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Why is my payment delayed?

Understanding payment processing times and what affects when money hits your account

Last updated: January 20253 min read

Quick Answer

Most payments arrive within 1-2 business days. Same-day deposits happen for Express accounts, but weekends, bank holidays, and first-time customers can cause delays up to 7 days.

Normal Processing Times

Standard Accounts

  • 1-2 business days for most payments
  • • Money arrives by end of second day
  • • Excludes weekends and bank holidays
  • • Most common setup for new businesses

Express Accounts

  • Same day for payments before 6pm
  • • Next day for later payments
  • • Available after processing history built
  • • Higher processing fees but faster money

What Causes Delays?

Weekends & Bank Holidays

Banks don't process payments on weekends or holidays. A payment taken on Friday might not arrive until Tuesday if Monday is a bank holiday.

Solution: Check the UK bank holiday calendar when expecting payments

New Stripe Account

First-time Stripe accounts can have longer holds (up to 7 days) while they verify your business and assess risk. This is normal and improves after successful payments.

Solution: Complete Stripe verification quickly and maintain good payment history

Large or Unusual Amounts

Payments significantly larger than your normal amounts may trigger additional review. For example, if you normally charge £200 but suddenly charge £2000.

Solution: Contact Stripe support if large payments are normal for your business

High-Risk Industries

Some business types (like high-value electronics repair) may have longer processing times due to higher chargeback risk.

Solution: Maintain detailed job records and customer signatures

How to Check Your Payment Status

In Toolfy:

  1. Go to Settings → Payments
  2. Click "View Stripe Dashboard"
  3. Check the "Payouts" section
  4. See exact arrival dates and amounts

Pending

Processing with bank

In Transit

On the way to your bank

Paid

Money in your account

When Should You Worry?

Contact Support If:

  • • Payment is more than 7 business days late
  • • Stripe shows "Failed" or "Returned" status
  • • Your bank account details have changed
  • • You received a dispute or chargeback notice

Normal Delays (Don't Worry):

  • • 1-3 days for new Stripe accounts
  • • Weekend/holiday delays
  • • Slightly longer for first large payment
  • • Up to 2 extra days for international banks

How to Speed Up Future Payments

Immediate Actions:

  • • Complete Stripe account verification
  • • Add business bank account (not personal)
  • • Enable instant payouts (if eligible)
  • • Keep payment amounts consistent

Long-term Improvements:

  • • Build payment history (3+ months)
  • • Maintain low dispute rates
  • • Upgrade to Stripe Express
  • • Use same business name everywhere

Still waiting for your payment?

We can check your specific payment status and help resolve any issues.

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