Static reserve

A fixed percentage of expected monthly volume held by the acquirer as a one-time deposit at the start of the merchant relationship, rather than continuously withheld from settlement. Less common than rolling reserve; sometimes used for high-risk merchants without processing history.

In practice.

A static reserve is a fixed amount parked with the acquirer, sized against your monthly volume, rather than a percentage of each settlement. Acquirers use it where exposure is lumpy, such as delayed-delivery models. It ties up capital but keeps day-to-day settlements whole, which some merchants prefer over rolling deductions.

Related terms: Rolling reserve · Hold period