What does the term 'payout' refer to in the context of Stripe?

In the context of Stripe, the term 'payout' specifically refers to the transfer of funds to a merchant's bank account. When a customer makes a payment through Stripe, the funds are first held by Stripe until they are processed, after which they are disbursed to the merchant's designated bank account. This process is crucial as it ensures that merchants receive their earnings in a timely manner after transactions are completed. Understanding this concept is vital as it reflects how funds move in the payment ecosystem and the role that Stripe plays in facilitating these transactions.

The other choices refer to important concepts but do not accurately describe what a payout is. While refunds are related to processing returned funds, they do not represent the process of transferring earned money to a merchant's account. Transaction fees reflect the costs associated with using Stripe's services, but they are not a payout themselves. Lastly, total sales revenue indicates the overall income from sales, but it does not specifically pertain to the payout process, which is about the transfer of funds after sales.