# "Bank transfer in progress" — why you can't pay by card right now

If you paid by **ACH bank transfer** and now can't pay by card, that's expected. Handbid blocks other payment methods while a bank transfer is still processing, so you don't accidentally pay twice.

## Symptoms

You go to pay your balance and see a message telling you a **bank transfer is already in progress**. Card, Stripe Link, and a second ACH payment are all unavailable.

## Why this happens

ACH bank transfers take **3–5 business days** to settle — much longer than a card, which clears in seconds. During that window your balance still looks unpaid, even though your payment is on its way.

Before this protection existed, bidders would assume the ACH hadn't gone through, pay again by card, and end up charged twice. Someone then had to spot the duplicate and refund it.

While your ACH payment is in **Processing**, Handbid holds all other payment methods for that balance. Your money is already moving; there's nothing else to do.

## What to do

**Wait for the transfer to settle.** Once your bank completes it, your balance updates to paid and your receipt reflects it. No action needed on your part.

**If the transfer fails**, all payment methods unlock again immediately and you can pay by card, Stripe Link, or start a new bank transfer. Bank transfers fail for the usual reasons — insufficient funds, a closed account, or a mistyped account number.

## How to check your status

Open your invoice or receipt in the Handbid app or on the auction website. A bank transfer that hasn't settled yet shows as processing rather than paid.

## Still having issues?

Contact the organization running the auction, or reach Handbid Support:

- Email **service@handbid.com**
- Call **1-800-648-2656**

Have your bidder name, the auction name, and the approximate date and amount of your bank transfer ready.

## Related articles

- [Bidder payment instructions](/bidder-payment-instructions/)
- [The Handbid payment system and receiving funds](/the-handbid-payment-system-and-receiving-funds/)
- [Adding a credit card to a bidder account](/adding-a-credit-card-to-bidder-account/)
- [Contact Handbid Support](/contact-handbid-support/)