Payment processing times in HoneyBook depend on how your client pays and how the payment is collected. Most card payments are deposited within 2–3 business days, while bank transfers (ACH) take longer to clear.
This article explains expected timelines, what can affect deposit speed, and how to track payments so you always know when funds will arrive.
Before you start
Processing times vary by payment type and collection method (smart file or lead form)
Business days are Monday–Friday, excluding bank holidays
All timelines are estimates and may vary slightly based on bank or card network processing
Payment processing times
Clients can pay you through smart files or lead forms. Processing times differ depending on the payment method used.
Payment type | Collection method | Estimated processing time |
“Card payments” (cardholder entered) or “Card-on-file payments” | Smart file | 2–3 business days* |
Bank transfer (ACH) | Smart file | 7–8 business days |
All payment types | Lead form | 5–7 business days |
*Payments submitted before 4:00 pm Pacific Time (PT) usually deposit after 2 business days. Payments submitted after 4:00 pm PT typically deposit after 3 business days.
📚 Tip
You can track the status of any payment by selecting Finance > Payments from the navigation menu. Learn more about tracking payments in HoneyBook.
Processing schedule examples
Payments made before 4:00 pm PT
Day paid | Transfer begins | Expected deposit day |
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday |
Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday |
Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
Thursday | Friday | Monday |
Friday | Monday | Tuesday |
Saturday or Sunday | Tuesday | Wednesday |
Payments made after 4:00 pm PT
Day paid | Transfer begins | Expected deposit day |
Monday | Wednesday | Thursday |
Tuesday | Thursday | Friday |
Wednesday | Friday | Monday |
Thursday | Monday | Tuesday |
Friday | Tuesday | Wednesday |
Saturday or Sunday | Tuesday | Wednesday |
📣 Note
Once a payment begins processing, it can’t be stopped or expedited. If your client made an error, you can issue a refund once the payment finishes processing.
How bank holidays affect payment processing
If a client submits a payment on or near a U.S. bank holiday, the deposit may take up to one additional business day to arrive. This applies to both credit card and ACH bank transfer payments, since most banks don’t process transactions on holidays.
📚 Tip
Common examples include federal holidays like New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.
Instant deposits and bank holidays
Instant deposits aren’t affected by bank holidays. When available, they typically appear in your bank account within 24 hours, and often much sooner.
Track your estimated deposit date
You can always review in HoneyBook when a payment is expected to deposit, either by:
Selecting Finance > Payments from the navigation menu, or
In the client progress view of a sent invoice or smart file
These views show the most up-to-date processing and deposit information.
Still have questions? Feel free to send us a message by clicking the Question Mark icon on any HoneyBook page. Our team is always happy to help!