Returned or Failed Deposits

Last updated: November 6, 2026

If your bank sends back an ACH deposit, the money isn't added to your Clear Street account, or it's taken back out if it was already showing. Until you replace the full amount, your account may be limited to closing trades and withdrawals may be rejected.

Why a deposit gets returned

Your bank decides whether to pay an ACH deposit, not Clear Street. Common reasons are:

  • There wasn't enough money in the bank account when the transfer was collected.

  • The bank account is closed, or the account details don't match.

  • Your bank blocks electronic debits from companies you haven't approved. If so, ask your bank to allow ACH debits from Clear Street.

  • The account holder told the bank they didn't authorize the transfer.

Your bank can tell you the exact reason.

How you'll find out

Our team usually messages you through Support when a deposit is returned. A return usually arrives within about 2 business days of the deposit.

An ACH deposit can't be cancelled or reversed once you submit it. If the money isn't in your bank account, the bank returns the transfer on its own.

What happens to your account

  • The deposit amount isn't available to trade or withdraw.

  • Your account may be limited to closing trades only, so you can sell or close positions but not open new ones.

  • Withdrawal requests may be rejected, even if your balance still shows funds as available.

  • If you already traded with the returned funds and the reversal leaves your account short, positions may be sold to cover the shortfall.

How to clear a restriction

  1. Check with your bank why the deposit was returned, and fix the cause first. For example, add funds to the bank account or allow ACH debits from Clear Street.

  2. If the linked bank account was the problem, relink it or link a different account in your name. See 📄 Funding Your Account .

  3. Deposit at least the full amount of the returned deposit. The new deposit has to clear before it counts. See 📄 When Deposited Funds Become Available for Trading for timing.

  4. Once the new deposit has cleared, contact Support so the team can review your account and remove the restriction.

Funds deposited by ACH can also have a withdrawal hold of 5 business days after they post. See 📄 Withdrawing Funds from Your Account .

See also