Why hasn't my payment been received yet?

Last updated: April 10, 2026

If a payee is telling you they haven't received a payment you sent, the steps to investigate depend on the payment method used.

ACH transfers

ACH payments typically settle within 1–3 business days for standard ACH, or the same day for same-day ACH. If the timeline has passed:

  • Confirm the bank account and routing number you used are correct. Incorrect details are the most common reason ACH payments fail or go to the wrong account.

  • Check whether the payment shows as Sent or Pending in your Meow dashboard. If it's still pending, it may still be processing.

  • If the payment shows as Sent but the recipient hasn't received it, there may be a hold or delay at the receiving bank. Ask the payee to check with their bank.

Domestic wire transfers

Domestic wires typically settle the same business day if sent before the 4:00 PM ET cut-off. If the payee hasn't received it:

  • Confirm the wire was sent before the daily cut-off. Wires sent after 4:00 PM ET are processed the next business day.

  • Verify the routing and account number used. An incorrect account number can cause the wire to be returned or misdirected.

  • Ask the payee to request an incoming wire search from their bank using the IMAD (Fedwire reference number).

Checks

Checks sent through Meow are mailed via USPS and typically arrive within 5 business days. USPS delays do occur. If it's been more than 7–10 business days, contact Meow support to investigate the status and potentially cancel and reissue.

Stablecoin Deposits

Deposits are instant, with funds appearing in your checking account as dollars during business hours.

Stablecoin Transactions

Outgoing fiat-to-USDC or USDT transfers are processed during business hours. You can also store stablecoins in your Global Account for immediate transfers anytime.

Card Payments and Refunds

Card payments can take up to 5 business days to settle into your checking account. Card refunds should process automatically, but may occasionally require manual intervention.

Invoice Payments

Invoice payments can take up to 3 business days to be received. If payment shows as completed but funds haven't arrived:

  1. Check the Activity tab on the specific invoice for payment status

  2. Verify the payment was sent to the correct virtual account number listed on the invoice

  3. Confirm the payment method used (ACH vs. card affects processing time)

International wires

International wires typically settle within 1–5 business days depending on the destination country. Delays can happen due to correspondent banking chains, local clearing requirements, or compliance reviews at the receiving bank.

If you need to investigate a missing international wire, contact support at support@meow.com with the amount, destination, and date sent.

What if the payment details were wrong?

If you sent a payment to incorrect account details, contact Meow support immediately. Depending on the payment type and timing, we may be able to initiate a recall. See What happens when I send a wire with incorrect account details? for more information.