What is a rolling reserve?
A rolling reserve is a share of each payout that a processor holds back for a set period, then releases on a rolling basis. It covers chargebacks that arrive weeks after the sale.
How it works
Reserves are often 5 to 10 percent held for 90 to 180 days. At $100,000 a month with 10 percent held for 180 days, about $60,000 sits in reserve at any time once releases begin.
Why it matters for high-risk brands
Supplement, subscription and fast-growing brands get reserves because their disputes arrive late and growth looks like risk. A clean processing history is the main argument for lowering them.
Rolling reserve: questions
Is a rolling reserve the same as a fixed reserve?
No. A fixed reserve is a set amount held once; a rolling reserve is a share of every payout, released after the holding period.
Can a rolling reserve be reduced?
Often, after several months of clean processing. Ask for a written review date.