---
title: What is the difference between a responsible party and a primary contact?
description: A detailed description of the distinguishing characteristics between these two terms.
---

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# What is the difference between a responsible party and a primary contact?

A **primary contact** is the main point of communication for an organization or campaign, responsible for completing Oath's onboarding form, and connecting the account to Stripe. A primary contact needs access to key organizational details, including your EIN, bank information, and registration, to submit during setup.

A **responsible party** is someone who holds key legal and financial decision-making authority for an organization or campaign, such as a CEO, CFO, executive director, president, or treasurer. Oath requires a designated responsible party to confirm legal authorization for the account, and this individual's first and last name must appear on at least one submitted official document, such as an EIN letter, bank documentation, or registration form.

A **responsible party** and a **primary contact** can be the same individual.

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