Money transfer on hold

What it means if your transfer’s on hold

If your money transfer’s on hold, the provider has paused the payment so its compliance team can review it. These checks are required by law, mainly due to anti-money laundering (AML) and sanctions rules. These rules are meant to stop financial firms from moving money that might come from crime or that could go to people, banks, or countries under sanctions.

A hold does not equal a rejection. Most transfers under review get released once everything lines up and the provider has what it needs. Sometimes, if your transfer can’t go through, the provider gives the funds back. If you want to know more, our guide to AML checks on money transfers has further detail.

Typical reasons for a transfer to get held

Several reasons can prompt a hold. Here are some you might encounter:

• Unusual amounts or patterns: A payment that’s higher than your usual, or more frequent than before, might stand out.
• Name doesn’t match: If the transfer’s name doesn’t match your ID or the recipient’s bank account, the provider might pause to check.
• Destination risk: Some countries or recipients are in higher-risk categories.
• Sanctions screening flag: If a name, country, or bank is similar to one listed under sanctions, the provider needs to verify the match. Most of these are cleared quickly. See how sanctions affect international transfers for a closer look.
• Missing details: If information about why you’re sending the money, or about the recipient, is incomplete the transfer can be held.

Timeframe for compliance checks and what you can do

There isn’t a strict timeline for compliance reviews. Straightforward cases sometimes clear in a few hours, though reviews involving documents or sanctions concerns often need several business days. Your provider should tell you what’s happening and what they need from you, so keep an eye on your messages.

Respond quickly if the provider asks you for documents or clarification. Enter the recipient’s bank details exactly as listed on their account and explain the payment’s purpose. Keep copies of every form and message you send. Don’t share your login or authentication codes with anyone who says they’ll speed things up.

Frequently asked questions