Having a PayPal account that has been permanently limited can be particularly distressing, especially when you have funds trapped in it. This scenario often results from suspected fraudulent activities, non-compliance with PayPal’s User Agreement, or unresolved disputes, leading PayPal to decide to permanently restrict transactions. Nevertheless, the withdrawal of money from a permanently limited account isn’t always impossible. It’s a process that requires you to follow certain steps while adhering to PayPal’s stipulated guidelines.
After my Paypal account had a negative balance due to an online scam, I created a new one and tried to avoid any risk with the new account.
However, after I set up and received money from buyers, it was permanently limited right away and the limitation cannot be appealed. In the email Paypal sent me, they said they decided to close my account because of security issues. There would be no problem if my account balance is zero as I could get rid of that account. I just received nearly $1,000 from my online revenue sources and then Paypal closed it immediately. My money is still there but the balance is frozen and I couldn’t send or withdraw it.
I contacted Paypal again to ask for my money and it was another frustrating experience. My money would be held for 180 days (6 months) and Paypal promised that they would send me an email when the balance was available to withdraw. But it never happened and I almost forgot about the incident.
I had to contact Paypal by myself again and they sent me an email to verify that my Paypal funds are eligible for withdrawal now. They also mentioned that my account is still limited, that means I still can’t send or request money, receive payments, add funds and close the account. The positive side is that I can withdraw funds from my account now, and it is the same process as I did earlier. I can either transfer to a bank account, request a check or get a Paypal Debit Mastercard. Here is how I withdraw the funds to my bank account.
1. Log in to PayPal account.
2. Navigate to My Account -> Withdraw.
3. Click ‘Transfer to bank account’, the minimum amount you can withdraw is $1.
4. Enter the amount you want to withdraw, I filled in every penny of course.
I tried to add another bank account but I received the error message: “Sorry, your last action could not be completed“. Fortunately, I already added a bank account to the Paypal account earlier, so this is not a big problem. If you have the issue, you can request a check anyway.
5. Click ‘Continue’.
6. Review the confirmation page and click ‘Submit’.
Now I can really forget about the account and Paypal also sent me a confirmation saying “it usually takes 3-4 business days for transfers like this to go through.“
If you do not receive an email from PayPal about withdrawing your money after the stipulated waiting period, or if you encounter any issues during the withdrawal process, contact PayPal’s customer service. Keep your communication clear, respectful, and to the point, outlining the issue you’re facing. According to my research, the issue happens mostly to non-verified and verified Paypal users outside the United States. Do you have the same issue with your Paypal account? I’d love to hear about your experience.
Disclosure: We might earn commission from qualifying purchases. The commission help keep the rest of my content free, so thank you!
John Williams says
Same thing happened to my wife and I’s paypal.. I used to like them but then they started doing these stupid limitations and deciding when they would hold my money whenever they like. I told him I was going to start using a different merchant service if they continued.I started using a different merchant service for my online sales and only using them for physical and then all of a sudden bam, I’m limited and now I can’t remove my money. My money. And what world is this okay? I’m being limited because I told them I didn’t want to have them take my money anymore and hold on to it as long as they feel fit. Screw PayPal I will never ever ever recommend them or use them again.
Louann Barton says
Hi i am having this problem with paypal i got 7000 sitting in it been over 180 days now an they saying they will send us a notification so did u get your money an how
Moses says
I do assist solve this issue, for more information you call visit my fb page “paypal 180days hold of funds”
Aryan says
Just create a transferwise account an dlink it and withdraw. You wont be able to use your paypal, but atleasy you can withdraw your funds existing once
Donald says
Have you removed it yet? Or do you need help?
Oliver wafula says
Hi ,I’m having the same issue.Im told I can’t withdraw my money till 180 days are over.
Kindly help please 😭
Rene says
Hi,
That 1st screenshot u are showing us,
How do you do that going to that page?
Let me know please’
Thank you
Michele says
I have $1150 sitting in my PayPal, and having the same problem as everyone else.
jebish shrestha says
hey I am also having the same problem I have $1500 sitting in my account and it has been hold for 180 days
please help me
any suggestions?
