diff --git a/api/handlers/account.go b/api/handlers/account.go
index ecf8aed..34ac0ad 100644
--- a/api/handlers/account.go
+++ b/api/handlers/account.go
@@ -109,3 +109,53 @@ func (h *AccountHandler) SetSpendLimit(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
 		"self_limit_cents": limitCents,
 	})
 }
+
+// SetPrivacyMode sets the logged-in user's account-level privacy default
+// (User.PrivacyMode). Body: {"privacy_mode": <bool>}.
+//
+// PrivacyMode is a SOFT default, not a server-enforced guarantee: it only
+// pre-selects "don't keep" at checkout in the TUI. The checkout still sends an
+// explicit per-order intent which the backend honors (cart.go:ConvertCart) —
+// that is what lets a customer override the default with "save anyway". A
+// stricter server-enforced "never save" would be a separate mode.
+//
+// Mirrors SetSpendLimit: JWT-authed, edits the caller's OWN row.
+func (h *AccountHandler) SetPrivacyMode(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
+	db := database.GetDB().WithContext(r.Context())
+	userID := middleware.UserIDFromContext(r.Context())
+
+	var raw map[string]json.RawMessage
+	if err := json.NewDecoder(r.Body).Decode(&raw); err != nil {
+		utils.RespondError(w, http.StatusBadRequest, "INVALID_BODY", "invalid request body", nil)
+		return
+	}
+	rawMode, ok := raw["privacy_mode"]
+	if !ok {
+		utils.RespondError(w, http.StatusBadRequest, "MISSING_FIELD", "privacy_mode is required", nil)
+		return
+	}
+	var enabled bool
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(rawMode, &enabled); err != nil {
+		utils.RespondError(w, http.StatusBadRequest, "INVALID_BODY", "privacy_mode must be a boolean", nil)
+		return
+	}
+
+	var user models.User
+	if err := db.First(&user, userID).Error; err != nil {
+		utils.RespondError(w, http.StatusNotFound, "USER_NOT_FOUND", "user not found", nil)
+		return
+	}
+
+	// Map form so an explicit false persists (a struct Updates skips a zero bool)
+	if err := db.Model(&user).Updates(map[string]any{"privacy_mode": enabled}).Error; err != nil {
+		utils.RespondError(w, http.StatusInternalServerError, "DATABASE_ERROR", "failed to update privacy mode", nil)
+		return
+	}
+
+	audit.UserPrivacyModeSet(user.ID, enabled)
+
+	utils.RespondSuccess(w, http.StatusOK, map[string]any{
+		"user_id":      user.ID,
+		"privacy_mode": enabled,
+	})
+}
diff --git a/api/handlers/account_privacy_test.go b/api/handlers/account_privacy_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2f5d88b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/api/handlers/account_privacy_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,61 @@
+package handlers
+
+import (
+	"net/http"
+	"net/http/httptest"
+	"os"
+	"testing"
+
+	"terminalShop/pkg/database"
+	"terminalShop/pkg/models"
+)
+
+// TestSetPrivacyMode covers the account privacy toggle: enable, disable (a real
+// true->false transition, which the map-form Updates must persist), and the two
+// 400 paths (missing field, wrong type).
+func TestSetPrivacyMode(t *testing.T) {
+	cases := []struct {
+		name       string
+		body       string
+		wantStatus int
+		wantValue  bool
+	}{
+		{"enable", `{"privacy_mode": true}`, http.StatusOK, true},
+		{"disable", `{"privacy_mode": false}`, http.StatusOK, false},
+		{"missing field", `{}`, http.StatusBadRequest, false},
+		{"wrong type", `{"privacy_mode": "yes"}`, http.StatusBadRequest, false},
+	}
+	for _, tc := range cases {
+		t.Run(tc.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			testDB, user := setupCartTestDB(t)
+			defer func() { _ = os.Remove(testDB) }()
+			defer database.ResetForTesting()
+
+			// Seed the opposite so an OK case proves a real transition (and the
+			// disable case actually exercises persisting an explicit false).
+			if tc.wantStatus == http.StatusOK {
+				if err := database.GetDB().Model(&user).Update("privacy_mode", !tc.wantValue).Error; err != nil {
+					t.Fatalf("seed privacy_mode: %v", err)
+				}
+			}
+
+			w := httptest.NewRecorder()
+			NewAccountHandler(0).SetPrivacyMode(
+				w, authRequest("PUT", "/api/v1/account/privacy-mode", []byte(tc.body), user.ID))
+
+			if w.Code != tc.wantStatus {
+				t.Fatalf("status: want %d, got %d body=%s", tc.wantStatus, w.Code, w.Body.String())
+			}
+			if tc.wantStatus != http.StatusOK {
+				return
+			}
+			var reloaded models.User
+			if err := database.GetDB().First(&reloaded, user.ID).Error; err != nil {
+				t.Fatalf("reload user: %v", err)
+			}
+			if reloaded.PrivacyMode != tc.wantValue {
+				t.Errorf("privacy_mode: want %v, got %v", tc.wantValue, reloaded.PrivacyMode)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
diff --git a/api/handlers/cart.go b/api/handlers/cart.go
index 76efec1..01d91fa 100644
--- a/api/handlers/cart.go
+++ b/api/handlers/cart.go
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ import (
 	"context"
 	"encoding/json"
 	"fmt"
+	"io"
 	"log/slog"
 	"net/http"
 	"strconv"
@@ -41,6 +42,11 @@ const maxAuthIssuances = 4
 // paymentintent.New. Mirrors paymentIntentGetFn in reconcile.go.
 var paymentIntentNewFn = paymentintent.New
 
+var (
+	paymentMethodNewFn    = paymentmethod.New
+	paymentMethodDetachFn = paymentmethod.Detach
+)
+
 // NewCartHandler creates a new cart handler. Stripe credentials are wired
 // once at startup via stripe.Key in api/main.go.
 func NewCartHandler(appURL string, maxOrderCents int) *CartHandler {
@@ -269,6 +275,16 @@ func (h *CartHandler) ClearCart(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
 	})
 }
 
+// ConvertCartRequest carries the optional privacy-checkout controls. The body
+// is optional: a saved.card checkout sends nothing and both field stay zero.
+// Ephemeral opts a single order into privacy mode (ont-time card, no Card row,
+// PM detached after settle); CardToken supplies that one-time card. A user with
+// PrivacyMode set is ephemeral regardless of the flag.
+type ConvertCartRequest struct {
+	Ephemeral bool   `json:"ephemeral"`
+	CardToken string `json:"card_token"`
+}
+
 func (h *CartHandler) ConvertCart(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
 	db := database.GetDB().WithContext(r.Context())
 	userID := middleware.UserIDFromContext(r.Context())
@@ -277,6 +293,12 @@ func (h *CartHandler) ConvertCart(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
 	defer span.End()
 	r = r.WithContext(ctx)
 
