Account limitations.

To help keep your account safer, and to ensure we meet our legal and regulatory obligations, we periodically review all accounts and may temporarily limit what you can do with PayPal.

So what are account limitations?

Account limitations prevent you from completing certain actions with your account, such as sending, spending, withdrawing money and, in some instances, receiving it. When we limit your ability to manage your own money, it is either because we’re concerned about your financial safety or we’re legally required to do so.

Why does PayPal limit accounts?

To make sure your money, your personal information and your business stay protected, we sometimes take extra precautions and limit your account. We generally do this for one of the following reasons:

1
We need to collect some information or documents from you to comply with our Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing obligations, or the US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA).

2
We suspect someone could be using your account without your knowledge.

3
Your bank has told us that someone has used your card without your permission, or that there have been unauthorised transfers between your bank and PayPal accounts.

4
You’re engaging in high-risk buying or selling activities, like selling high-value items or in an industry that’s more susceptible to disputes and chargebacks.

5
There are an excessive number of disputes or reversals in relation to your PayPal account.

6
You're buying or selling items or services prohibited by our Acceptable Use Policy.

Removing limitations.

To remove your limitation, you’ll generally need to confirm information in your account, provide some documentation, or tell us more about some of your recent business activities. To do this, just log in to your PayPal account and follow the notification. We’ll confirm your information and usually remove the limitation within 2 working days. We’ll email you if there are any delays or concerns.

Frequently asked questions.

What information does PayPal need?

What we need depends on the kind of account you have and why your account has been limited. In most cases, we’ll need to verify the identity of one or more users on your account, confirm your business information, and receive confirmation that your primary authorised user has the right to act on behalf of your business.