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What does "Request Held" mean on a balance transfer?

Jan. 24, 2025
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3 min read
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Editor's Note

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People conducting balance transfers are often uncertain about the process, even those with plenty of credit card experience. One thing that can cause confusion is a "Request Held" status or message placed on the transfer.

This message often comes up when you've just requested a fairly large balance transfer that hasn't been approved yet. But what does it mean when your request is put on hold, and how does it affect your balance transfer status and overall credit card strategy? Keep reading to find out.

What does "Request Held" mean on a balance transfer?

After you fill out a balance transfer request, the credit card company receiving the transfer might issue the following message: "Request Held." In short, this means that your request has been put on hold. But why?

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URBAZON/GETTY IMAGES

"Request Held" messages are usually placed when the balance transfer amount exceeds the credit limit on the card the funds are being moved to. This may happen when you're attempting to transfer a large amount of debt. The receiving credit card company will flag the transfer and put your transfer request on hold while it reviews some key details, including how much money you're moving in relation to your card's credit limit.

What should I do if I get a "Request Held" message?

If a "Request Held" status results in your balance transfer being declined, you still have some options. A decline doesn't mean that you can't proceed, but you may need to initiate a new balance transfer request for a lower amount.

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D3SIGN/GETTY IMAGES

This may result in you still having a balance owing on the higher-rate credit card. If so, you may consider other avenues to pay off the amount if it cannot be included in the balance transfer. One option is to keep it where it is and continue making periodic payments. You could also look into a debt consolidation loan, if you can find one at a lower interest rate.

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Bottom line

The takeaway here is that a "Request Held" or even "Request Denied" message isn't the end of the world. Just be on the lookout for these messages when they pop up so you can take action. Also, never assume that your balance transfer request will be approved, especially for a large amount. Before you initiate a transfer, always check to make sure that your new credit limit is sufficient to accommodate the full transfer amount.

Related: Here are 3 reliable ways to pay off credit card debt

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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.