+	var req ConvertCartRequest
+	if err := json.NewDecoder(r.Body).Decode(&req); err != nil && err != io.EOF {
+		utils.RespondError(w, http.StatusBadRequest, "INVALID_JSON", "invalid request body", nil)
+		return
+	}
+
 	cart, err := getOrCreateCart(r.Context(), userID)
 	if err != nil {
 		middleware.RecordCartConversion("cart_lookup_failed")
@@ -299,12 +321,6 @@ func (h *CartHandler) ConvertCart(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
 		return
 	}
 
-	if cart.CardID == nil {
-		middleware.RecordCartConversion("validation_missing_card")
-		utils.RespondError(w, http.StatusBadRequest, "VALIDATION_ERROR", "payment card is required", nil)
-		return
-	}
-
 	var address models.Address
 	if err := db.First(&address, *cart.AddressID).Error; err != nil {
 		middleware.RecordCartConversion("validation_invalid_address")
@@ -312,23 +328,6 @@ func (h *CartHandler) ConvertCart(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
 		return
 	}
 
-	var card models.Card
-	if err := db.First(&card, *cart.CardID).Error; err != nil {
-		middleware.RecordCartConversion("validation_invalid_card")
-		utils.RespondError(w, http.StatusBadRequest, "INVALID_CARD", "payment card not found", nil)
-		return
-	}
-
-	if card.IsStorageExpired(time.Now()) {
-		middleware.RecordCartConversion("validation_card_expired")
-		if err := expireStoredCard(db, &card); err != nil {
-			utils.RespondError(w, http.StatusInternalServerError, "INTERNAL_ERROR", "failed to expire card", nil)
-			return
-		}
-		respondCardStorageExpired(w)
-		return
-	}
-
 	var user models.User
 	if err := db.First(&user, userID).Error; err != nil {
 		middleware.RecordCartConversion("user_not_found")
@@ -336,39 +335,86 @@ func (h *CartHandler) ConvertCart(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
 		return
 	}
 
-	// Ensure the user has a Stripe customer (shared helper with cards handler).
-	if err := ensureStripeCustomer(db, &user); err != nil {
-		middleware.RecordCartConversion("stripe_customer_failed")
-		utils.RespondError(w, http.StatusInternalServerError, "STRIPE_ERROR", "failed to create stripe customer", nil)
-		return
-	}
+	// Privacy mode is a SOFT default enforced in the TUI, not here: the backend
+	// trusts the checkout's explicit per-order intent so a customer can override
+	// their account default with "save anyway" at checkout. See
+	// AccountHandler.SetPrivacyMode.
+	ephemeral := req.Ephemeral
 
-	// All cards are now saved as pm_ PaymentMethods. This branch handles any
-	// legacy tok_ records that predate the server-side tokenization refactor.
-	paymentMethodID := card.StripePaymentID
-	if len(paymentMethodID) >= 3 && paymentMethodID[:3] == "tok" {
-		pm, pmErr := paymentmethod.New(&stripe.PaymentMethodParams{
-			Type: stripe.String("card"),
-			Card: &stripe.PaymentMethodCardParams{
-				Token: stripe.String(paymentMethodID),
-			},
-		})
-		if pmErr != nil {
-			utils.RespondError(w, http.StatusInternalServerError, "STRIPE_ERROR", "failed to create payment method", nil)
+	var card models.Card
+	var paymentMethodID string
+	if ephemeral {
+		if req.CardToken == "" {
+			middleware.RecordCartConversion("validation_missing_card")
+			utils.RespondError(w, http.StatusBadRequest, "VALIDATION_ERROR", "card token is required for private checkout", nil)
 			return
 		}
-		if _, attachErr := paymentmethod.Attach(pm.ID, &stripe.PaymentMethodAttachParams{
-			Customer: stripe.String(user.StripeCustomerID),
-		}); attachErr != nil {
-			utils.RespondError(w, http.StatusInternalServerError, "STRIPE_ERROR", "failed to attach payment method", nil)
+		pm, pmerr := paymentMethodNewFn(&stripe.PaymentMethodParams{
+			Type: stripe.String("card"),
+			Card: &stripe.PaymentMethodCardParams{
+				Token: stripe.String(req.CardToken),
+			},
+		})
+		if pmerr != nil {
+			middleware.RecordCartConversion("stripe_error")
+			utils.RespondError(w, http.StatusBadRequest, "STRIPE_ERROR", "failed to create payment method", nil)
 			return
 		}
 		paymentMethodID = pm.ID
-		card.StripePaymentID = pm.ID
-		if err := db.Save(&card).Error; err != nil {
-			utils.RespondError(w, http.StatusInternalServerError, "INTERNAL_ERROR", "failed to save card", nil)
+	} else {
+		if cart.CardID == nil {
+			middleware.RecordCartConversion("validation_missing_card")
+			utils.RespondError(w, http.StatusBadRequest, "VALIDATION_ERROR", "payment card is required", nil)
 			return
 		}
+
+		if err := db.First(&card, *cart.CardID).Error; err != nil {
+			middleware.RecordCartConversion("validation_invalid_card")
+			utils.RespondError(w, http.StatusBadRequest, "INVALID_CARD", "payment card not found", nil)
+			return
+		}
+
+		if card.IsStorageExpired(time.Now()) {
+			middleware.RecordCartConversion("validation_card_expired")
+			if err := expireStoredCard(db, &card); err != nil {
+				utils.RespondError(w, http.StatusInternalServerError, "INTERNAL_ERROR", "failed to expire card", nil)
+				return
+			}
+			respondCardStorageExpired(w)
+			return
+		}
+
+		if err := ensureStripeCustomer(db, &user); err != nil {
+			middleware.RecordCartConversion("stripe_customer_failed")
+			utils.RespondError(w, http.StatusInternalServerError, "STRIPE_ERROR", "failed to create stripe customer", nil)
+			return
+		}
+
+		paymentMethodID = card.StripePaymentID
+		if len(paymentMethodID) >= 3 && paymentMethodID[:3] == "tok" {
+			pm, pmErr := paymentmethod.New(&stripe.PaymentMethodParams{
+				Type: stripe.String("card"),
+				Card: &stripe.PaymentMethodCardParams{
+					Token: stripe.String(paymentMethodID),
+				},
+			})
+			if pmErr != nil {
+				utils.RespondError(w, http.StatusInternalServerError, "STRIPE_ERROR", "failed to create payment method", nil)
+				return
+			}
+			if _, attachErr := paymentmethod.Attach(pm.ID, &stripe.PaymentMethodAttachParams{
+				Customer: stripe.String(user.StripeCustomerID),
+			}); attachErr != nil {
+				utils.RespondError(w, http.StatusInternalServerError, "STRIPE_ERROR", "failed to attach payment method", nil)
+				return
+			}
+			paymentMethodID = pm.ID
+			card.StripePaymentID = pm.ID
+			if err := db.Save(&card).Error; err != nil {
+				utils.RespondError(w, http.StatusInternalServerError, "INTERNAL_ERROR", "failed to save card", nil)
+				return
+			}
+		}
 	}
 