Pazazz says
I was able to take money off my PayPal by downloading the app, logging into the account, hit the balance ($0.00) then get cash then continue (you’ll have to go to Walmart and the code is only for a couple hours so be ready to do it immediately because I was only to do it once :/) and it will give you a code to give to a Walmart money services. Just give them your ID and the Walmart employee will give you the cash and the money will be taken from your account. I was able to do this even though my account was limited. You can also send money western union way but it never processed through using my PayPal balance. I don’t know the cash limit.
Rajesh says
Wat is this limited PayPal is making fool to customer either they stop this service if they r not eligible for this service holding money for 180 days who will pay interst of money which hold for 180 dats govt should take action against paypal
Steve says
can you please explain how I do this I have money sitting in PayPal and they don’t let me transfer I could only receive money
Jeff says
how did you get this to work? whenever I get to thee stage where you choose how to pay my Paypal balance isn’t an option. Also what do you mean by $0.00? Is that some way you got it to work and then put the actual amount in later?
Thanks man!
Becky says
I don’t use pay pal often at all. I wanted to add money to my prepaid debt card and accidently gave her my pay pal card. Now I can’t get my money. I don’t have the money for them to hold for 180 days. So I’m going to get my money and give them the worse review possible. I”be heard of anything so stupid has to hold a person’ money for a 160 days. I also am going to complain to the BBB. Maybe even the attorney general . I wonder how money they on hold on hold like this .
John and Amanda Williams says
I also thought I should mention that I run a Information technology company. Mostly in home repairs and some tech support done remotely. I mainly fix computers and cell phones out of my home and bought them mine is is I have never had a chargeback, never had a dispute, have 100% perfect feedback even on my eBay which I have sold countless amounts of items. But yet they limit me saying that my business is too risky according to the message I received. That’s hilarious. What really happened was they were upset because I said that I wasn’t going to use them for my eBay account anymore. Because eBay now let’s you use them. they did this exact same thing to my wife’s account too. So I am completely finished with them they are big time pieces of crap. Who in the world can hold your money for 6 months in case of chargebacks that aren’t even a possibility? I hadn’t even been using them for this. The only money I have in my PayPal is because I was refunded for a transaction. I was refunded so it’s money from my account that they are holding. I’m not going to submit a charge back or case on myself… I don’t see in what world this is okay. and this is the same thing with their stupid holds that they were pulling. What bank in the world holds your money for any period of time when you are paid by a client? all I know is the way that I’m able to ship items, or the way I’m able to continue offering services because I’m paid by a client when I’m supposed to be. Holding the funds makes it almost impossible for people to be able to complete these services.no because they’re playing their stupid nana nana boo boo crap I get to wait 6 months for my money? There’s got to be some other way I can pull this money I have tried everything including using the debit card to buy something just so I could get the damn money sent to myself and any form whether it’s merchandise or in one of my accounts. How is this legal? if anybody knows the way I can get my money and you sooner please let me know.
Alex says
Hi, although my ban is lifted, It won’t let me add my new bank account or debit card to withdraw funds.
Please let me add this so I can finally withdraw my funds, it’s been 6 months.
Ty says
How did you go about this?
Chey says
happening to me but for some reasons i only waited less then a day for my money to be eligible not 180 days/ 6months
Dennis says
How did you manage to get the money withdrawn in less that 180 days limitation?
Mercellus says
Same thing happened to mine and my wife’s PayPal it was just suddenly restricted for 180 days with $1,941 in it… it’s so crazy tried emailing them and every step that we took still we didn’t get the money. PayPal really sucks restricting people account for absolutely no reason…It’s been this way for 3 months now, I just hope after the 180 days is over we’ll get our money and if there’s anyone who can help that will be very much appreciated
Andrea says
Hi! Were you able to get your money?
Leonette Staton says
Am having this kind of issue, i received an email that i can now withdraw my money , still my paypal account is still restricting me from withdrawing my money
Amon says
Am having the same issue after have waited for 180 days am still not able to withdraw my funds kindly help
Shenetta Vinson says
I’m having the same issue with PayPal, it’s been over 180 days,it’s been since July 2020 . How do I go about getting my money
Mike says
Is there away we can gang up and take these people to court and even make sure we start a campaign to pull down their business
Brenda says
I’ve been temporarily limited to access my PayPal activities ..I have about 194 balance in my PayPal …please help me on how to withdraw
chey says
ring them say you need it urgently for a reason
Kendrick says
That doesn’t work. I’ve tried everything.
