Overview

One of the most common questions new and experienced Amazon sellers alike have is when they can expect to receive their funds. Amazon operates on a regular disbursement cycle, but several factors — from account health to reserve policies — can influence when money actually lands in your bank account. This reference guide breaks down the payment timeline, what can cause delays, and how to troubleshoot missing payments.

Key Points / What Sellers Need to Know

• Payment cycle runs every 14 days — Amazon initiates disbursements on a biweekly schedule, though the exact timing depends on when your account was created and your settlement period.
• Bank transfers take up to 5 business days — After Amazon initiates a payment, it can take up to five business days for funds to appear in your bank account.
• Account-level reserves are normal — Amazon may hold back a portion of your balance as a reserve to cover potential claims, chargebacks, or refunds. This is standard practice and not necessarily a sign of a problem.
• Account health directly affects payments — Keeping your seller account in good standing is the single most important factor in preventing payment delays or holds.
• Express Payout is available for eligible sellers — Qualifying sellers can opt into Express Payout to receive transfers within 24 hours rather than the standard timeline.

How Amazon's Payment Process Works

Amazon calculates your available balance by taking your total sales revenue and subtracting fees, refunds, and any reserve amounts. The Payments Dashboard in Seller Central shows your upcoming payment date and the estimated amount you will receive. This information is also reflected in the Payments report, which is automatically updated as transactions are processed. It is worth noting that you cannot edit or modify a scheduled payment once it has been set — the disbursement will proceed as shown in your dashboard on the designated date.

Account-Level Reserves Explained

When you see an account-level reserve on your Payments report, it represents funds Amazon is holding to ensure there is enough money available to cover any outstanding claims or chargebacks. This is a routine part of selling on the platform, particularly for newer accounts or those with higher return rates. The reserve amount fluctuates based on your sales volume, claim history, and overall account performance. Over time, as your account builds a positive track record, reserve amounts generally decrease. If you believe your reserve is unusually high, reviewing your Account Health dashboard can provide insight into any underlying issues.