What Are Processing Limits?
Processing limits are risk management controls required by regulators that are based on an account's current processing history - not their projected or anticipated volume.
How Limits Work
Transactions Within Limits
✅ Process automatically without delays
Transactions Above Limits
⚠️ Flagged for manual review (not automatically declined)
Straddle risk analyst reviews the transaction & requests proof of authorization from client
Client provides proof of authorization for review
Transaction releases once verified
If no proof provided, or POA was noncompliant → transaction voids
Important: Clients can still submit payments above their limits - they just need manual approval. Payment funding won't be interrupted as long as the POA is received before 7pm ET the same business day the payment was scheduled.
Factors to Consider When Setting Limits
Primary Factors
Transaction History: processing volume, frequency patterns, and seasonal trends
Industry Type: industry standards play a big role
Business Maturity: number of years your business has been in operation, its financial stability, and its growth trajectory
Financial Strength: includes factors such as revenue, cash flow, and credit profile
Secondary Factors
Customer Base: B2B clients generally receive higher limits than B2C. B2B payments authorized via a signed B2B contract hold 2 days of return risk rather than 60 days like with B2C authorizations.
Payment Timing: Same-day delivery businesses may need lower limits due to fulfillment risk
Beneficial Ownership: Clear ownership structure supports higher limits
Compliance History: Clean regulatory record enables more favorable limits
Helping Clients with Limit Increases
What Clients Need to Know:
Process at current limits first - show consistent volume for 30+ days
Maintain low return/chargeback rates
Request increases once regularly hitting ~85% of current limits OR can show consistent monthly growth that justifies increase before hitting the numbers
Provide business justification (seasonal needs, new contracts, etc.)
Common Client Questions
Q: "Why can't you just set my limits to what I expect to process?" A: Limits are based on proven processing history and risk management requirements. We increase limits as clients demonstrate consistent volume.
Q: "What happens if I submit a payment above my limit?" A: The payment gets flagged for review. Once authorization proof is provided we can then release the payment. Payment funding will not be held up as long as proof of authorization is submitted before 7pm ET the day the payment is scheduled.
Q: "How do I get my limits increased?" A: Process consistently at 80% of your current limits for 30+ days, maintain good performance metrics, then request an increase.
Red Flags to Escalate
Client pushing for immediate high limits without processing history
Requests for limits far exceeding current processing patterns
Unwillingness to provide transaction authorization when flagged
Multiple limit increase requests in short timeframes
Adjustments to approved limits
Limit Increases:
✅ Consistent processing history without excessive returns/chargebacks
✅ Strong financial performance and credit profile
✅ Proper business licensing and regulatory compliance
✅ Transparent beneficial ownership and management structure
✅ Industry growth or seasonal business needs
Limit Decreases Triggered By:
❌ Elevated chargeback or ACH return rates (>1% threshold)
❌ Adverse credit events or financial deterioration
❌ Regulatory actions or license suspensions
❌ Beneficial ownership changes without proper notification
❌ Suspicious activity or potential fraud indicators
Submit Requests
Email: [email protected] for review
Processing limits are not arbitrary restrictions but rather essential risk management tools required by our regulatory framework and business model. They protect Straddle, our banking partners, and the broader payments ecosystem while enabling responsible client growth.