“The Broker Won’t Let Me Withdraw” — What to Do
A blocked withdrawal is frightening, but most have a fixable cause. Here’s how to diagnose it — and the hard truth about recourse.
Last updated 28 July 2026 · Reviewed by Tim Morris
The usual reasons
- Turnover not met. The most common one — you haven’t traded the required volume to unlock the bonus or its profits yet.
- A term was breached. Withdrawing part of your deposit, hedging, scalping, or other excluded behaviour can void bonus profits.
- Verification incomplete. Withdrawals are usually blocked until KYC is fully approved.
- “Bonus abuse” clawback. Vague clauses let some brokers void profits they deem abusive — read more in bonus scams & traps.
What to do, in order
- Re-read the bonus terms and turnover requirement — confirm whether you’ve actually met them.
- Complete any outstanding verification (KYC).
- Contact support in writing and ask for the specific clause behind the hold.
- If the broker is regulated, escalate to its regulator or an ombudsman.
- If it’s unregulated and stonewalling, accept that recourse is limited and document everything.
How to avoid it next time
Most blocked-withdrawal stories trace back to broker choice. Only deposit with a broker that has credible regulation and a payout record — see our review methodology and vetted broker reviews — and read the terms before you opt in.
Related
Frequently asked questions
› Why won’t my broker let me withdraw?
Most often the bonus turnover requirement isn’t met yet, or a term was breached (for example withdrawing part of your deposit, or trading in a way the rules exclude). Less often it signals a bad-actor broker. Re-read the exact terms first, then escalate.
› Can I get my money back from an unregulated broker?
It’s difficult. With a credibly-regulated broker you can complain to the regulator; with an unregulated offshore broker your recourse is limited, which is why choosing a vetted broker before you deposit matters most.