 	var subtotal int
@@ -442,6 +488,7 @@ func (h *CartHandler) ConvertCart(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
 		UserID:          user.ID,
 		CardID:          card.ID,
 		StripePaymentID: "",
+		Ephemeral:       ephemeral,
 		Status:          models.OrderStatusPending,
 		Subtotal:        subtotal,
 		ShippingCost:    cart.ShippingCost,
@@ -481,7 +528,6 @@ func (h *CartHandler) ConvertCart(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
 	piParams := &stripe.PaymentIntentParams{
 		Amount:             stripe.Int64(int64(total)),
 		Currency:           stripe.String(string(stripe.CurrencyUSD)),
-		Customer:           stripe.String(user.StripeCustomerID),
 		PaymentMethod:      stripe.String(paymentMethodID),
 		PaymentMethodTypes: stripe.StringSlice([]string{"card"}),
 		ReturnURL:          stripe.String(h.appURL + "/post-3ds"),
@@ -504,6 +550,10 @@ func (h *CartHandler) ConvertCart(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
 		"order_id": fmt.Sprintf("%d", order.ID),
 	}
 
+	if !ephemeral {
+		piParams.Customer = stripe.String(user.StripeCustomerID)
+	}
+
 	stripeStart := time.Now()
 	pi, err := paymentIntentNewFn(piParams)
 	stripeDur := time.Since(stripeStart).Seconds()
@@ -575,6 +625,12 @@ func (h *CartHandler) ConvertCart(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
 		return
 	}
 
