Why Is My Crypto Withdrawal Delayed?

Last updated February 18, 2025

Withdrawing crypto from an exchange or wallet should be instant or take a few minutes, but sometimes, delays happendue to various reasons. Here’s how to troubleshoot a delayed withdrawal.

Common Reasons for Withdrawal Delays & Fixes

⏳ 1. Network Congestion

  • Blockchains like Ethereum and Bitcoin can become congested, causing delays.
  • Solution: Check the network status on a block explorer (e.g., mempool.space for Bitcoin, Etherscan for Ethereum).

💸 2. Low Transaction Fee

  • If your withdrawal fee was too low, miners may deprioritize your transaction.
  • Solution: Some wallets allow you to "Speed Up" by paying a higher fee.

🔒 3. Exchange Processing Delays

  • Some crypto exchanges manually review withdrawals, causing delays.
  • Solution: Check if your exchange has a pending withdrawal status and contact support if it’s stuck.

📄 4. KYC or Account Security Hold

  • If your account triggered a security flag (e.g., sudden large withdrawal, new device login), the platform may temporarily hold your funds.
  • Solution: Check your email for verification requests or complete additional KYC if required.

🏦 5. Bank or Payment Processor Delays (For Fiat Withdrawals)

  • If withdrawing crypto to fiat, banking partners may take 24-72 hours to process the transaction.
  • Solution: Confirm the processing time with your exchange’s support.

FAQs

  1. How long does a crypto withdrawal usually take?
  • It depends on the blockchain and exchange but typically takes 5 minutes to an hour.
  1. Can I cancel a crypto withdrawal?
  • No, once it’s processed on the blockchain, it cannot be reversed.
  1. What should I do if my withdrawal is stuck for hours?
  • Check if your exchange has a delay and contact customer support with your TXID.
  1. Why do I need KYC verification for withdrawals?
  • Exchanges require KYC to prevent fraud and comply with regulations.
  1. My withdrawal shows "Completed," but I haven't received it. What should I do?
  • Verify the TXID on a block explorer and check if your wallet supports the network you withdrew on.

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