Just launched your Shopify .shop and itching to see cash hit your bank? Here’s a quick FAQ on how long it might take to get your first payment:
Q: I’m new to Shopify. How long do Stripe and Shopify Payments hold customer payments before I get the money? Are there delays on first transactions?
A: Yes, there can be a bit of a delay, especially when you’re just getting started. Shopify Payments and Stripe both want to make sure you’re a real, trustworthy merchant and not someone trying to run off with a credit card they found at the gas station. So they do a little vetting upfront.
For Shopify Payments:
- First payout: Usually hits your bank in up to 7 business days. This is a one-time security buffer.
- Ongoing payouts: Typically 2-3 business days after each transaction.
For Stripe:
- First payout: Same ballpark, up to 7 days but can stretch longer if you’re in a “high-risk” niche like supplements, CBD, or digital goods.
- Ongoing payouts: 2 business days is standard in the U.S., though you can opt into different payout schedules.
Q: Any cash flow tips while waiting on payouts?
A: Absolutely. Here’s a quick run down:
- Keep a small reserve fund, at least one week’s worth of operating expenses. Think of it as your cash flow life jacket. (cash flow issues are a huge business killer)
- Plug your sales and expenses into a spreadsheet (or app like Float or QuickBooks) and see what’s coming. Surprises are for birthdays, not bank accounts.
- Push non-urgent expenses out until after your first payout clears. Additionally, keep track of when any subscription based services related to your business are charged monthly.
- Start lean and avoid blowing your budget on branding extras before you’re seeing some sales velocity.
TL;DR: First payouts = up to 7 days. After that = 2-3 days.
Keep it scrappy till the cash flows steady and happy e-com-ing!