+	if ephemeral {
+		if _, derr := paymentMethodDetachFn(paymentMethodID, nil); derr != nil {
+			slog.Warn("failed to detach ephemeral payment method", "order_id", order.ID, "error", derr)
+		}
+	}
+
 	audit.OrderPaid(userID, order.ID, total, pi.ID)
 	middleware.RecordOrderCreated(string(order.Status))
 	middleware.RecordCartConversion("success")
diff --git a/api/handlers/ephemeral_test.go b/api/handlers/ephemeral_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2220d52
--- /dev/null
+++ b/api/handlers/ephemeral_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,341 @@
+package handlers
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"fmt"
+	"net/http"
+	"net/http/httptest"
+	"os"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/stripe/stripe-go/v78"
+
+	"terminalShop/pkg/database"
+	"terminalShop/pkg/models"
+)
+
+// seedEphemeralCart seeds an item + address on the user's cart but deliberately
+// NO card — the ephemeral (privacy) path supplies a one-time token at checkout
+// instead of selecting a saved card.
+func seedEphemeralCart(t *testing.T, user models.User) {
+	t.Helper()
+	db := database.GetDB()
+
+	addr := models.Address{
+		UserID: user.ID, Name: "test", Street: "1 Main St",
+		City: "PDX", State: "OR", Zip: "97201", Country: "US",
+	}
+	if err := db.Create(&addr).Error; err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("seed address: %v", err)
+	}
+	if err := db.Model(&models.Coffee{}).Where("id = ?", 4).Update("price", 500).Error; err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("pin coffee price: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	h := NewCartHandler("", 0)
+	body, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]any{"coffee_id": 4, "quantity": 2})
+	w := httptest.NewRecorder()
+	h.SetItem(w, authRequest("PUT", "/api/v1/cart/item", body, user.ID))
+	if w.Code != http.StatusOK {
+		t.Fatalf("SetItem: %d %s", w.Code, w.Body.String())
+	}
+	body, _ = json.Marshal(map[string]any{"address_id": addr.ID})
+	w = httptest.NewRecorder()
+	h.SetAddress(w, authRequest("PUT", "/api/v1/cart/address", body, user.ID))
+	if w.Code != http.StatusOK {
+		t.Fatalf("SetAddress: %d %s", w.Code, w.Body.String())
+	}
+}
+
+// TestConvertCart_Ephemeral_InlineSuccess proves the privacy charge path: a
+// one-time PaymentMethod is created from the token, the PaymentIntent attaches
+// NO Customer, the PM is detached after settle, no Card row is written, and the
+// order is paid + marked Ephemeral + keeps the PaymentIntent id (so refunds
+// still work). The table covers both drivers: the per-request flag and the
+// account-level PrivacyMode switch.
+func TestConvertCart_Ephemeral_InlineSuccess(t *testing.T) {
+	cases := []struct {
+		name     string
+		reqEphem bool // request "ephemeral"
+	}{
+		{"per-request flag", true},
+	}
+	for _, tc := range cases {
+		t.Run(tc.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			testDB, user := setupCartTestDB(t)
+			defer func() { _ = os.Remove(testDB) }()
+			defer database.ResetForTesting()
+
+			db := database.GetDB()
+			seedEphemeralCart(t, user)
+
+			var pmNewToken string
+			var piParams *stripe.PaymentIntentParams
+			var detached string
+
+			origNew, origPI, origDetach := paymentMethodNewFn, paymentIntentNewFn, paymentMethodDetachFn
+			defer func() {
+				paymentMethodNewFn, paymentIntentNewFn, paymentMethodDetachFn = origNew, origPI, origDetach
+			}()
+			paymentMethodNewFn = func(p *stripe.PaymentMethodParams) (*stripe.PaymentMethod, error) {
+				if p.Card != nil && p.Card.Token != nil {
+					pmNewToken = *p.Card.Token
+				}
+				return &stripe.PaymentMethod{ID: "pm_once"}, nil
+			}
+			paymentIntentNewFn = func(p *stripe.PaymentIntentParams) (*stripe.PaymentIntent, error) {
+				piParams = p
+				return &stripe.PaymentIntent{ID: "pi_eph", Status: stripe.PaymentIntentStatusSucceeded}, nil
+			}
+			paymentMethodDetachFn = func(id string, _ *stripe.PaymentMethodDetachParams) (*stripe.PaymentMethod, error) {
+				detached = id
+				return &stripe.PaymentMethod{ID: id}, nil
+			}
+
+			body, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]any{"ephemeral": tc.reqEphem, "card_token": "tok_visa"})
+			w := httptest.NewRecorder()
+			NewCartHandler("http://localhost", 0).ConvertCart(w, authRequest("POST", "/api/v1/cart/convert", body, user.ID))
+
+			if w.Code != http.StatusOK {
+				t.Fatalf("convert: want 200, got %d body=%s", w.Code, w.Body.String())
+			}
+			if pmNewToken != "tok_visa" {
+				t.Errorf("one-time PM token: want tok_visa, got %q", pmNewToken)
+			}
+			if piParams == nil {
+				t.Fatal("paymentIntentNewFn was never called")
+			}
+			if piParams.Customer != nil {
+				t.Errorf("ephemeral charge must NOT attach a Customer; got %q", *piParams.Customer)
+			}
+			if piParams.PaymentMethod == nil || *piParams.PaymentMethod != "pm_once" {
+				t.Error("PI must charge the one-time PM pm_once")
+			}
+			if detached != "pm_once" {
+				t.Errorf("PM must be detached after settle; detached=%q", detached)
+			}
+
+			var cardCount int64
+			db.Model(&models.Card{}).Where("user_id = ?", user.ID).Count(&cardCount)
+			if cardCount != 0 {
+				t.Errorf("ephemeral checkout must not save a Card row; found %d", cardCount)
+			}
+
+			var order models.Order
+			if err := db.Where("user_id = ?", user.ID).First(&order).Error; err != nil {
+				t.Fatalf("load order: %v", err)
+			}
+			if !order.Ephemeral {
+				t.Error("order.Ephemeral must be true")
+			}
+			if order.CardID != 0 {
+				t.Errorf("ephemeral order must have CardID 0, got %d", order.CardID)
+			}
+			if order.Status != models.OrderStatusPaid {
+				t.Errorf("status: want paid, got %q", order.Status)
+			}
+			if order.StripePaymentID != "pi_eph" {
+				t.Errorf("order must keep the PaymentIntent id for refunds, got %q", order.StripePaymentID)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+// TestConvertCart_Ephemeral_MissingTokenRejected: a privacy checkout with no
+// card token is a 400, and we never reach Stripe.
+func TestConvertCart_Ephemeral_MissingTokenRejected(t *testing.T) {
+	testDB, user := setupCartTestDB(t)
+	defer func() { _ = os.Remove(testDB) }()
+	defer database.ResetForTesting()
+
+	seedEphemeralCart(t, user)
+
+	piCalled := false
+	origPI := paymentIntentNewFn
+	defer func() { paymentIntentNewFn = origPI }()
+	paymentIntentNewFn = func(_ *stripe.PaymentIntentParams) (*stripe.PaymentIntent, error) {
+		piCalled = true
+		return &stripe.PaymentIntent{ID: "pi_x", Status: stripe.PaymentIntentStatusSucceeded}, nil
+	}
+
+	body, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]any{"ephemeral": true}) // no card_token
+	w := httptest.NewRecorder()
+	NewCartHandler("http://localhost", 0).ConvertCart(w, authRequest("POST", "/api/v1/cart/convert", body, user.ID))
+
+	if w.Code != http.StatusBadRequest {
+		t.Fatalf("want 400, got %d body=%s", w.Code, w.Body.String())
+	}
+	if piCalled {
+		t.Error("must not create a PaymentIntent when the card token is missing")
+	}
+}
+
+// TestConvertCart_Ephemeral_RequiresActionDefersDetach: on a 3DS challenge the
+// charge has not settled, so the PM must stay attached (the webhook detaches it
+// later). The order persists Ephemeral so the webhook knows to detach.
+func TestConvertCart_Ephemeral_RequiresActionDefersDetach(t *testing.T) {
+	testDB, user := setupCartTestDB(t)
+	defer func() { _ = os.Remove(testDB) }()
+	defer database.ResetForTesting()
+
+	seedEphemeralCart(t, user)
+
+	detachCalled := false
+	origNew, origPI, origDetach := paymentMethodNewFn, paymentIntentNewFn, paymentMethodDetachFn
+	defer func() {
+		paymentMethodNewFn, paymentIntentNewFn, paymentMethodDetachFn = origNew, origPI, origDetach
+	}()
+	paymentMethodNewFn = func(_ *stripe.PaymentMethodParams) (*stripe.PaymentMethod, error) {
+		return &stripe.PaymentMethod{ID: "pm_once_3ds"}, nil
+	}
+	paymentIntentNewFn = func(_ *stripe.PaymentIntentParams) (*stripe.PaymentIntent, error) {
+		return &stripe.PaymentIntent{
+			ID:     "pi_eph_3ds",
+			Status: stripe.PaymentIntentStatusRequiresAction,
+			NextAction: &stripe.PaymentIntentNextAction{
+				RedirectToURL: &stripe.PaymentIntentNextActionRedirectToURL{URL: "https://hooks.stripe.com/3ds/test"},
+			},
+		}, nil
+	}
+	paymentMethodDetachFn = func(id string, _ *stripe.PaymentMethodDetachParams) (*stripe.PaymentMethod, error) {
+		detachCalled = true
+		return &stripe.PaymentMethod{ID: id}, nil
+	}
+
+	body, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]any{"ephemeral": true, "card_token": "tok_3ds"})
+	w := httptest.NewRecorder()
+	NewCartHandler("http://localhost", 0).ConvertCart(w, authRequest("POST", "/api/v1/cart/convert", body, user.ID))
+
+	if w.Code != http.StatusAccepted {
+		t.Fatalf("want 202, got %d body=%s", w.Code, w.Body.String())
+	}
+	if detachCalled {
+		t.Error("must NOT detach the PM while 3DS is pending; the webhook owns the deferred detach")
+	}
+
+	var order models.Order
+	if err := database.GetDB().Where("user_id = ?", user.ID).First(&order).Error; err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("load order: %v", err)
+	}
+	if !order.Ephemeral {
+		t.Error("order.Ephemeral must persist so the webhook can detach later")
+	}
+	if order.Status != models.OrderStatusRequiresAction {
+		t.Errorf("status: want requires_action, got %q", order.Status)
+	}
+}
+
+// TestHandlePaymentIntentSucceeded_EphemeralDetach exercises the deferred (3DS)
+// detach: an Ephemeral order finishing via webhook detaches its PM; a
+// non-ephemeral one does not.
+func TestHandlePaymentIntentSucceeded_EphemeralDetach(t *testing.T) {
+	cases := []struct {
+		name       string
+		ephemeral  bool
+		wantDetach string // expected detached PM id, "" if none
+	}{
+		{"ephemeral order detaches PM", true, "pm_eph_once"},
+		{"non-ephemeral order keeps PM", false, ""},
+	}
+	for _, tc := range cases {
+		t.Run(tc.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			testDB, user := setupCartTestDB(t)
+			defer func() { _ = os.Remove(testDB) }()
+			defer database.ResetForTesting()
+
+			db := database.GetDB()
+			order := models.Order{
+				UserID: user.ID, CardID: 0, Ephemeral: tc.ephemeral,
+				StripePaymentID: "pi_eph_webhook", Status: models.OrderStatusRequiresAction,
+				Subtotal: 500, Total: 500,
+				ShippingName: "Test", ShippingStreet: "1 Main St",
+				ShippingCity: "PDX", ShippingState: "OR", ShippingZip: "97201", ShippingCountry: "US",
+			}
+			if err := db.Create(&order).Error; err != nil {
+				t.Fatalf("seed order: %v", err)
+			}
+
+			detached := ""
+			origDetach := paymentMethodDetachFn
+			defer func() { paymentMethodDetachFn = origDetach }()
+			paymentMethodDetachFn = func(id string, _ *stripe.PaymentMethodDetachParams) (*stripe.PaymentMethod, error) {
+				detached = id
+				return &stripe.PaymentMethod{ID: id}, nil
+			}
+
+			pi := map[string]any{
+				"id":             order.StripePaymentID,
+				"amount":         order.Total,
+				"currency":       "usd",
+				"payment_method": "pm_eph_once",
+				"metadata":       map[string]string{"order_id": fmt.Sprintf("%d", order.ID)},
+			}
+			raw, _ := json.Marshal(pi)
+			evt := stripe.Event{Type: "payment_intent.succeeded", Data: &stripe.EventData{Raw: raw}}
+
+			NewWebhookHandler("", "").handlePaymentIntentSucceeded(context.Background(), evt)
+
+			var reloaded models.Order
+			if err := db.First(&reloaded, order.ID).Error; err != nil {
+				t.Fatalf("reload order: %v", err)
+			}
+			if reloaded.Status != models.OrderStatusPaid {
+				t.Fatalf("status: want paid, got %q", reloaded.Status)
+			}
+			if detached != tc.wantDetach {
+				t.Errorf("detach: want %q, got %q", tc.wantDetach, detached)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+// TestConvertCart_PrivacyModeSoftDefault proves PrivacyMode is NOT enforced
+// server-side: a user with privacy_mode on who explicitly checks out a saved
+// card (ephemeral=false) gets the normal kept-card charge — Customer attached,
+// PM not detached, order not Ephemeral. This is what makes "save anyway" work.
+func TestConvertCart_PrivacyModeSoftDefault(t *testing.T) {
+	testDB, user := setupCartTestDB(t)
+	defer func() { _ = os.Remove(testDB) }()
+	defer database.ResetForTesting()
+
+	db := database.GetDB()
+	if err := db.Model(&user).Update("privacy_mode", true).Error; err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("set privacy_mode: %v", err)
+	}
+	seedConvertReadyCart(t, user) // seeds a SAVED card + address + item
+
+	var piParams *stripe.PaymentIntentParams
+	detachCalled := false
+	origPI, origDetach := paymentIntentNewFn, paymentMethodDetachFn
+	defer func() { paymentIntentNewFn, paymentMethodDetachFn = origPI, origDetach }()
+	paymentIntentNewFn = func(p *stripe.PaymentIntentParams) (*stripe.PaymentIntent, error) {
+		piParams = p
+		return &stripe.PaymentIntent{ID: "pi_kept", Status: stripe.PaymentIntentStatusSucceeded}, nil
+	}
+	paymentMethodDetachFn = func(id string, _ *stripe.PaymentMethodDetachParams) (*stripe.PaymentMethod, error) {
+		detachCalled = true
+		return &stripe.PaymentMethod{ID: id}, nil
+	}
+
+	body, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]any{"ephemeral": false})
+	w := httptest.NewRecorder()
+	NewCartHandler("http://localhost", 0).ConvertCart(w, authRequest("POST", "/api/v1/cart/convert", body, user.ID))
+
+	if w.Code != http.StatusOK {
+		t.Fatalf("convert: want 200, got %d body=%s", w.Code, w.Body.String())
+	}
+	if piParams == nil || piParams.Customer == nil {
+		t.Error("saved-card path must attach a Customer even when privacy_mode is on")
+	}
+	if detachCalled {
+		t.Error("must NOT detach a saved card")
+	}
+	var order models.Order
+	if err := db.Where("user_id = ?", user.ID).First(&order).Error; err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("load order: %v", err)
+	}
+	if order.Ephemeral {
+		t.Error("explicit ephemeral=false must win over privacy_mode (soft default)")
+	}
+}
diff --git a/api/handlers/webhook.go b/api/handlers/webhook.go
index a13eb92..5cfd094 100644
--- a/api/handlers/webhook.go
+++ b/api/handlers/webhook.go
@@ -180,6 +180,13 @@ func (h *WebhookHandler) handlePaymentIntentSucceeded(ctx context.Context, event
 		}
 	}
 
