If Stripe decides your business poses a financial risk — even without a court order or formal dispute — it can freeze the money Stripe owes you for payment processing, severely impacting your business's cash flow with very limited notice or procedural protections.
Businesses using Stripe may have their payouts withheld or placed in reserve for up to 180 days based on Stripe's unilateral risk assessment, potentially disrupting cash flow with limited recourse. Stripe can terminate or suspend accounts immediately, cutting off access to payment processing and potentially funds held in reserve. You can review and negotiate reserve terms before signing, and should maintain alternative payment processing arrangements as a contingency.