Tope Osabinu says
You need to provide them with the information and documents required to move on
Alex says
They gave me a temporary limitation, can I still receive and send money with the account?
Rene says
Hi,
That 1st screenshot u are showing us,
How do you do that going to that page?
Let me know please’
Thank you
linet chepkoech says
I received an email telling me can now withdraw my money, but still, my account restricting me from withdrawing my money. It tells me have a merchandise problem. kindly please need you assistance
james ronoh says
i cannt send or withdraw money from my Paypal it always tells me my account has problem .please help me to solve that problem kindly
Garry Novark says
This is exactly what I’m facing at the moment with my PayPal account. I contacted the support and they said the only option I have is to go to Walmart and get cash. Meanwhile when I got to Walmart they said they don’t have PayPal service. I’m so pissed with PayPal. I advise people to stop using PayPal because they are so useless.
Donald says
Pay pal permantly limited my account after my girlfriends unemployment funds were deposited into it they said after 180 days it would be released now they are saying another 180 days more pay pal is a scandolus and unscrupulous corporaf6 giant who operates in a more or less criminal manner people need to kno what they are doing and getting away with anyone knows how I can get my money id like to hear from you and if anyone knows of any groups or media sites where I can let other people know about the manner they opperate that would also be greatly appreciated
Michele says
I am having the exact same problem. I told them I was going to contact the Bbb, and that sent me a nasty email. I have $1150 sitting PayPal that I cannot touch. Something needs to be done about them holding on to peoples hard earned money!
Karl Vincent says
They are doing the same thing to a T to me. It’s been a year and they said I have to physically write their legal department in San Jose. No email. No phone number. Nothing like getting 5300 froze of unemployment during the night of the epidemic. I’m a single and now permanently disabled father.
Angela says
I’ve had the same problem with PayPal as I have $8,000 in my limited account that I had from September of last year (2020), and I waited for the 180 days and about a month and a half ago they told me that I would receive a notification email on June 22 of this year and when I contacted them on the 22nd they told me that the government took it and that I had to contact the government in the city I live in. Then I contacted them again and they told me that if I had any questions to do with my funds that I need to send an email to the email [email protected] in order to find out about my funds and I sent this email on 7/2/2021 and I still haven’t received any response. I had this happen to me before with $4,000 and after the 180 days I received a notification email saying that I will be receiving my funds within 5-10 business days in the form of a cashiers check. I had mentioned to them about this and they said that it was a different situation but it was no different than the situation I’m having now with them. As far as I’m concerned they’re nothing but criminals. It’s totally and completely wrong for them to keep or do what they want with our funds no matter the situation. I told them that I have an emergency with my dog as he hasn’t been doing well snd honestly thought I was going to lose him because I could be using those funds to take my special guy to the vet. It really pisses me off as they have absolutely no right to keep our funds for any reason. Can someone give me some other advice on what to do in order to receive my funds as I really need it ASAP. Thanks.
Mrs Gill says
Ive done research online filing a Bbb complaint helps within 30 days asomeone from account limitations dept will personallly look over your account and reply. Dm on fb or twitter I had zero luck on twitter a moran said if i havent recieved an email its not able to be withdrawn. Dm on messenger worked for me it took awhile she had to change the acct type , the phone number and a few other things but it worked.
I have heard calling and asking for level 2limitations division will work too. Fact is yhey can keep trying till u find one who will
BIsmark Nyame says
What is Bbb complaint, please?
Amanda says
Better Business Bureau google that and then follow the links to file a complaint on a business
Rowena F De la Cruz says
I can’t open my paypal account and I want to withdraw my balance
Vmoney says
I found a loophole…. If u have a friend or account who has sent u money in the last 6 months, u can click on the transaction n when it opens, right near the top B4 u evn scroll, it has an option to’issue refund’& it will send it right to their PayPal, n u can withdrawl thru them !!