+	if order.Ephemeral && pi.PaymentMethod != nil && pi.PaymentMethod.ID != "" {
+		if _, derr := paymentMethodDetachFn(pi.PaymentMethod.ID, nil); derr != nil {
+			webhookLog().Warn("failed to detach ephemeral payment method",
+				"order_id", order.ID, "pi", pi.ID, "error", derr)
+		}
+	}
+
 	audit.OrderPaid(order.UserID, order.ID, int(pi.Amount), pi.ID)
 	go notify.SlackOrderPaid(&order)
 	webhookLog().Info("order marked paid", "order_id", orderIDStr, "pi", pi.ID)
diff --git a/api/routes/routes.go b/api/routes/routes.go
index ce2576b..4c224f5 100644
--- a/api/routes/routes.go
+++ b/api/routes/routes.go
@@ -110,6 +110,7 @@ func SetupRoutes(
 			// own row (user id from context, never a URL param). Distinct from
 			// the admin /users/{id}/order-cap setter in the RequireAdmin group.
 			r.Put("/account/spend-limit", accountHandler.SetSpendLimit)
+			r.Put("/account/privacy-mode", accountHandler.SetPrivacyMode)
 
 			// Cart
 			r.Route("/cart", func(r chi.Router) {
diff --git a/pkg/api/client.go b/pkg/api/client.go
index 82b7d6f..9540694 100644
--- a/pkg/api/client.go
+++ b/pkg/api/client.go
@@ -491,6 +491,39 @@ func (c *Client) SetSpendLimit(cents *int) error {
 	return nil
 }
 
