Amazon’s New "DD+7" Payment Policy: What Sellers Need to Know

Selling on Amazon has always required a high degree of adaptability, but a recent shift in payment processing is catching many off guard. On March 12, 2026, Amazon officially rolled out a significant update to its Account Level Reserve policy, known as "DD+7."

If you are a seller who has noticed a sudden drop in your available payout or an unusually high balance sitting in your "Account Level Reserve," you aren't alone. This change is impacting cash flow for thousands of businesses across the platform.

What Exactly is the DD+7 Policy?

The acronym stands for "Delivery Date plus 7 days." Previously, Amazon’s standard practice often involved releasing funds shortly after an order was marked as shipped. Under the new DD+7 rule, Amazon freezes the funds from a sale until seven full days after the package is physically delivered to the customer.

According to Amazon, this buffer ensures there is enough liquidity in a seller's account to cover potential returns, claims, or fees. While the logic is based on risk management, the practical result for sellers is a significant one-time cash flow squeeze—especially during seasonal sales spikes.

Note: Amazon is transitioning sellers in waves. Keep a close eye on your Seller Central inbox for a message referencing your specific "Effective Date" for this policy.

Estimating Your Reserve

One of the most frustrating aspects of this update is that Amazon does not currently provide a dedicated report listing every specific transaction held within the reserve. To estimate your "payout window," you will need to cross-reference your All Orders or Amazon Fulfilled Shipments reports to see when items were officially marked as "Delivered."

3 Ways to Mitigate the Cash Flow Squeeze

While you cannot opt out of the DD+7 policy, you can optimize your operations to ensure the "7-day clock" starts ticking as early as possible.

1. Prioritize Speed and Carrier Performance

The countdown doesn't begin when you buy a label; it begins when the customer receives the box. If a package spends five days in transit, your funds are essentially locked for 12 days. By shipping orders the same day they are received or upgrading to faster transit times, you trigger that 7-day countdown much sooner.

2. Ensure Flawless Tracking Data

If Amazon cannot verify a delivery date—due to a missed carrier scan or an invalid tracking number—they default to a "worst-case scenario" timeline. In these instances, they may hold funds for 7 days past the maximum estimated delivery date, which can trap your capital for weeks.

• Pro Tip: Using Amazon’s "Buy Shipping" feature is the most reliable way to ensure tracking is automatically logged and verified by their system.

3. Shift More Inventory to FBA

If you currently fulfill your own orders (FBM) using standard ground shipping, your transit times are likely the biggest bottleneck to your payouts. Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) utilizes the Prime network, often delivering items in 1–2 days. This lightning-fast delivery means your 7-day waiting period starts almost immediately after the sale.

The Bottom Line

The DD+7 policy represents a fundamental shift in how Amazon sellers must manage their working capital. By focusing on delivery speed and data accuracy, you can minimize the impact on your bank account and keep your business moving forward.