payments en
Payment settlement
payments
Also called: settlement
Plain-language definition
Plain-language definition
The stage when transaction funds are transferred between financial participants.
Why it matters
Settlement timing explains why an approved payment may not yet be available for payout.
Technical detail
Settlement follows clearing and calculates net obligations before funds move among issuers, acquirers, processors, or payment accounts.
Examples
- A captured card payment settles into the connected account balance after network processing.
Related terms
Sources and review
Reviewed July 12, 2026 by [email protected]. Next review due January 11, 2027.
- Payouts — Stripe Accessed 7/11/2026
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