Withdrawing cryptocurrency from an exchange is a routine part of digital asset management. However, when your withdrawal status shows "in review" for an extended period, it can be both confusing and stressful. This delay may interfere with investment strategies, trading plans, or urgent financial needs. While prolonged withdrawal processing isn’t uncommon, understanding what to do if exchange withdrawal is stuck in review can help you respond effectively and minimize disruption.
In this guide, we’ll explore practical steps to take, common reasons behind delayed withdrawals, and how to prevent such issues in the future—ensuring you maintain control over your digital assets.
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Why Is My Crypto Withdrawal Stuck in Review?
Before jumping into solutions, it's essential to understand why exchange withdrawal gets stuck in review. Several factors can contribute to this issue, ranging from technical network conditions to user errors. Here are the most common causes:
1. Blockchain Network Congestion
Cryptocurrency transactions rely on blockchain networks like Bitcoin or Ethereum. During periods of high traffic—such as during major market movements or NFT launches—network congestion can slow down transaction confirmations. Even if the exchange has processed your request, the actual on-chain transfer might take longer than usual due to delayed miner or validator confirmation.
2. Incorrect Withdrawal Network Selection
One of the most frequent user mistakes is selecting the wrong network for withdrawal. For example:
- Sending USDT via ERC-20 to a BEP-20-only wallet
- Withdrawing BTC using a Lightning Network address instead of a standard wallet
If the receiving platform doesn't support that network, the funds may not arrive—or worse, could be lost permanently.
3. Missing or Incorrect Memo/Tag
Certain cryptocurrencies, such as XRP, XLM, or EOS, require a memo (also called a tag or destination tag) in addition to the wallet address. This identifier ensures the funds reach the correct sub-account within an exchange or service.
Forgetting to include the memo—or entering it incorrectly—can result in:
- Delayed crediting
- Funds being held in limbo
- Potential loss if the recipient cannot trace the transaction
Always double-check whether your chosen coin requires a memo before confirming the withdrawal.
4. Exchange Internal Security Checks
Exchanges implement automated risk detection systems to prevent fraud and money laundering. Large withdrawals, new devices, recent account changes, or suspicious login activity can trigger additional manual reviews.
While these checks enhance security, they also extend processing times—sometimes by hours or even days.
5. Maintenance or Technical Issues
Occasionally, exchanges perform scheduled maintenance or face unexpected outages that temporarily halt withdrawals. These events are usually announced on their status pages or social media channels.
What Can I Do If My Withdrawal Is Stuck in Review?
Now that we’ve identified the main reasons, let’s look at what to do when exchange withdrawal is stuck in review. Here are actionable steps you can take:
✅ 1. Wait Patiently (If It’s Normal Processing)
Not all delays indicate a problem. Some exchanges process withdrawals every few hours or only during business days. If you've just initiated the withdrawal:
- Check the exchange’s stated processing time
- Monitor blockchain explorers like Etherscan or Blockchain.com
- Wait at least 24 hours before escalating
Many "stuck" transactions resolve themselves once network congestion clears or internal queues are processed.
✅ 2. Verify Transaction Status Using a Blockchain Explorer
Use the transaction ID (TXID) provided by the exchange to search on a blockchain explorer:
- If the TXID exists and has confirmations → The transaction is complete; check your receiving wallet.
- If the TXID doesn’t appear → The exchange hasn't broadcasted it yet—likely still in internal review.
This step helps determine whether the delay lies with the exchange or the blockchain.
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✅ 3. Contact Customer Support
If more than 48 hours have passed without updates:
- Open a support ticket with the exchange
- Provide your user ID, TXID (if available), and withdrawal details
- Politely request clarification on the review status
Reputable platforms typically respond within 1–3 business days. Keep records of all communications.
✅ 4. Avoid Peak Hours for Future Withdrawals
Just like internet traffic, blockchain usage peaks during certain times:
- Weekdays vs weekends
- Market volatility periods
- Global trading hours (e.g., Asia/EU/US overlaps)
Schedule non-urgent withdrawals during off-peak hours to reduce competition for block space and speed up confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long should a crypto withdrawal stay in review?
A: Most exchanges process withdrawals within minutes to a few hours. However, large amounts or new accounts may require up to 24–48 hours for verification. Anything beyond 72 hours warrants investigation.
Q: Can I cancel a withdrawal stuck in review?
A: Generally, no—if the transaction hasn’t been broadcasted, some exchanges allow cancellation through your account dashboard. Once sent to the blockchain, cancellation is impossible.
Q: Will my funds be lost if withdrawal is stuck?
A: Not necessarily. As long as the transaction hasn’t been broadcasted incorrectly (e.g., wrong network), your funds remain safe in your exchange account. The delay is typically procedural, not destructive.
Q: Does using a higher gas fee speed up withdrawal?
A: On some exchanges, you can choose gas fees manually—but most set this automatically. Higher fees increase priority on congested networks, but only after the exchange broadcasts the transaction.
Q: What should I do if I sent crypto to the wrong network?
A: Immediately contact the receiving platform’s support team. Recovery depends on their technical capabilities and cooperation. Prevention—by always verifying network compatibility—is key.
Best Practices to Prevent Future Delays
To avoid recurring issues with exchange withdrawal stuck in review, adopt these proactive habits:
- Double-check network and memo requirements before submitting any withdrawal.
- Whitelist trusted wallets if your exchange supports address whitelisting.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to reduce account risk triggers.
- Withdraw smaller test amounts first, especially to new addresses.
- Stay updated on exchange maintenance schedules via official channels.
Final Thoughts: Stay Calm and Verify First
When facing a withdrawal stuck in review, remember: panic leads to mistakes. Most delays are temporary and resolvable through patience and verification.
Always start by checking the blockchain status, reviewing your input details, and allowing reasonable processing time. Only after ruling out simple causes should you escalate to customer service.
Digital asset management demands vigilance—but with the right knowledge, you can navigate even the most frustrating delays confidently.
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