How to remove payout delays in Stripe?

How to Remove Payout Delays in Stripe: Comprehensive Guide

 

Step 1: Understand Why Payout Delays Exist

 

Stripe implements payout delays for new accounts as a security measure. These delays typically range from 7 to 14 days for new businesses. Before attempting to remove these delays, understand that:

• Payout delays help Stripe manage risk and prevent fraud
• The delay period varies based on your business type, location, and risk profile
• You'll need to establish a good track record before Stripe will consider removing delays

 

Step 2: Meet the Prerequisites

 

Before requesting removal of payout delays, ensure you meet these criteria:

• Your Stripe account has been active for at least 30-60 days
• You have processed a significant volume of successful transactions
• Your account has minimal or no disputes/chargebacks
• You have completed all verification steps
• Your business documentation is up to date

 

Step 3: Complete Account Verification

 

Ensure your Stripe account is fully verified:

• Log in to your Stripe Dashboard
• Navigate to Settings → Business Settings
• Check if there are any outstanding verification requirements
• Upload any requested documents (business registration, ID verification, etc.)
• Verify your bank account is properly connected and verified

 

Step 4: Check Your Current Payout Schedule

 

To view your current payout schedule:

• Go to the Stripe Dashboard
• Navigate to Balance → Payouts
• Check the "Payout schedule" section to see your current delay period

 

Step 5: Request Faster Payouts via the Dashboard

 

• Log in to your Stripe Dashboard
• Go to Settings → Payouts
• Look for an option to "Request faster payouts" or similar (if available)
• Follow the prompts to submit your request

Note: This option may not be visible if you don't meet Stripe's eligibility criteria yet.

 

Step 6: Contact Stripe Support

 

If you can't find the option in your dashboard:

• Go to https://support.stripe.com/
• Click on "Contact Support"
• Choose "Payouts" as the topic
• Explain that you'd like to request removal of payout delays
• Provide details about your processing history and business performance

 

Step 7: Programmatically Check Your Current Payout Schedule (API Method)

 

You can use the Stripe API to check your current payout schedule:

const stripe = require('stripe')('sk_test_YOUR_SECRET_KEY');

// Retrieve account details including payout schedule
async function checkPayoutSchedule() {
  try {
    const account = await stripe.accounts.retrieve();
    console.log('Payout schedule:', account.settings.payouts.schedule);
    return account.settings.payouts.schedule;
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Error retrieving account:', error);
  }
}

checkPayoutSchedule();

 

Step 8: Update Payout Schedule via API (If Eligible)

 

If you're eligible to modify your payout schedule, you can use the API:

const stripe = require('stripe')('sk_test_YOUR_SECRET_KEY');

// Update payout schedule to daily
async function updatePayoutSchedule() {
  try {
    const account = await stripe.accounts.update({
      settings: {
        payouts: {
          schedule: {
            interval: 'daily',
            delay\_days: 2  // Minimum delay days may vary
          }
        }
      }
    });
    console.log('Updated payout schedule:', account.settings.payouts.schedule);
    return account;
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Error updating payout schedule:', error);
  }
}

updatePayoutSchedule();

Note: If you're not eligible to reduce delay days, this request will be rejected by Stripe.

 

Step 9: Monitor Account Health

 

To improve your chances of getting payout delays removed:

• Maintain a low dispute rate (under 0.75% is ideal)
• Resolve customer issues promptly
• Process consistent transaction volumes
• Implement fraud prevention measures

You can monitor these metrics in your Stripe Dashboard under "Radar" and "Disputes" sections.

 

Step 10: Create an Instant Payout (For Urgent Needs)

 

If you need funds urgently while waiting for payout delays to be removed:

• Go to Payouts in your Stripe Dashboard
• Click "Create an instant payout" (if available for your account)
• Select the amount and destination
• Confirm the instant payout (note: fees will apply)

Or programmatically:

const stripe = require('stripe')('sk_test_YOUR_SECRET_KEY');

async function createInstantPayout(amount) {
  try {
    const payout = await stripe.payouts.create({
      amount: amount, // Amount in cents
      currency: 'usd',
      method: 'instant'
    });
    console.log('Instant payout created:', payout);
    return payout;
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Error creating instant payout:', error);
  }
}

// Create a $100 instant payout
createInstantPayout(10000);

 

Step 11: Consider Stripe Express or Custom Connect

 

If you're using Stripe Connect, different account types have different payout schedules:

• Express accounts may have more flexible payout options
• Custom Connect accounts allow you to control payout timing

To set up a Custom Connect account with custom payout timing:

const stripe = require('stripe')('sk_test_YOUR_SECRET_KEY');

// Create a Custom Connect account with custom payout schedule
async function createConnectAccountWithCustomPayouts() {
  try {
    const account = await stripe.accounts.create({
      type: 'custom',
      country: 'US',
      capabilities: {
        card\_payments: {requested: true},
        transfers: {requested: true}
      },
      settings: {
        payouts: {
          schedule: {
            interval: 'daily',
            delay\_days: 2
          }
        }
      }
      // Additional required fields omitted for brevity
    });
    console.log('Custom Connect account created:', account);
    return account;
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Error creating account:', error);
  }
}

createConnectAccountWithCustomPayouts();

 

Step 12: Follow Up Regularly

 

If your initial request to remove payout delays is denied:

• Wait 1-3 months while maintaining good account performance
• Follow up with Stripe support with updated performance metrics
• Provide evidence of your improved business operations
• Highlight any relevant business growth or reduced risk factors

 

Final Notes and Best Practices

 

Remember that Stripe's primary concern is risk management:

• Be patient; building trust with Stripe takes time
• Keep detailed records of all transactions and customer interactions
• Maintain transparent business practices
• Consider implementing additional fraud prevention tools
• Update your business profile whenever there are significant changes

By following these steps and maintaining a healthy account, you'll maximize your chances of having payout delays reduced or removed entirely.