Payment on hold (risk-based hold on a payment you received)
21 days · the date the payment was received into your PayPal accountUp to 21 days from the date the payment was received. PayPal may release earlier (for example after shipment tracking is uploaded), but only at its sole discretion.
“Risk-based holds generally remain in place for up to 21 days from the date the payment was received into your PayPal account.” Source: www.paypal.com/us/legalhub/paypal/useragreement-full (read 2026-10-17)
Hold because a buyer challenged the payment (dispute, claim or chargeback)
180 days · not stated on the page (the hold is described as lasting until the matter is resolved)The hold can last until the dispute is resolved, but no longer than 180 days. If PayPal decides the payment should not be reversed it lifts the hold; if it should be reversed the funds are removed.
“we’ll hold the payment in your PayPal account until the matter is resolved (but no longer than 180 days)” Source: www.paypal.com/us/legalhub/paypal/useragreement-full (read 2026-10-17)
Account limitation (limited account: cannot send or withdraw money)
3 business days · the day the required steps have been completedAfter you complete the steps PayPal asks for, the review usually takes 3 business days and PayPal contacts you by email. Total duration depends on the complexity of the case (no maximum stated).
“When the required steps have been completed, the review of the account usually takes 3 business days.” Source: www.paypal.com/us/cshelp/article/how-long-will-it-take-to-lift-my-paypal-account-limitation-help531 (read 2026-10-17)
Limitation on an account you have hardly used since sign-up
No fixed term publishedNo separate period is stated; the standard review (3 business days after the steps are complete) applies.
“To restore full access to your account, log in and upload your Proof of Identity” Source: www.paypal.com/us/cshelp/article/why-is-my-paypal-account-limited-help534 (read 2026-10-17)
Limitation because seller performance looks high risk
No fixed term publishedNo fixed period is stated; PayPal says it may limit the account while it does a review.
“In these cases, we may limit your account while we do a review.” Source: www.paypal.com/us/cshelp/article/why-is-my-paypal-account-limited-help534 (read 2026-10-17)
Limitation after suspected unauthorised use of the account
No fixed term publishedNo fixed period stated.
“We may limit your account to protect you from potential losses and review any fraudulent activity.” Source: www.paypal.com/us/cshelp/article/why-is-my-paypal-account-limited-help534 (read 2026-10-17)
Balance held for up to 180 days (risk of liability or policy violation)
180 days · not stated on the pagePayPal may hold the balance for up to 180 days if reasonably needed to protect against the risk of liability or after a violation of its Acceptable Use Policy. It may last longer under a court order, regulatory requirement or other legal process.
“for up to 180 days if reasonably needed to protect against the risk of liability” Source: www.paypal.com/us/legalhub/paypal/useragreement-full (read 2026-10-17)
Reserve on a business account (rolling or minimum reserve)
No fixed term publishedPayPal gives 10% held for a 90-day rolling period as an example only. The actual percentage and period are stated in the notice PayPal sends you.
“your reserve could be set at 10% and held for a 90-day rolling period” Source: www.paypal.com/us/legalhub/paypal/useragreement-full (read 2026-10-17)
Hold placed at the instruction of a marketplace or third-party app
No fixed term publishedNo period is stated by PayPal; the marketplace or third party decides.
“you will need to contact the marketplace or third party directly” Source: www.paypal.com/us/legalhub/paypal/useragreement-full (read 2026-10-17)
Hold, reserve or limitation caused by a court order or other legal process
No fixed term publishedCan remain longer than 180 days. PayPal says it decides in its sole discretion which action is required and has no obligation to contest or appeal a court order.
“the hold, reserve or limitation may remain in place longer than 180 days” Source: www.paypal.com/us/legalhub/paypal/useragreement-full (read 2026-10-17)
Payment under review (high-risk transaction, shipping must wait)
No fixed term publishedNo period is stated. PayPal places a hold, tells the seller to delay shipping, and either completes or cancels the payment.
“PayPal will conduct a review and either complete or cancel the payment.” Source: www.paypal.com/us/legalhub/paypal/useragreement-full (read 2026-10-17)
Account inactive for two years or more
No fixed term publishedAfter two or more years without logging in PayPal may close the account and send the funds to your primary address (if identity information is verified) or, if required, to your state of residency.
“If you do not log in to your PayPal account for two or more years, PayPal may close your PayPal account” Source: www.paypal.com/us/legalhub/paypal/useragreement-full (read 2026-10-17)
Hold or limitation because tax information is missing
No fixed term publishedNo period stated.
“you may be subject to account holds or limitations” Source: www.paypal.com/us/legalhub/paypal/useragreement-full (read 2026-10-17)