Facing a “Shopify Payment Status Pending” issue can delay order processing and frustrate both merchants and customers. This article will guide you through the steps to resolve this issue, ensuring that your transactions are processed smoothly and without unnecessary delays. 

Read on to discover how to troubleshoot the problem and get your payment system back on track efficiently.

What is Shopify Payment Status Pending?

Shopify Payment Status “Pending” means the payment is still being processed and hasn’t been finalized. It typically occurs when the transaction is awaiting confirmation from the payment gateway or bank. 

This status can remain for a few hours to several days, depending on the payment method used. During this time, no further action is needed from your end unless it remains pending for an unusually long time. If that happens, it may be best to contact your payment provider or Shopify support for assistance.

Why your Shopify Payment is Pending?

A Shopify payment might show as “Pending” for several reasons. This status indicates that the transaction hasn’t been fully processed yet. Here are some common causes for the Pending status:

• Bank Processing Delays: Your bank or the customer’s bank may be taking extra time to process the payment.
• Payment Gateway Hold: Sometimes, the payment gateway requires additional time to verify the transaction for security reasons.
• Payment Method: Certain payment methods, like eChecks or international transactions, naturally take longer to process.
• Insufficient Funds: If there are insufficient funds in the customer’s account, the payment may remain pending until resolved.
• Verification Required: Additional identity or fraud checks might be required, causing a delay in processing.

How to Resolve Shopify Payment Issues?

To resolve Shopify payment issues, you can try one of the following methods:

1. Check Payment Method Settings

Ensure that your payment gateway is correctly set up in Shopify. Go to the Settings section, click on Payments, and verify that your gateway credentials are correct and properly connected. Any incorrect setup might block payments from processing.

2. Verify Bank Account or Credit Card Details

Double-check that your bank account or credit card information linked to Shopify is accurate and up to date. If there are issues such as expired cards or incorrect details, the payment will not be processed successfully.

3. Contact Your Payment Provider

Sometimes, the issue might be on the payment provider’s end. Reach out to your payment gateway provider (like PayPal, Stripe, or Shopify Payments) to see if they are experiencing delays or need additional verification to clear the payment.

4. Review Fraud Filters and Verification

Shopify and some payment gateways use fraud filters to protect your store. If a payment is flagged as suspicious, it may be held for verification. Ensure that your fraud detection settings aren’t overly strict, and provide any requested documentation or verification to clear the payment.

How long do payments take to appear in your account?

The time it takes for a Shopify payment to reach your account depends on several factors, primarily your payment provider and your Shopify Payments payout schedule.

• Card Payments (Generally Fast): Most credit and debit card payments process quickly, typically within 24 hours. However, there can be delays depending on the card issuer and their internal processes.
• Alternative Payment Methods (Can Take Longer): If a customer uses a method like a bank transfer or cryptocurrency, it can take longer for the funds to clear, sometimes up to 7 business days.
• Shopify Payments Payout Schedule: Shopify Payments offers various payout schedules, allowing you to receive your funds daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on your region and eligibility. You can even qualify for instant payouts in some cases!
• High-Risk Orders: Shopify Payments may place a temporary hold on funds for orders flagged as high-risk due to potential fraud concerns. This can extend the processing time while they investigate.

To determine your Shopify Payments payout schedule:

• Go to your Shopify admin.
• Click Settings > Payments.
• In the Shopify Payments section, you’ll see your current payout schedule.

Real case study of handling Shopify payment status pending

Issues:

A recent user on the Shopify Community Forum reported experiencing a pending payment status for nearly two weeks. This situation arose after multiple transactions were made through the Shopify POS system, but the payments remained unprocessed. The user expressed concern over the lack of updates and the zero payout indicated in their account.

Resolution Steps:

• Check Payout Settings: The user was advised to review their payout schedule in the Shopify admin panel to ensure it was set correctly.
• Contact Support: They were encouraged to reach out to Shopify support for a detailed investigation into their account, particularly regarding any necessary verification documents that might be causing delays.
• Patience and Monitoring: The user was informed that sometimes payments could take longer due to external factors, and they needed to wait for the payment status to change before fulfilling orders.

Ultimately, the user found that the issue resolved itself after waiting for processing on Shopify’s end, demonstrating the importance of monitoring and patience in such a situation.

FAQs

Why is my Shopify payment pending?

A pending payment usually means the funds are being processed by your payment provider (e.g., Shopify Payments, a third-party gateway). This can take a few business days, especially for alternative payment methods like cryptocurrency or bank transfers.

How long does a Shopify payment take to process?

For most card payments, processing is usually quick (within 24 hours). However, alternative payment methods or high-risk orders can take longer, sometimes up to 7 days.

Can I still fulfill an order while the payment is pending?

Yes, you can fulfill pending orders, but there’s a risk of non-payment or chargebacks, especially for high-risk orders. It’s advisable to wait for payment confirmation or carefully assess the risk before fulfilling.

My payment has been pending for a week. What should I do?

Contact your payment provider to inquire about the delay. They can provide insights into the processing status and any potential issues. If using Shopify Payments, reach out to Shopify Support.

How can I prevent payments from getting stuck in pending status?

Ensure your payment gateway is properly configured and that your account is in good standing. Clearly communicate processing times to customers and consider offering alternative payment methods for faster processing.

Conclusion

Understanding why your Shopify payment status may be “Pending” is essential for resolving delays and ensuring smooth transactions. By identifying common causes and applying the appropriate solutions, you can minimize disruptions and keep your business running efficiently.

Related Posts:

• How To Test Payment on Shopify?
• How To Change Payment Method on Shopify