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If you run a business classified as high-risk, chances are that at some point a payment service provider has asked you to set up a merchant account with a rolling reserve. While this might initially seem like an unfair or unnecessary measure, the reality is that it’s a common industry practice designed to protect all parties involved in the payment process.
In this article, we’ll explain exactly what a rolling reserve is, why acquiring banks require it, how it impacts your cash flow, and—most importantly—how to manage it strategically to maintain your business’s financial stability.
A rolling reserve is a type of financial hold applied to payments processed through your merchant account. The acquiring bank or payment service provider (PSP) withholds a percentage of each transaction (typically between 5% and 10%) for a predetermined period, usually ranging from 90 to 180 days.
Unlike other types of reserves, a rolling reserve is rotating: funds are released on a daily basis once the hold period ends. For example, if you have a 10% rolling reserve held for 90 days, each day you’ll receive the 10% from transactions processed 90 days prior.
The main purpose of a rolling reserve is to protect the acquirer from financial losses, especially in sectors exposed to high chargeback, refund, or fraud risks. When a chargeback occurs, the acquirer is often responsible for reimbursing the cardholder upfront. The rolling reserve serves as a safety net for these scenarios.
Banks and PSPs usually apply a rolling reserve to businesses with the following characteristics:
From the acquirer's perspective, the rolling reserve is a form of credit risk management, protecting them from post-transaction liabilities.
The most significant impact of a rolling reserve is on your cash flow. Since a percentage of each transaction is temporarily withheld, you’ll have less working capital available for operations, supplier payments, and business growth. For companies with tight margins or high operational costs, this can pose a real challenge.
For example, if you generate €100,000 in monthly sales and have a 10% reserve for 90 days, you’ll have €10,000 withheld each month. Over time, this could mean up to €30,000 is locked at any given point, depending on the release schedule.
No. A rolling reserve is not a fee or penalty, but a temporary hold. The withheld funds still belong to you, and unless chargebacks occur and need to be covered, those funds will be automatically released after the agreed time.
The key is understanding the timeline and planning your finances accordingly.
In some cases, yes. The percentage and duration of a rolling reserve can be negotiated with your acquiring bank or PSP—especially if:
At NextGen Payment, we help merchants negotiate better terms, including reduced or eliminated reserves over time, through tailored payment setups and risk profiling.
Here are practical steps you can take to reduce the impact of a rolling reserve on your operations:
Include the rolling reserve in your financial planning. Do not count that 5–10% as available capital in the short term. Forecast your "usable funds" and plan accordingly for payroll, inventory, and ad spend.
Having multiple merchant accounts can help balance the impact of reserves. Some providers may offer more flexible terms—or no reserve at all. NextGen Payment can help you split volume across multiple acquirers.
Implement tools like 3D Secure 2.0, IP filters, velocity checks, and customer verification systems. Lowering your chargeback ratio strengthens your case for reserve reductions.
Share updates on KPIs, customer satisfaction rates, product delivery improvements, or fraud prevention efforts. Transparency builds trust and can help renegotiate reserve terms.
Use dashboards and tools to track withheld amounts, expected release dates, and dispute trends. This makes operational planning more predictable and minimizes financial strain.
At NextGen Payment, we specialize in helping high-risk merchants across Europe access customized merchant accounts with competitive terms. We don’t just provide payment processing—we guide you through:
We understand both the financial institutions' requirements and merchants’ real-world challenges. Our team acts as your strategic ally to secure payment solutions that support your business goals.
A rolling reserve merchant account doesn’t have to be a roadblock to growth. With the right knowledge, a proactive plan, and the support of an experienced partner like NextGen Payment, you can treat reserves as a manageable part of doing business—not a threat to your liquidity.
If you’re looking for smarter merchant account options, better cash flow, and lower risk exposure, get in touch with us today. At NextGen Payment, we help high-risk merchants thrive—safely, efficiently, and with peace of mind.
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