PayPal Merchant Account Under Review Meaning

PayPal merchant account under review means PayPal is temporarily checking your business account for compliance or risk. Learn why this happens and how long it lasts.

PAYPAL

Taylor Reed

12/27/20252 min read

a white square with a blue p on it
a white square with a blue p on it

What Does PayPal Merchant Account Under Review Mean?

PayPal merchant account under review means PayPal is temporarily reviewing your business or seller account to verify compliance, transaction activity, or risk factors.

During this review, certain features like withdrawals, payments, or account access may be limited.

Why Does PayPal Put a Merchant Account Under Review?

PayPal may place a merchant account under review for several reasons:

  • Sudden increase in sales or transaction volume

  • High number of disputes, chargebacks, or refunds

  • Unusual payment patterns or customer locations

  • Selling restricted or high-risk products

  • Missing or outdated business verification details

  • Compliance with regulatory or legal requirements

  • Random or routine security checks

In many cases, reviews are triggered automatically by PayPal’s risk systems.

What Happens During the Review Period?

While your account is under review:

  • Funds may be temporarily held

  • Withdrawals can be delayed

  • Some payments may be restricted

  • You may be asked to submit documents

  • Customers can still make payments in some cases

PayPal usually notifies you by email or dashboard alerts if action is required.

How Long Does PayPal Merchant Account Review Take?

Most reviews are completed within 24 hours to a few business days.
More complex reviews involving compliance or disputes can take longer.

The timeline depends on how quickly you provide requested information.

How to Resolve a PayPal Merchant Account Review Faster

To speed up the process:

  1. Log in to your PayPal account and check notifications

  2. Submit all requested documents accurately

  3. Verify your business information and identity

  4. Respond promptly to PayPal emails

  5. Avoid processing risky or disputed transactions during review

Providing clear and complete information helps end the review sooner.

Does Account Under Review Mean Suspension?

No.
An account under review is not the same as suspension or permanent limitation. It is a temporary status used to assess account activity.

Most merchant accounts are restored once the review is completed.

Can You Still Receive Payments During Review?

Sometimes, yes.
Receiving payments may still be allowed, but withdrawing funds or processing certain transactions can be restricted until the review ends.

PayPal merchant account under review means PayPal is checking your business account for security, compliance, or risk reasons. It is usually temporary and resolved after verification or document review.

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