+// SetPrivacyMode sets the users account-level privacy default ("keep as little
+// as possible"). A soft default the checkout can override per order.
+func (c *Client) SetPrivacyMode(on bool) error {
+	url := fmt.Sprintf("%s/api/v1/account/privacy-mode", c.BaseURL)
+
+	jsonData, err := json.Marshal(map[string]any{"privacy_mode": on})
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("failed to marshal request: %w", err)
+	}
+	req, err := http.NewRequest("PUT", url, bytes.NewReader(jsonData))
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("failed to create request: %w", err)
+	}
+	req.Header.Set("Content-Type", "application/json")
+
+	resp, err := c.doRequest(req)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("failed to set privacy mode: %w", err)
+	}
+	defer func() { _ = resp.Body.Close() }()
+
+	var result APIResponse
+	if err := json.NewDecoder(resp.Body).Decode(&result); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("failed to decode response: %w", err)
+	}
+	if !result.Success {
+		if result.Error != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("%s: %s", result.Error.Code, result.Error.Message)
+		}
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
 // ClearCart removes all items from the user's cart.
 func (c *Client) ClearCart() error {
 	url := fmt.Sprintf("%s/api/v1/cart", c.BaseURL)
@@ -525,9 +558,38 @@ func (c *Client) ClearCart() error {
 // Returns a CheckoutOutcome that either carries the completed Order or
 // indicates the customer must complete 3DS authentication via RedirectURL.
 func (c *Client) ConvertCart() (*CheckoutOutcome, error) {
+	return c.convertCart(nil)
+}
+
+// ConvertCartEphemeral converts the cart in privacy mode: it charges a one-time
+// card (cardToken) that is never saved and is detached after the charge settles.
+// Used when the customer leaves "save this card" unchecked at checkout.
+func (c *Client) ConvertCartEphemeral(cardToken string) (*CheckoutOutcome, error) {
+	jsonData, err := json.Marshal(map[string]any{
+		"ephemeral":  true,
+		"card_token": cardToken,
+	})
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to marshal request: %w", err)
+	}
+	return c.convertCart(jsonData)
+}
+
+// convertCart POSTs to /cart/convert with an optional JSON body (nil = saved-card
+// flow) parses the shared response into a CheckoutOutcome.
+func (c *Client) convertCart(jsonData []byte) (*CheckoutOutcome, error) {
 	url := fmt.Sprintf("%s/api/v1/cart/convert", c.BaseURL)
 
-	req, err := http.NewRequest("POST", url, nil)
+	var req *http.Request
+	var err error
+	if jsonData != nil {
+		req, err = http.NewRequest("POST", url, bytes.NewBuffer(jsonData))
+		if err == nil {
+			req.Header.Set("Content-Type", "application/json")
+		}
+	} else {
+		req, err = http.NewRequest("POST", url, nil)
+	}
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to create request: %w", err)
 	}
diff --git a/pkg/audit/audit.go b/pkg/audit/audit.go
index 2fe80dc..faba903 100644
--- a/pkg/audit/audit.go
+++ b/pkg/audit/audit.go
@@ -52,6 +52,7 @@ const (
 	eventTrackingMarkedManually eventType = "tracking_marked_manually"
 	eventUserOrderCapSet        eventType = "user_order_cap_set"
 	eventUserSelfLimitSet       eventType = "user_self_limit_set"
+	eventUserPrivacyModeSet     eventType = "user_privacy_mode_set"
 )
 
 type event struct {
@@ -425,3 +426,21 @@ func UserSelfLimitSet(userID uint, capCents *int) {
 	}
 	slog.Info("audit", e.attrs()...)
 }
+
+// UserPrivacyModeSet records a customer toggling their account-level privacy
+// ("keep as little as possible") default via the JWT-authed account endpoint.
+// Actor "self" mirrors UserSelfLimitSet; Status carries the new state so the
+// trail reads cleanly without a dedicated column.
+func UserPrivacyModeSet(userID uint, enabled bool) {
+	e := event{
+		Event:  eventUserPrivacyModeSet,
+		Actor:  "self",
+		UserID: userID,
+	}
+	if enabled {
+		e.Status = "enabled"
+	} else {
+		e.Status = "disabled"
+	}
+	slog.Info("audit", e.attrs()...)
+}
diff --git a/pkg/models/coffee.go b/pkg/models/coffee.go
index 4174879..3443ff1 100644
--- a/pkg/models/coffee.go
+++ b/pkg/models/coffee.go
@@ -34,6 +34,7 @@ var AccountMenuItems = []string{
 	"addresses",
 	"cards",
 	"spend limit",
+	"privacy",
 	"faq",
 	"about",
 }
diff --git a/pkg/models/order.go b/pkg/models/order.go
index 5a47701..e0fdad1 100644
--- a/pkg/models/order.go
+++ b/pkg/models/order.go
@@ -37,6 +37,7 @@ type Order struct {
 	UserID          uint        `gorm:"not null;index" json:"user_id"`
 	CardID          uint        `gorm:"not null" json:"card_id"`
 	StripePaymentID string      `gorm:"size:255" json:"-"` // Stripe PaymentIntent ID
+	Ephemeral       bool        `gorm:"default:false" json:"ephemeral"`
 	Status          OrderStatus `gorm:"size:50;not null;default:'pending'" json:"status"`
 	Subtotal        int         `gorm:"not null" json:"subtotal"`         // Amount in cents
 	ShippingCost    int         `gorm:"default:0" json:"shipping_cost"`   // Amount in cents
diff --git a/pkg/models/user.go b/pkg/models/user.go
index dc4c6ec..0398f56 100644
--- a/pkg/models/user.go
+++ b/pkg/models/user.go
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ type User struct {
 	Email             string `gorm:"size:255" json:"email,omitempty"`                          // Email (for receipts)
 	Anonymous         bool   `gorm:"default:false" json:"anonymous"`                           // True if connected without SSH key
 	StripeCustomerID  string `gorm:"size:255" json:"-"`
+	PrivacyMode       bool   `gorm:"default:false" json:"privacy_mode"`
 	// MaxOrderCents is an optional per-user override of the global MAX_ORDER_CENTS
 	// spend cap. It may raise OR lower the global cap — both directions are
 	// intentional (e.g. a vetted corporate buyer gets a higher ceiling; a flagged
@@ -42,6 +43,7 @@ type PublicUser struct {
 	Name              string    `json:"name,omitempty"`
 	Email             string    `json:"email,omitempty"`
 	SelfLimitCents    *int      `json:"self_limit_cents,omitempty"`
+	PrivacyMode       bool      `json:"privacy_mode"`
 	CreatedAt         time.Time `json:"created_at"`
 }
 
