What Does “PayPal Account Review in Progress” Mean?
This status means:
- PayPal has temporarily paused certain actions
- Your account is being checked for security, risk, or compliance
- Transactions may be delayed during the review
The review helps ensure that your account follows PayPal policies and financial regulations.
Why PayPal Starts an Account Review
An account review may be triggered by:
- Sudden increase in transaction volume
- Large or unusual payments
- International transactions
- Changes to account details
- Incomplete verification or documents
- Reports, disputes, or chargebacks
In many cases, automated systems flag the account first, followed by a manual review.
What Happens During the Review (Timeline Format)
Stage 1: Account Flagged
PayPal detects activity that requires verification or closer inspection.
Stage 2: Temporary Restrictions
You may notice:
- Payments on hold
- Limited withdrawals
- Restricted sending or receiving
Stage 3: Document or Info Check
PayPal may request:
- Identity documents
- Proof of address
- Business or transaction details
Stage 4: Decision
After review, PayPal will either:
- Restore full access
- Apply limited restrictions
- In rare cases, impose permanent limits
How Long Does a PayPal Account Review Take?
Most reviews take:
- 24 to 72 hours
- Up to a few days for complex cases
Some reviews involving compliance or disputes may take longer, depending on how quickly you respond.
What You Should Do While Review Is in Progress
- Check the Resolution Center regularly
- Submit requested documents promptly
- Avoid creating duplicate PayPal accounts
- Do not attempt repeated transactions
- Keep account information accurate
Acting quickly often speeds up the review.
What You Should Not Do
- Do not open multiple support tickets
- Do not send documents by email unless asked
- Do not move large funds repeatedly
- Do not ignore PayPal notifications
These actions can delay the process.
Will My Account Be Closed After Review?
In most cases, no.
Most account reviews end with:
- Restrictions lifted
- Funds released
- Normal account access restored
Permanent limitations usually happen only when serious policy violations are found.
How to Avoid Account Reviews in the Future
- Complete full account verification early
- Maintain consistent transaction patterns
- Avoid sudden spikes in payments
- Resolve disputes quickly
- Follow PayPal acceptable use policies
Final Summary
PayPal account review in progress means your account is temporarily under security or compliance checks. It is a routine process designed to protect users. By responding promptly and keeping your account details accurate, most reviews are resolved without long-term issues.