained after cancellation.
Liability Clause
This is for legal protection. If a user loses money or business due to your SaaS, can they sue you? If not, this section should explicitly state that your business is not liable for damages.
AI-Generated Content (Optional)
If your SaaS uses AI, include a disclaimer that AI-generated content may be unpredictable and that you are not liable for its outputs.
Affiliate Terms (Optional)
If you run an affiliate program, consider having a separate terms page for affiliates. If you include it in your main terms, clarify:
- Cookie duration
- Payment timeline
- Minimum payout threshold
- Prohibited promotional tactics, like bidding on your brand’s search terms
Examples of Well-Written Terms Pages
You don’t need heavy legal language to have an effective terms page. The best ones are clear and readable.
One of my favorite examples is Harvest’s Terms & Privacy Policy:
Swipekit also has a well-structured terms page worth checking out.
Closing Thoughts
Use this guide as a baseline, but consult a lawyer if needed. A good terms page can protect your business and make expectations clear for users, banks, and legal entities.
Taking the time to write clear, readable terms can save you a lot of trouble in the long run.