Paul says
I tried this, but you can only refund the amount they sent you and not more
Jeny says
So basically, everybody that has the same issue MUST WAIT for AT LEAST 180 days or so!?
Muneeb Tariq says
SAME ISSUE!!! I have faced the sane problem i have 2400cad stucked in my Canadian PayPal
I have already waited for 180 days too. But first my balance was showing in the account but now it is taken by PayPal.
I’m really worried and scared why it happened.
They are saying i have opened it from an unusual location again. But I dnt i just need my money back don’t need account anymore.
Amber Adams says
Personally, I find it appalling and quite BS that ANY BANK, BUSINESS, COMPANY, CORPORATION, PAYMENT PROVIDER OR ANYONE ELSE can HOLD YOUR MONEY FOR ANY REASON WHATSOEVER and not give you access to it. It has been over 3 Months since ANY PAYMENTS (except for two this month) were received on my Account and I cannot even transfer the OLD PAYMENTS to my Bank Account. I think PayPal needs a CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FOR THIS CRAP, it is illegal to keep someone’s, funds like that. It is beyond ridiculous and disgraceful. After I get all of my funds from PayPal, I am finding a Payment Provider NOT ASSOCIATED with PayPal in ANY WAY. There are tons and tons and tons of trusted Payment Providers and Payment Methods out there that charge far less than PayPal and do not hold your money if they choose to.
Mark says
Is PayPal deliberately holding funds for whatever reason it can to keep your money and make interest on it? Paypal can do business with you for years with no problem, THEN they seemingly make up a NEW rule, requesting some information and threatening to limit your account if you don’t provide it. When they threaten to do that withdraw all your funds immediately !! Close your account!! It’s not worth it, you will NEVER be able to talk to a person who can help you, the rules will always change, and they will HOLD YOUR MONEY indefinitely, effectively STEALING interest off of it while they do.
If this has happened to you it time to get your lawyer involved. Sent PayPal a notice that effective immediately you require payment in full, if not then they will be charged daily compounding interest (give rate) on the amount owed until paid in full. Then sue for what they owe you plus your legal expenses and all the interest from the date and rate you gave them.
Eric says
Ive been saying this about them holding money and collecting interest for a few years now. I am pretty sure thats what they have been doing.
emerald dowe says
you are right we need to get together an file a tort case against paypal if anybody out their want to file a tort lawsuit on paypal email me your name date and story so we can get our money back
dowenation21
everbody have differnt situations me personally im taking care my father hes in his last stage
of cancer so im moved to charlotte nc from tampa fl and got a job by that next week doing landscaping so that friday morning they my first paycheck m as soon it touch BOOM my account lock up, i have to care for my father he needs me n i need my money
chey says
did any of you get an email like a day after you account had been limited saying the your funds are eligible for withdrawal or am i the only one that doesnt have to wait 180 days?
Lori says
I received the same email myself yesterday and I have tried every which way possible to withdrawal my money and PayPal still will not allow a transfer or a withdraw and I even own a PayPal debit card but the bank account that is linked I no longer use but they won’t give me an option to use my new one so my account balances eligible for withdrawal but how on Earth am i supposed to go about this ?!? I just can’t believe with all the resources on the internet today that there is not a single person or posting I can find with a solution!
altaf says
Hi Lori…you should try to transfer funds to another paypal account of your relative or friend.
Ash says
I did everything they asked me to to get the my account re activated, at 4.18pm the limitation was lifted then at 4.22pm it was slapped back on again! Now they want to see a bloody contract with me and my supplier but no context exists I order stock he supplies a tracking number i then fire the money across via transfer!
Burned my head clean out
michael mcCoy says
i tried to click the receive check by mail option and all it says is that theres an issue with my account and for me to contact customer service
please help me . its everyt penny i have to my name in this account
Alex Coleman says
I think it is time to have a petition against paypal and have everyone around the world who has been a victim to paypal’s limitation bs over the years sign it then get the company sued for good.
I recieved my benefit after waiting for 7 weeks only for my account to be limited 25 minutes later.
