Don't lose time coordinating checks and don't put your client at risk of wire fraud. Earnnest is the largest digital earnest money service in the U.S. because we make earnest deposits safe and easy.
We've made it easy to collect earnest money digitally. Here's how it works:
Start by downloading Earnnest's smartphone app from the App Store or Google Play.
If you prefer to use your computer, you can access our web-based app via app.earnnest.com.
Use the same email address to access Earnnest on your desktop or smartphone. One email address is all you need to make the most of all Earnnest has to offer.
Once you have Earnnest on your favorite device, follow the setup instructions to sign in and register for your individual account.
Search for your escrow holder
Before using Earnnest, you'll want your escrow holder to register to accept digital earnest money through our platform. We have a large, established network of escrow holders. Your favorite escrow holder may already be in our network! You can search the network by logging in and creating an account at app.earnnest.com. Then follow the steps shown below to complete your search.
If your escrow holder is already part of Earnnest’s network, you don’t need to invite them to join. You can start requesting earnest money deposits digitally.
Invite your escrow holder
If your favorite escrow holder is not in our network, you can invite them to join. To invite your escrow holder, complete our invite form. You can also invite them inside our smartphone app and web-based app. Your escrow holder will receive an invitation to register with Earnnest. Once they complete registration they'll be ready to accept earnest money deposits digitally.
If you are a broker-owner and your organization holds its own escrow, you can self register here.
Do you have the contact information of the payer?
If you do, check Yes, I have their email and follow the steps on your screen.
You can also watch a video to see how to finish your request in the smartphone app or the desktop app.
Earnnest is free for agents and escrow holders to use.
We charge a flat convenience fee of $18 to the homebuyer to transfer their funds. That is less than a typical wire and the same as a cashier's check — just more convenient.
Ready to tell clients in your network about your digital earnest money tool? Use these Marketing Resources to spread the word. You can also share our Homebuyer Resources page where buyers can learn how to complete their earnest money payment and find answers to common questions.
We've made it easy to collect earnest money digitally. Here's how it works:
Now that you've sent your earnest money request, what's next? Here's a few things you can do once your transaction is initiated.
Once your digital request is sent, your homebuyer will receive an email from Earnnest with your request. Automatic email reminders are sent to your buyer after 24 hours and 48 hours, but it’s still a good idea to let them know it’s coming so they can keep an eye out for it. If you’re using our smartphone app, you can click the Resend button inside your transaction to text the buyer.
The homebuyer will click the link in their email from Earnnest and follow the instructions to pay.
In the smartphone app, you can track the status of the request as it moves through the process from requested to deposited as shown below.
Once the homebuyer pays, a payment receipt will be generated automatically and emailed to you, the buyer, the escrow holder, and any other parties you included in the request.
When the money is deposited, a deposit receipt will automatically be sent to the buyer and escrow holder.
If you would like a proof of intent before the buyer pays, you can download it here to keep on file.
In the web-based desktop app, click Email me Proof of Intent in your property card.
In the smartphone app, access the proof of intent manually by clicking grab it on the home screen.
256-bit encryption on every transaction
Two-factor authentication at homebuyer sign in
One-time tokenized access to buyer’s funds via Plaid
We never store your homebuyer's private information.
Eliminate the risk of check and wire fraud with fully digital payments.