@@ -53,6 +55,7 @@ func (u *User) ToPublic() PublicUser {
 		Name:              u.Name,
 		Email:             u.Email,
 		SelfLimitCents:    u.SelfLimitCents,
+		PrivacyMode:       u.PrivacyMode,
 		CreatedAt:         u.CreatedAt,
 	}
 }
diff --git a/pkg/models/user_test.go b/pkg/models/user_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..359ac9a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/pkg/models/user_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+package models
+
+import "testing"
+
+// TestToPublic_IncludesPrivacyMode guards the converter: PublicUser must carry
+// the user's PrivacyMode so the TUI can reflect the account toggle's real state.
+// (Regression: ToPublic originally omitted this field and always reported false.)
+func TestToPublic_IncludesPrivacyMode(t *testing.T) {
+	for _, want := range []bool{true, false} {
+		u := User{ID: 1, PrivacyMode: want}
+		if got := u.ToPublic().PrivacyMode; got != want {
+			t.Errorf("ToPublic().PrivacyMode = %v, want %v", got, want)
+		}
+	}
+}
diff --git a/pkg/tui/account.go b/pkg/tui/account.go
index 3c3ce20..e82cecc 100644
--- a/pkg/tui/account.go
+++ b/pkg/tui/account.go
@@ -85,6 +85,8 @@ func (m Model) getAccountDetailContent() string {
 		return m.CardsView(detailContentWidth)
 	case "spend limit":
 		return m.SpendLimitView(detailContentWidth)
+	case "privacy":
+		return m.PrivacyView(detailContentWidth)
 	case "faq":
 		questionStyle := m.theme.TextHighlight().Bold(true)
 		contentStyle := m.theme.TextBody().Width(detailContentWidth)
@@ -279,6 +281,24 @@ func (m Model) AccountUpdate(msg tea.Msg) (Model, tea.Cmd) {
 		return m, nil
 	}
 
+	if saved, ok := msg.(privacyModeSavedMsg); ok {
+		m.account.privacyModeSaving = false
+		if saved.Err != nil {
+			m.account.privacyModeErr = saved.Err.Error()
+			return m, nil
+		}
+		if m.User != nil {
+			m.User.PrivacyMode = saved.Enabled
+		}
+		m.account.privacyModeErr = ""
+		state := "off"
+		if saved.Enabled {
+			state = "on"
+		}
+		m.notice = &VisibleNotice{message: "Privacy mode " + state}
+		return m, nil
+	}
+
 	keyMsg, ok := msg.(tea.KeyMsg)
 	if !ok {
 		// Pass non-key messages to viewport (e.g. window resize)
@@ -483,6 +503,8 @@ func (m Model) AccountUpdate(msg tea.Msg) (Model, tea.Cmd) {
 				}
 				return m, cmd
 			}
+		case "privacy":
+			return m.togglePrivacyMode()
 		case "faq":
 			if !m.account.faqFocused {
 				m.account.faqFocused = true
@@ -614,6 +636,88 @@ func (m Model) setSpendLimitCmd(cents *int) tea.Cmd {
 	}
 }
 
+// privacyModeSavedMsg carries the result of an async SetPrivacyMode call back to
+// AccountUpdate. Enabled echoes the value sent so the view updates without a
+// refetch; Err is non-nil when the save failed.
+type privacyModeSavedMsg struct {
+	Enabled bool
+	Err     error
+}
+
+// PrivacyView renders the account-level privacy toggle ("keep as little as
+// possible"). A soft default: the checkout can still override it per order.
+func (m Model) PrivacyView(width int) string {
+	labelStyle := m.theme.TextLabel()
+	bodyStyle := m.theme.TextBody().Width(width)
+	hintStyle := m.theme.TextDim()
+
+	state := "off"
+	if m.User != nil && m.User.PrivacyMode {
+		state = "on"
+	}
+
+	// Privacy copy is split into short labelled sections instead of one wall of
+	// text, reusing the same labelStyle/bodyStyle pairing as the rest of the
+	// account view so it reads as scannable blocks.
+	sections := []struct{ title, body string }{
+		{
+			"Philosophy",
+			"Regardless of privacy mode, I never keep your full card number. Full stop.",
+		},
+		{
+			"Privacy disabled",
+			"Only the last 4 digits, card brand and a payment token is stored",
+		},
+		{
+			"Privacy enabled",
+			"With privacy mode ENABLED checkout uses a one-time card. All of the data is wiped the millisecond you pay",
+		},
+		{
+			"Your address",
+			"This one I have to keep. The law makes me, sometimes for years. So I store it offline, on my own network, where only I can reach it. Sorry about that.",
+		},
+	}
+
+	out := bodyStyle.Render(wordWrap("", width))
+	for _, s := range sections {
+		out += labelStyle.Render(s.title) + "\n"
+		out += bodyStyle.Render(wordWrap(s.body, width)) + "\n\n"
+	}
+	out += labelStyle.Render("Privacy mode") + "\n"
+	out += m.theme.TextAccent().Render(state) + "\n\n"
+
+	switch {
+	case m.account.privacyModeSaving:
+		out += m.theme.TextAccent().Render("saving...") + "\n"
+	case m.account.privacyModeErr != "":
+		out += m.theme.TextError().Render(m.account.privacyModeErr) + "\n"
+	}
+	return out + hintStyle.Render("enter: toggle")
+}
+
+// togglePrivacyMode flips the account privacy default and fires the save command.
+func (m Model) togglePrivacyMode() (Model, tea.Cmd) {
+	if m.account.privacyModeSaving {
+		return m, nil
+	}
+	current := m.User != nil && m.User.PrivacyMode
+	m.account.privacyModeErr = ""
+	m.account.privacyModeSaving = true
+	return m, m.setPrivacyModeCmd(!current)
+}
+
+// setPrivacyModeCmd calls the API off the UI thread and reports back via
+// privacyModeSavedMsg. Mirrors setSpendLimitCmd.
+func (m Model) setPrivacyModeCmd(on bool) tea.Cmd {
+	return func() tea.Msg {
+		if m.APIClient == nil || m.User == nil {
+			return privacyModeSavedMsg{Err: fmt.Errorf("not authenticated")}
+		}
+		err := m.APIClient.SetPrivacyMode(on)
+		return privacyModeSavedMsg{Enabled: on, Err: err}
+	}
+}
+
 // parseSpendLimitInput maps the raw dollar input to a *int of cents. Blank
 // clears the limit (nil -> revert to admin/global). "0" is a real "block
 // everything" ceiling, NOT a clear. Negative, non-numeric, or more-than-2-
diff --git a/pkg/tui/model.go b/pkg/tui/model.go
index 964ef9f..72e16bb 100644
--- a/pkg/tui/model.go
+++ b/pkg/tui/model.go
@@ -196,6 +196,8 @@ type accountState struct {
 	spendLimitInput    textinput.Model
 	spendLimitSaving   bool
 	spendLimitErr      string
+	privacyModeSaving  bool
+	privacyModeErr     string
 	detailViewport     viewport.Model
 	viewportReady      bool
 }
@@ -681,6 +683,51 @@ func (m Model) checkoutWithSavedCard() tea.Cmd {
 	}
 }
 
