> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.withacclaim.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Settlement

> Understand how completed payments are transferred into your Treasury balances, including timing, processing, and availability.

Settlement is the process by which **completed payments are transferred into your Treasury balances**.

It determines when funds move from a successful payment to **available funds** that can be used for payouts, withdrawals, or FX.

***

## How settlement works

Settlement occurs after a payment has successfully completed.

1. A payment reaches a **Succeeded** state
2. The payment is processed through the underlying payment network
3. Funds are transferred and credited into your Treasury account
4. The funds become **available balance** once settlement is complete

Settlement timing depends on the payment method and network.

***

## Settlement timing

Settlement is **asynchronous** and varies by payment method.

Typical behavior:

* **Cards** — settle in batches, typically within a few business days
* **Direct debit** — may take several business days depending on the scheme
* **Local payment methods** — timing varies by country and network

During this period:

* Funds may be reflected as **pending balance**
* They are not yet available for use

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## Settlement to Treasury

Once settlement completes:

* Funds are credited to a **treasury account**
* The account currency matches the payment currency (or configured settlement currency)
* The funds move from **pending** to **available**

This makes the funds usable for:

* Payouts
* Withdrawals
* FX conversions

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## Settlement sweeps

You can configure **sweeps** to automatically move settled funds out of Treasury.

* Sweeps withdraw funds to a settlement account on a defined schedule
* Typically run daily or at configured intervals
* Apply to available balances after settlement completes

Sweeps are useful for:

* Maintaining minimal balances in Treasury
* Automating cash movement back to your operating accounts
* Simplifying treasury management

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## Processor and configuration

Settlement behavior depends on your payment processor and configuration.

Factors that may affect settlement:

* Payment method and network
* Processor settlement schedules
* Currency and region
* Funding model (e.g. prefunded vs pass-through)

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## Reconciliation implications

Settlement is a key part of reconciliation.

You should:

* Match settled payments to Treasury transactions
* Track timing differences between payment success and settlement
* Account for sweep withdrawals when reconciling balances
* Use reports and exports to verify amounts

Settlement timing differences are a common source of reconciliation gaps if not accounted for.

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## Key behaviors

* Settlement happens **after a payment succeeds**
* Funds are not immediately available upon success
* Settlement timing varies by payment method
* Funds move from **pending** to **available balance**
* Sweeps can automatically withdraw settled funds
* Settlement creates transactions in Treasury