Gnosis Pay uses two smart contract modules — Delay and Roles — to enforce secure, rule-based spending from your self-custodial wallet. These modules ensure that you stay in full control of your funds at all times.
To enable secure payments while preserving self-custody, Gnosis Pay adds two smart contract modules to your Gnosis Safe wallet when you activate your card. These modules — Delay and Roles — create a programmable security layer that governs how and when your funds can be spent.
This setup ensures your Gnosis Pay Card remains flexible for everyday use, while giving you complete control and visibility over your wallet activity.
The Delay Module: A Built-In Security Buffer
The Delay module adds a short 3-minute delay to every outgoing transaction initiated from your Gnosis Pay Safe.
Why this matters:
Double-spend protection: Prevents accidental or overlapping transactions.
Time to react: Gives you a small window to cancel or block a transaction if something looks suspicious.
This module acts as a failsafe mechanism, allowing you to intervene before any payment is finalised. You can view the documentation of this module here.
The Roles Module: Define Your Spending Rules
The Roles module allows you to specify exact conditions under which Gnosis Pay can initiate payments on your behalf. These conditions are enforced by the smart contract and can only be changed by you. You can view the documentation of this module here.
What the Roles Module controls:
Stablecoin selection: Restricts spending to a designated stablecoin (e.g. EURe).
Daily spending limit: You define how much can be spent in a 24-hour period.
Authorised recipient: Ensures payments only go to the official Gnosis Pay settlement address.
Delegated access: Gnosis Pay can initiate payments — but only under the strict permissions you’ve set.
Note: You can update your spending rules — such as daily limits — at any time directly from your wallet interface.
Ownership Hierarchy: You Stay in Control
This modular setup is fully self-custodial. Here's how the structure works:
Your Personal Wallet (EOA) → Owns the Delay Module → Which Owns the Gnosis Card Safe
Because your personal wallet controls the entire setup:
You are the only one who can remove or change the modules.
You maintain administrative control at all times.
Gnosis Pay cannot access or spend your funds outside of the permissions you define.
Why This Is Important
Together, the Delay and Roles modules ensure that your Gnosis Pay Card is not just secure, but programmable on your terms. You get the full convenience of Visa payments without giving up ownership, flexibility, or oversight.
Need Help?
To learn more about managing your Gnosis Pay Safe or adjusting spending permissions, see:
🔗 Managing Your Gnosis Card Safe
🔗 Understanding Self-Custody with Gnosis Pay
Or contact our support using the chat widget or via help@gnosispay.com.