Free tool

Rolling Reserve Calculator

See how much of your card sales a rolling reserve holds back, when the money comes back, and what you'll actually receive each month.

Monthly card sales ($) Reserve (% of each sale) Hold period (days)

Held at its peak–

Held from each month's sales–

Releases start after–

–

Month	Paid out from sales	Released from reserve	Total you receive	Reserve balance

Estimates assume sales are spread evenly through each month (30.4 days). Your actual reserve terms, timing and fees are set in your merchant agreement.

How it works

What a rolling reserve does to your cash flow

A rolling reserve holds back a percentage of each day's sales and releases it after a set number of days. It protects the processor against future chargebacks and refunds, and it's common for high-risk merchant accounts and new businesses.

The first months

The reserve builds up

During the hold period, you receive your sales minus the reserve percentage, and the reserve balance grows.

Once it's full

Releases match what's held

After the hold period, older reserve money comes back each day, so you receive close to your full sales again.

Plan ahead

Budget for the peak

The peak balance is the cash you won't have access to. Plan inventory, payroll and ad spend around it.

Rolling reserve FAQ

What is a typical rolling reserve?

There's no single standard. The percentage and hold period depend on your industry, processing history, chargeback rate and the processor's view of risk. Use the calculator to compare different terms you're offered.

Can a reserve be reduced or removed?

Often, yes. After a period of steady processing with low chargebacks, you can ask your processor to review your reserve terms.

Is a reserve the same as a payment hold?

No. A reserve is a planned arrangement set out in your agreement. A hold is usually a temporary delay while the processor reviews activity. Read what a payment hold is and why it happens.

Does Zeyla use reserves?

Reserve terms, if any, depend on your business and are set during underwriting, and are set out in your merchant agreement. Apply in about 3 minutes to find out what applies to you.