Shopify Payment On Hold: How to Fix It Quickly (2026)

If your Shopify payment is on hold, it can disrupt cash flow and delay order fulfillment. This issue commonly occurs due to verification checks, policy reviews, chargeback risk, or incomplete payout details.

The good news is that most Shopify payment holds can be resolved within a few days if you follow the correct steps and submit accurate information.

This guide explains why Shopify payments go on hold, how to fix the issue fast, and how to prevent future payout delays in 2026.

What Does “Shopify Payment On Hold” Mean?

Shopify may temporarily hold payouts to protect merchants and customers while it reviews account activity. During this period:

Orders may continue processing
Customers can still place orders
Payouts to your bank are paused

Once the review is complete, payouts are usually released automatically.

Common Reasons Shopify Payments Are On Hold

Account Verification Not Completed

Missing identity or business documents
Incomplete tax information
Mismatch between store and payout details

High Chargeback or Refund Rate

Excessive refunds
Customer disputes above acceptable thresholds

Policy or Compliance Review

Products falling under restricted categories
Inaccurate product descriptions
Lack of clear refund or privacy policies

Sudden Increase in Sales Volume

Rapid spike in orders
Unusual transaction patterns

Bank Account or Payout Issues

Incorrect bank details
Unsupported bank account
Name mismatch between store and bank account

How to Fix Shopify Payment On Hold (Step-by-Step)

Follow these steps in sequence to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

Step 1: Check Shopify Admin Alerts

Settings → Payments → Shopify Payments

Look for:

Verification requests
Account review notifications
Required actions or deadlines

Ignoring these alerts can extend the payout hold.

Step 2: Complete Identity and Business Verification

Shopify may request:

Government-issued ID
Proof of business registration
Tax documents (SSN or EIN for US merchants)

Ensure that:

Documents are clear and readable
Names and addresses match exactly
Information matches your Shopify account details

Step 3: Review Store Compliance

Check your store for:

Clear refund, shipping, and privacy policies
Accurate product descriptions
Contact information (email and address)

Non-compliant stores often face longer payout holds.

Step 4: Reduce Risk During Review

While your account is under review:

Pause aggressive ad campaigns
Avoid sudden price changes
Limit refunds unless necessary
Fulfill orders on time

These actions help Shopify complete reviews faster.

Step 5: Contact Shopify Support

If the hold continues:

Go to Shopify Help Center
Choose Payments → Payout Issues
Explain the situation clearly
Upload all requested documents in one response

Most reviews are resolved within 24–72 hours, depending on account risk level.

How Long Does Shopify Payment Hold Last?

Merchant Type	Estimated Review Time
New Stores	2–5 business days
Established Stores	1–3 business days
High-Risk Categories	5–10 business days

Delays may occur if additional documents are required.

Can Shopify Permanently Hold Payments?

Permanent holds are rare. They usually happen if:

Store violates Shopify’s Acceptable Use Policy
Repeated chargebacks occur
False information is submitted

In such cases, Shopify may:

Release remaining balance after review
Disable future payouts

Best Alternatives If Shopify Payments Remain On Hold

If the issue persists, consider these options:

PayPal

Faster access to funds
Higher transaction fees

Stripe

Strong fraud detection
Requires separate verification

Third-Party Payment Gateways

Depends on country and business type
May involve additional setup

Always compare fees, payout timelines, and policies.

How to Prevent Shopify Payment Holds in the Future

Complete verification immediately after store setup
Keep chargeback rate low
Maintain transparent store policies
Monitor payout notifications regularly
Avoid restricted products

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still receive orders during a payment hold?

Yes, customers can place orders, but payouts remain paused until the review is complete.

Does Shopify hold payments for new stores?

Yes, new stores are more likely to experience temporary holds for verification.

Will Shopify notify me when the hold is removed?

Yes, you will receive a notification in your Shopify Admin and via email.

Final Summary

A Shopify payment on hold issue is usually temporary and solvable. Most merchants regain access to payouts within a few days by completing verification, maintaining compliance, and responding promptly to Shopify support.