How to fix a PayPal payment on hold

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting for fixing PayPal payment holds.

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To fix a PayPal payment on hold, you can either resolve the issue through your PayPal account settings or contact PayPal customer support for assistance. It's essential to understand the reason behind the hold to effectively address it.

Medium⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before attempting to fix a PayPal payment on hold, ensure you have the following:
  • •A verified PayPal account with up-to-date information.
  • •Access to the email associated with your PayPal account for communication.
  • •Internet access to log into your PayPal account.
  • •Backup of any important transaction details or correspondence.

Method 1: Resolve Payment Hold via PayPal Account

This method is suitable when you can access your PayPal account and want to resolve the hold directly.
  • •Step 1: Log into your PayPal account at www.paypal.com.
  • •Step 2: Click on 'Activity' in the top menu to view your recent transactions.
  • •Step 3: Locate the transaction that is on hold and click on it to view details.
  • •Step 4: If applicable, follow the prompts to provide any requested information or documentation.
  • •Step 5: Monitor the status of the payment to verify if the hold is lifted within a few hours to a few days.

For Windows 11

Follow these steps specifically for Windows 11 users:
  • •Open Microsoft Edge or your preferred browser.
  • •Press 'Ctrl + T' to open a new tab and navigate to www.paypal.com.
  • •Use the 'Activity' tab on the left sidebar to find the transaction.

For Windows 10

Windows 10 users can follow these instructions:
  • •Open Google Chrome or your preferred browser.
  • •Press 'Ctrl + L' to focus on the address bar and type www.paypal.com.
  • •Click on 'Activity' from the top menu to access transaction details.

Method 2: Contact PayPal Customer Support

If you cannot resolve the payment hold through your account, contacting PayPal support may be necessary.
  • •Step 1: Go to the PayPal Help Center at www.paypal.com/help.
  • •Step 2: Click on 'Contact Us' at the bottom of the page.
  • •Step 3: Choose 'Message Us' or 'Call Us' based on your preference.
  • •Step 4: If messaging, provide your account details and describe the issue clearly.
  • •Step 5: If calling, use the number provided for your region and have your account information ready.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while trying to fix a payment hold, consider the following:
  • •Error: 'Payment on hold' - Solution: Ensure you have provided all required documentation and check your email for any requests from PayPal.
  • •Issue: 'Unable to contact support' - Fix: Try using a different browser or device to access the PayPal Help Center.
  • •Problem: 'Transaction still on hold after 21 days' - Workaround: Contact PayPal support directly for a status update.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

Enhance your PayPal experience with these tips:
  • •Keyboard shortcut: 'Ctrl + R' - Refresh the page to check for updated transaction status.
  • •Command line: Use 'ping www.paypal.com' to check your connection to PayPal's servers.
  • •Hidden feature: Enable notifications in your PayPal account settings to receive alerts for payment holds.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

Regularly monitor your PayPal account and maintain good transaction practices to minimize payment holds.