Why Is My Deposit on Hold in QuickBooks? (Reasons & Fixes)
Why Is My Deposit on Hold in QuickBooks? (Reasons & Fixes)
Here’s what triggers a hold, how long it lasts, and the exact steps that release your money—without guesswork.
What a “deposit on hold” actually means
It’s a temporary review by QuickBooks Payments’ risk team. The purpose is to confirm the legitimacy of the transaction, your business activity, and your settlement bank before releasing funds.
Top reasons your funds are on hold
- Over limits: A transaction or batch exceeds your preset per-transaction or daily/monthly limits.
- Risky patterns: Spikes in volume, higher average tickets, many first-time buyers, or high-risk SKUs.
- Authorization noise: Several failed authorization attempts before approval.
- Verification pending: New account, ownership changes, or missing business documents.
- Bank setup issues: Settlement account not linked/verified at the time of capture.
The fast fix (step-by-step)
- Find the hold email. Check inbox and spam. Note exactly what Risk requested.
- Submit via Resolution Center. Log in to the Merchant Service Center and upload items there.
- Provide clear proof. Invoice, product/service description, proof of delivery/fulfillment, and 3–6 months of bank statements if asked.
- Verify your bank. Ensure the settlement account is active and fully verified.
- Escalate when needed. If it’s still on hold 3–5 business days after submission, request escalation to the Risk team. Ask for your case number and ETA.
How to check the status of a hold
- Sign in to the Merchant Service Center
- Open Transactions and look for Withheld in the method column
- Use the Resolution Center for open requests
Typical timeline
| Stage | What happens | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Hold placed | Risk flags the payment/batch | Immediate |
| Docs requested | Email lists required items | Same day |
| Analyst review | Risk reviews your documents | ~2 business days |
| Outcome | Release or follow-up questions | Varies |
Submitting complete, legible documents is the fastest path to release.
Prevent future holds
- Align processing limits with real volume and ticket sizes
- Keep invoices, tracking, and fulfillment proofs handy
- Notify support before large promos or spikes
- Keep business verification current; describe products clearly
FAQs
Is a hold the same as a decline?
No. A hold is a temporary review; declines are authorization failures and don’t fund.
Can I avoid all holds?
No processor can promise zero reviews, but good documentation and accurate limits dramatically reduce them.
Will contacting support help?
Yes—especially if it’s been 3–5 business days after you submitted documents. Ask to escalate to Risk and get a case number.
Tired of deposit holds?
Consider a merchant account designed for higher-risk categories with transparent underwriting, clear banking, and daily release. High Wire Payments gives you steady payouts and real support.