Now i am being asked to explain the source of the money when they can see the state that paid in the description. The payment isn’t even the w first I had recieved from the same sender. Everybody around the world need to write a petition against this fraudulent company called PayPal
Jonh says
I hope this works, now have to confirm my bank account, hope i can get the funds out it’s been 3 years damn did not think i would ever try to get the funds but having no way to solve the issue is a pain.
If this works GOD BLESS YOU.
Margaret says
To be honest PayPal is just so wicked. I still can’t figure out why in the world PayPal will keep my money for more than 180 days and still will 8not release it. I wrote them and explained to them that it was all my serving yet the stone hearted criminal will not release my money. The worst of it is that i was very sick and needed the money yet PayPal held tight on it. Ohh PayPal, you are very wicked! If you needed me to registered as a share holder you would have just asked instead of stealing. Please if any good person out there can help me with information on how to release my money from PayPal please help. I am still struggling in life please help me if you have information on how i can withdraw my money from PayPal.
John says
Did you withdraw it yet? You can withdraw it out if you are ready I will tell you how
Dorcas says
I used a card that I had used on another account to verify. The next message was “I could no longer use PayPal” as my account was permanently limited. For the funds, they are held for 180 days. So upset!
pearl says
i’m using usa paypal..my paypal got permanent limited last month, but last week i got a mail from paypal to withdraw the funds to my bank account but the problem is my bank account and card linked in paypal..It have some issue…so didn’t use it…
can i add another new bank account in paypal to withdraw funds?
robert h custer says
This is also happening to me. My first ever dealing with paypal. I sold something on ebay the money went to paypal and they limited my account for unknown reasons. i called to find out why..they couldnt tell me. The resolution process is a joke, i went there and got a You can no longer use paypal message. Absolutely insane! How this company gets away with this i can’t understand, They probably use this tactic on thousands of people, how they stay in business is a mystery. I filed a complaint wit the BBB and am trying to figure out how to file one with the federal agency that regulates them. I am also going to try to spread the word to anyone who will listen to not do business with them and i encourage anyone who they are screwing to do the same.
Tresa says
I have waited the 180 days after PayPal closed my account. Every time I try to add my banking information I get an error message. I need help getting my money that is in my account. Can you please help me???
atheel says
Please can you guild me on an issue, my account was limited by paypal 6months ago so today i try to send the money it want out to the person but the person have to issue refund and ask me to send it to his business account and so i try second time to send out but it going it telling there is a problem with this account please can you tell me what to do and how to get my money back, would be waiting to here from you thanks
Victor Makori says
I also have the same issue, the problem is that i am non-US citizen and i cant withdraw to my debit card. After waiting for 6months they promised i will be able to withdraw the money but now the problem is they want me to withdraw to a US bank account.
Can you help me?
Marcus says
I had the same issue, and I couldn’t do anything about it for years until they ended up closing my account entirely with no email or anything, I cant even login! My money from years back is gone now, basically a scam.
George says
Have you get a usa 🇺🇸 bank now
Floris says
I don’t use paypal for business purposes. Mostly I just use them to pay for online purchases from oversees webshops.
I have been using paypal by transferring money from my bank account to my paypal account without having them linked for a few years now.
But recently Paypal demanded that I prove my identity and my adress. The first was easy to do. The second is a real bother for me.
Part of the problem is that many webshops will only send packages to the adress provided through your paypal account.
The main problem is that for personal reasons I am unable to live at my official adress.
If I provide them with the documents they ask for, I’ll have to change the adress in my paypal account.
And then the shops I buy from will send the packages there. Which would be a hassle, since I don’t want to go to my official adress every few days to check if a package arrived.
I suppose I could change my adress in my paypal account and provide the document to prove my adress, then change my adress in my paypal account every time I make a purchase and change it back again afterwards.
But ultimately I know what they are really after is me linking my bank account to my paypal account.
And that is something I really don’t want to do, exactly because of mobster practices like preventing people from taking their own money from their own accounts.
Roze Silva says
Same issue here.. but paypal took my money and even change my account password so they sent my balance to paypal which is $12000 and now i don’t know what to do because when i reset the password my balance went to 0 and trying to contact them but they can’t even provide a proof of the violations. It’s pissing me off.