Overview

Understanding how and when Amazon pays you is fundamental to managing cash flow as a seller. Amazon's payment system operates on a reserve-based disbursement cycle, and sellers frequently have questions about timing, negative balances, and how to read their payment reports. This reference covers the key aspects of Amazon's payment process, from disbursement schedules to account-level reserves and fee deductions.

Key Points / What Sellers Need to Know

• Payment cycle — Amazon typically disburses funds every 14 days for most sellers, though those with a longer track record may qualify for more frequent payouts, including daily disbursements.
• Account-level reserves — Amazon may hold back a portion of your earnings as a reserve to cover potential refunds, chargebacks, or A-to-z Guarantee claims, which directly affects when you receive your money.
• Negative balances — If refunds, fees, or adjustments exceed your available balance, your account can go negative, and Amazon will charge the credit card on file to recover the deficit.
• Deferred transactions — Some transactions are temporarily held before they appear in your available balance, often due to delivery confirmation requirements or other verification steps.
• Fee deductions — Referral fees, subscription fees, and FBA fees are automatically deducted from your disbursements before payment is issued.

How the Payment Cycle Works

Amazon operates on a rolling disbursement schedule rather than paying sellers immediately after each sale. When a customer places an order, the funds enter a holding period during which Amazon processes the transaction and accounts for potential returns or claims. For most Professional sellers, disbursements are initiated every 14 days from the date of your first sale. Once initiated, the transfer typically takes three to five business days to arrive in your bank account, depending on your financial institution. Sellers who have established a strong performance history and meet certain eligibility criteria may request accelerated disbursement schedules, which can provide access to funds as frequently as once per day.