> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://opentrain.ai/docs/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Payments & payouts > How AI trainers get paid through milestones, request payout, set up a payout method through OpenTrain, and download payout invoices. OpenTrain AI pays AI trainers through contract milestones. An employer funds a milestone, you complete the agreed work, and you request payout from the **Contract** tab when the milestone is ready for employer review. You need a connected payout method before OpenTrain can transfer money to you. Start setup from **Settings -> Payouts -> Add Payout Method**. Do not create a separate account on stripe.com. ## How milestone payouts work AI trainer Contract tab showing Paid and Active & Funded milestones, including the Complete & Request Payout action on an Active & Funded milestone. From the manage-job view, open **Contract**. The milestone list shows each milestone's amount, due date, and current status. **Active & Funded** means the employer has funded the milestone and the work can move forward. Finish the deliverable described in the contract and any published job instructions. Click **Complete & Request Payout** on the funded milestone. The milestone moves to **Pending approval** while the employer reviews the work. After the employer approves the milestone, OpenTrain marks it **Paid** and starts payout to your connected bank account. ## Milestone statuses | Status | What it means for you | | -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | **Active & Funded** | The employer has funded the milestone. Complete the deliverable, then use **Complete & Request Payout** when it is ready for review. | | **Pending approval** | You have requested payout. The employer needs to review and approve the completed work before payout can start. | | **Paid** | The employer approved the milestone. OpenTrain has started or completed payout to your connected bank account. | For the shared status reference, see [Milestone payments](/payments/milestones). ## Payout invoices and reports The **Reports** tab on your AI trainer dashboard lists payout records. Each row shows the invoice number, job title, amount, status, and date. Use **Payment invoice** to download the payout PDF, or **Job statement** for a job-level breakdown. AI trainer dashboard Invoices & Reports tab showing payout invoice rows, pending approval rows, and a highlighted Payment invoice button in the Receipt column for downloading a payout PDF. ## Set up your payout method Set up payouts from **Settings -> Payouts** in your AI trainer dashboard. OpenTrain uses Stripe-hosted payout setup to securely collect identity, tax, and bank details. You should not go to stripe.com and create a separate Stripe account. Go to **Settings -> Payouts**. Before setup, the tab shows an **Urgent: Set Up Your Payout Method** banner, a **No Payout Method Set** card, and an **Add Payout Method** button. OpenTrain AI Trainer Settings page with the Payouts tab selected before setup, showing the Urgent: Set Up Your Payout Method banner, the No Payout Method Set card, the country-supported confirmation row, the Add Payout Method button, and the FAQ accordions below. Click **Add Payout Method**. OpenTrain shows a confirmation modal with the country your payouts will be locked to, then redirects you to Stripe's hosted payout setup. OpenTrain AI Setup your payout method modal, showing the How it works callout, the Important: Do not create a separate Stripe account alert, the Confirm your payout country callout, and the Back to Settings and Continue buttons. Stripe asks for your country, identity details, bank account, and any required tax details on OpenTrain's behalf. OpenTrain does not handle your bank information directly. After setup, Stripe redirects you back to **Settings -> Payouts**. The tab shows your connected bank account, **Stripe Balance**, and **Connected** status when payouts are enabled. OpenTrain AI Trainer Settings -> Payouts after payout setup, showing the Stripe Balance row, the connected bank account with a Connected badge, the Go to Stripe Dashboard button, and a payout method removal button. ## If payout setup is incomplete If your payout setup is incomplete, restricted, or pending, OpenTrain cannot finish payout to your bank account. Return to **Settings -> Payouts** and use **Add Payout Method**, **Resolve Payout Requirements**, or **Go to Stripe Dashboard** to finish the missing steps. Do not try to fix OpenTrain payout setup by creating a separate Stripe account. Return to **Settings -> Payouts** and click **Add Payout Method** again. Stripe usually continues the hosted setup from where you left off or starts a fresh onboarding link. Open **Settings -> Payouts** and click **Go to Stripe Dashboard**. Complete the requested identity, bank, or tax details there. Check [Payout country availability](/payments/payout-country-availability). If your country is listed but setup still fails, see [Setting up payouts as a non-US freelancer](/payments/non-us-payout-setup) or email [support@opentrain.ai](mailto:support@opentrain.ai). ## Payout timing OpenTrain uses a daily payout schedule. After a milestone is approved and funds are released, Stripe processes the transfer to your connected bank account. Processing times vary by country and bank.