Understanding Delegate Approvals
Learn how DialExperts uses Solana's delegate approval mechanism to enable secure, non-custodial payments for consultations.
Think of delegate approval like giving a pre-authorization on your credit card at a hotel.
Reserve
The maximum amount is reserved, but you still own it
Use Service
Have your consultation, use only what you need
Pay Actual
Only pay for minutes used, rest is released
How It Works
1. Connect Wallet
User connects their Solana wallet to the platform
2. Calculate Cost
System calculates max spend: expert_rate × 20 minutes
3. Approve Delegate
User approves platform PDA to spend up to the calculated amount
4. Funds Reserved
Funds remain in user's wallet, just reserved for the call
5. Call Happens
User and expert have their consultation session
6. Payment Captured
Only actual minutes used are charged to user
7. Refund Remainder
Unused authorization is automatically released
8. Revoke Approval
Delegate approval is revoked after transaction
1. Connect Wallet
User connects their Solana wallet to the platform
2. Calculate Cost
System calculates max spend: expert_rate × 20 minutes
3. Approve Delegate
User approves platform PDA to spend up to the calculated amount
4. Funds Reserved
Funds remain in user's wallet, just reserved for the call
5. Call Happens
User and expert have their consultation session
6. Payment Captured
Only actual minutes used are charged to user
7. Refund Remainder
Unused authorization is automatically released
8. Revoke Approval
Delegate approval is revoked after transaction
Why Delegate Approvals?
Non-Custodial
Your funds never leave your wallet until the actual charge
Limited Spending
Platform can only spend up to the approved amount
Pay Only For Use
You're only charged for actual minutes consumed
Auto-Refund
Unused funds are automatically released after call
Your Wallet
100 USDC
Platform PDA
Can spend up to 20
Expert
Receives 12 USDC
Result: User still has 88 USDC, Expert received 12 USDC, 8 USDC approval was unused and released
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the platform take more than I approved?
No. The delegate approval sets a hard limit. The platform can only transfer up to the amount you approved, never more.
What happens if I don't use all 20 minutes?
You only pay for the minutes you use. If your call lasts 12 minutes, you're charged for 12 minutes and the rest is released.
Is my wallet safe?
Yes. Delegate approval only allows the platform to spend from your associated token account (ATA) up to the approved limit. It cannot access other tokens or SOL.
What is a PDA?
A Program Derived Address (PDA) is a special account controlled by the platform's smart contract, not by any individual. It ensures trustless payment processing.
Ready to Try It?
Experience secure, non-custodial payments powered by Solana delegate approvals. Book a consultation with an expert today.
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