Why Is My PayPal Money Still on Hold? What to Check

PayPal may hold a payment while it assesses the transaction, particularly if your account is new, you have not sold in a while, your sales activity has changed, or the payment is linked to a dispute. A hold does not necessarily mean you have lost the money, but the reason and expected release date can differ from one transaction to another.

Check the product’s listed specifications when evaluating why paypal may still be holding your money.

Open the transaction in your PayPal account and look for its status, any stated release date, and any action PayPal asks you to take; a payment marked “on hold” is different from one that is pending or under review. If you sold a physical item, make sure you have shipped it as promised and add valid tracking when the transaction offers that option, since delivery information can help establish that you fulfilled the order.

Check the product’s listed specifications when evaluating what to check first.

For freelance work or another service, you may be able to update the transaction’s order status to show that the work is complete, rather than adding shipping details for something that was never mailed. Keep your agreement and delivery communications organized in case a buyer raises a question, but do not mark work complete before you have actually delivered it.

Check the product’s listed specifications when evaluating what if you delivered a service.

If the stated release date has passed, the hold reason is unclear, or the transaction is tied to a limitation or dispute, contact PayPal through your account for guidance specific to that payment. Our How to Avoid PayPal Holds – Expert Guide to Prevent PayPal Holds on Funds for Sellers and Freelancers covers the broader topic, but your PayPal transaction details are the place to look for the next step on money that is already held.