Account limitations

What might cause a limitation?

There are a number of reasons why your account could be limited:

• If we suspect someone could be using your account without your knowledge, we will restrict what can be done with the account to protect you – through limiting it and investigating the potential fraud.
• If your bank notifies us that someone has used your card without your permission, or that there have been unauthorised transfers between your PayPal account and your bank account.
• In order to comply with regulatory requirements. There are restrictions on what a PayPal account can be used to process payments for and if the account is not in compliance with our Acceptable Use Policy, it may be limited. For example, making or receiving payments for banned items such as guns would be considered a breach of the Acceptable Use Policy.
• Your activity or performance as a seller could indicate your account presents a higher risk of problems with your payments. For example, receiving an high number of disputes , claims or chargebacks from your buyers may be indicators of poor seller performance. If you start selling an entirely new type of product, such as a higher-cost item like jewellery, or if your typical sales volume increases rapidly, your account may be limited while we complete a review.

How does the limitation impact my account?

If your account is limited, you’ll most likely be unable to send or withdraw money, and in some rare cases you might find that you can’t accept payments or add money to the account. There may be an alert via email or on your account overview page around the time a limitation comes into effect. If you log in to PayPal and address this alert when prompted, you may be able to prevent the limitation or resolve it sooner.

What should I do if my account is limited?

We will provide you with guidance to remove the limitation and restore full access to your PayPal account through the email sent once your account has been limited. Once your account is under review, please watch for and respond promptly to our communications.

For more information about limitations in general, read our article on preventing and resolving limitations.

Summary

Account limitations are in place to help protect PayPal buyers and sellers and help ensure the safe use of the PayPal service. These limitations may prevent you from completing certain actions with your account, such as withdrawing, spending, or receiving money. If, for instance, we suspect someone is using your account fraudulently, we’ll limit your account to prevent the unauthorised activity. We’ll also limit your account when necessary to meet our regulatory obligations or when your performance as a seller presents a higher risk of problems with your payments. If your account has been limited, log in to your account for information about lifting the limitation.