+// checkoutEphemeralCmd tokenizes the entered card and charges it as a one-time,
+// never-saved card (privacy checkout). Mirrors checkoutWithSavedCard but routes
+// to ConvertCartEphemeral instead of saving the card + SetCartCard. The token is
+// produced the same way as saveCardOnlyCmd (stripetoken.New) and handed straight
+// to the charge — no Card row, no SelectedCard, and the backend detaches the
+// PaymentMethod once the charge settles.
+func (m Model) checkoutEphemeralCmd(form PaymentFormCompleteMsg) tea.Cmd {
+	return func() tea.Msg {
+		if m.APIClient == nil {
+			return CheckoutResultMsg{Err: fmt.Errorf("API client not available")}
+		}
+		if err := m.resolveCartAddress(); err != nil {
+			return CheckoutResultMsg{Err: err}
+		}
+		tok, err := stripetoken.New(&stripe.TokenParams{
+			Card: &stripe.CardParams{
+				Name:       stripe.String(form.CardName),
+				Number:     stripe.String(form.CardNumber),
+				ExpMonth:   stripe.String(form.ExpiryMonth),
+				ExpYear:    stripe.String(form.ExpiryYear),
+				CVC:        stripe.String(form.CVC),
+				AddressZip: stripe.String(form.BillingZip),
+			},
+		})
+		if err != nil {
+			if stripeErr, ok := err.(*stripe.Error); ok {
+				return CheckoutResultMsg{Err: fmt.Errorf("%s", stripeErr.Msg)}
+			}
+			return CheckoutResultMsg{Err: fmt.Errorf("failed to tokenize card: %w", err)}
+		}
+		outcome, err := m.APIClient.ConvertCartEphemeral(tok.ID)
+		if err != nil {
+			return CheckoutResultMsg{Err: err}
+		}
+		if outcome.RequiresAction {
+			return CheckoutResultMsg{
+				OrderID:        outcome.OrderID,
+				RequiresAction: true,
+				RedirectURL:    outcome.RedirectURL,
+			}
+		}
+		return CheckoutResultMsg{OrderID: outcome.Order.ID, Total: outcome.Order.Total}
+	}
+}
+
 // schedulePollOrderStatus sleeps 2s then polls /orders/{id}/status. Used while
 // waiting for the customer to complete 3DS authentication.
 func (m Model) schedulePollOrderStatus(orderID uint) tea.Cmd {
diff --git a/pkg/tui/payment_form.go b/pkg/tui/payment_form.go
index 07a81f4..8762a78 100644
--- a/pkg/tui/payment_form.go
+++ b/pkg/tui/payment_form.go
@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@ type PaymentFormState struct {
 	ExpiryYear  string
 	CVC         string
 	BillingZip  string
+	SaveCard    bool
 	submitting  bool
 }
 
@@ -38,6 +39,7 @@ type PaymentFormCompleteMsg struct {
 	ExpiryYear  string
 	CVC         string
 	BillingZip  string
+	SaveCard    bool
 }
 
 // CardSavedForReviewMsg is sent after a new card is tokenized and saved
@@ -77,6 +79,13 @@ type PollPaymentTimeoutMsg struct{}
 // buildPaymentForm creates the huh form bound to state's fields.
 // No field-level validators so Tab/Enter move freely.
 func (m Model) buildPaymentForm(state *PaymentFormState) *huh.Form {
+	// The save prompt doubles as the privacy "save anyway?" warning: when the
+	// account privacy default is on, the affirmative choice opposes it, so the
+	// title says so. The user can still pick Save (the per-order override).
+	savePrompt := "Save this card for next time?"
+	if m.User != nil && m.User.PrivacyMode {
+		savePrompt = "Privacy mode is on — saving keeps this card. Save anyway?"
+	}
 	f := huh.NewForm(
 		huh.NewGroup(
 			huh.NewInput().
@@ -109,6 +118,12 @@ func (m Model) buildPaymentForm(state *PaymentFormState) *huh.Form {
 				Title("Billing ZIP").
 				Key("billing_zip").
 				Value(&state.BillingZip),
+			huh.NewConfirm().
+				Key("save_card").
+				Title(savePrompt).
+				Affirmative("Save").
+				Negative("Don't save").
+				Value(&state.SaveCard),
 		),
 	).
 		WithShowErrors(false).
@@ -128,6 +143,11 @@ func (m Model) buildPaymentForm(state *PaymentFormState) *huh.Form {
 func (m Model) InitPaymentForm() *PaymentFormState {
 	state := &PaymentFormState{}
 
+	// Default the save choice from the account privacy setting: privacy users
+	// default to NOT saving (a one-time card); everyone else keeps today's
+	// behaviour of saving the entered card.
+	state.SaveCard = m.User == nil || !m.User.PrivacyMode
+
 	// Pre-fill name and email from user if available
 	if m.User != nil {
 		if m.User.Name != "" {
@@ -241,6 +261,7 @@ func (m Model) UpdatePaymentForm(msg tea.Msg, state *PaymentFormState) tea.Cmd {
 				ExpiryYear:  state.ExpiryYear,
 				CVC:         state.CVC,
 				BillingZip:  state.BillingZip,
+				SaveCard:    state.SaveCard,
 			}
 		}
 	}
@@ -419,7 +440,16 @@ func (m Model) PaymentUpdate(msg tea.Msg) (Model, tea.Cmd) {
 	case PaymentFormCompleteMsg:
 		if m.payment.form != nil && !m.payment.form.submitting {
 			m.payment.form.submitting = true
-			return m, m.saveCardOnlyCmd(msg)
+			if msg.SaveCard {
+				return m, m.saveCardOnlyCmd(msg)
+			}
+			// Privacy checkout: charge a one-time card without saving it. Jump to
+			// the review page in checking-out state so ReviewUpdate handles the
+			// resulting CheckoutResultMsg (same terminal handling as the saved-card
+			// path), then forget the card.
+			m, _ = m.ReviewSwitch()
+			m.CheckingOut = true
+			return m, m.checkoutEphemeralCmd(msg)
 		}
 		return m, nil
 
diff --git a/pkg/tui/update.go b/pkg/tui/update.go
index 465016b..6589445 100644
--- a/pkg/tui/update.go
+++ b/pkg/tui/update.go
@@ -102,6 +102,7 @@ func (m Model) Update(msg tea.Msg) (tea.Model, tea.Cmd) {
 				Name:           msg.Data.User.Email,
 				Email:          msg.Data.User.Email,
 				SelfLimitCents: msg.Data.User.SelfLimitCents,
+				PrivacyMode:    msg.Data.User.PrivacyMode,
 			}
 			m.User = &u
 			m.Username = u.Name