Why PayPal Is Holding Your Money –And What You Should Do
If you’ve recently received money through PayPal but can’t access it right away, you’re not alone. Thousands of Kenyans working online whether as freelancers, affiliate marketers, or e-commerce sellers have faced the same issue.
This delay, often referred to as the 21-day hold is a common frustration, especially for those depending on PayPal payments to make ends meet.
Why Is PayPal Holding My Money?
PayPal holds funds to protect both buyers and sellers from fraud or incomplete transactions. While the money technically belongs to you, it’s placed on hold until PayPal confirms the service or product was delivered as promised.
This often affects:
- New PayPal users in Kenya
- Accounts with low activity or no transaction history
- Sellers with recent disputes or refunds
Can I Get My Money Before 21 Days?
Yes, but not always. PayPal may release funds earlier if certain conditions are met. Here’s what you can do to improve your chances:
- Verify Your Account: Link your Equity Bank, Co-op Bank, or any active Kenyan bank account or card. Also, confirm your phone number as your main contact.
- Upload Proof of Delivery or Service: If you’re sending a product or offering a service, share tracking info or mark the job as “completed” in PayPal. This can help reduce the waiting time.
- Build a Good Track Record: Consistent, dispute-free transactions can make PayPal trust your account more. Eventually, they may reduce or waive the hold period.
Is Instant Access Possible?
If your account performs well, PayPal may grant a monthly release limit. This means some of your payments will be available instantly, up to a set amount. But once you exceed that limit, the 21-day rule kicks in again.
You can apply for a limit increase every 30 days—just ensure your account has no pending issues or disputes.
Helpful Tips for Kenyans Using PayPal
- Always respond quickly to any PayPal requests or disputes.
- Keep communication with your buyers clear and professional.
- Log in to your PayPal account regularly to check the status of pending funds.
- Use official PayPal channels or email support for any complaints avoid sharing personal info via social media.
Many Kenyans using PayPal for online income whether from Upwork, Fiverr, blogging, or e-commerce have faced the dreaded 21-day hold. While it’s inconvenient, it’s not permanent. Build trust with PayPal by verifying your details, completing transactions smoothly, and staying active.
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