How to Withdraw from a Permanently Banned PayPal Account?

PayPal is one of the most widely used digital payment platforms in the world, but having your account permanently limited or banned can be an alarming situation, especially when it still holds your funds. In such cases, users often wonder: Is it possible to withdraw money from a permanently banned PayPal account? The short answer is yes, but only if you follow the proper steps and procedures.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to access your funds even after your PayPal account has been permanently banned.

Understanding Permanent PayPal Account Limitations

When PayPal permanently limits an account, it means the user can no longer:

• Send or receive payments
• Add or withdraw funds
• Use the PayPal debit card (if linked)
• Close the account manually

This type of restriction is usually the result of a violation of PayPal’s Acceptable Use Policy, fraudulent activity, identity verification failure, or excessive chargebacks. You will typically receive an email or notification in your PayPal dashboard explaining the nature of the limitation.

However, despite the ban, PayPal often holds the funds for 180 days (6 months) to allow for any disputes or chargebacks to settle. After that holding period, they usually allow the account holder to withdraw the remaining balance.

Step-by-Step Guide to Withdraw Funds from a Banned PayPal Account

1. Wait for the 180-Day Holding Period

If your PayPal account has been permanently limited, you must wait 180 days from the date the account was banned. This is a fixed holding period that PayPal enforces for risk management. During this time:

• You cannot access or withdraw funds from PayPal
• Any disputes or chargebacks will be handled
• PayPal will send an automated email once the funds are eligible for withdrawal

Keep checking your registered email and the PayPal app for updates. Set a calendar reminder if needed.

2. Confirm Receipt of PayPal withdrawal Notification

Once the 180 days have passed, PayPal usually sends a "You can now withdraw your funds from PayPal " email. This email will include:

• The amount available for withdrawal
• Instructions on how to proceed
• Links to the PayPal Help Center in case of issues

Without this email, you won’t be able to access the withdrawal option, so make sure to monitor your inbox.

3. Log into Your PayPal Account

Despite the permanent ban, PayPal usually allows users to log in to their account to withdraw funds. Follow these steps:

• Visit paypal.com
• Use your login credentials
• Navigate to the “Wallet” section
• Check if your funds are now marked as “Available”

If you experience login issues, clear your browser cache or try incognito mode. Sometimes, using the PayPal app may work better for limited accounts.

4. Link a Valid Bank Account or Debit Card

If your previous bank or card was removed or expired, you must add a new and valid withdrawal method. Here’s how:

• Go to “Wallet”
• Click on “Link a bank” or “Link a card”
• Enter your correct banking details (must be in your name)
• Confirm the account via the micro-deposit method if required

Note: Do not use someone else’s bank account to avoid identity mismatches and further complications.

5. Withdraw Funds to Your Bank

Once a valid withdrawal method is linked, initiate the withdrawal:

• Go to “Wallet”
• Click on “Transfer Money”
• Select the option to transfer to your bank or card
• Enter the amount (up to your total available balance)
• Confirm the transaction

PayPal will usually take 1–3 business days to process withdrawals to a bank account, while card withdrawals may be quicker depending on the bank.

6. In Case of Issues: Contact PayPal Support

If you haven’t received the withdrawal email or face errors while transferring funds, you should contact PayPal support directly:

• Visit the PayPal Help Center
• Click on “Message Us” or “Call Us”
• Use social media handles like @AskPayPal on Twitter for faster response
• Clearly mention that your account is permanently limited but funds have completed the 180-day hold

Be polite but firm in your communication, and keep records of all interactions.

Common Problems and How to Solve Them

Account Access Issues

If you're unable to log in, you can try:

• Resetting your password
• Using a different browser or device
• Contacting customer support with proof of identity

Bank Linking Errors

Make sure the name on your PayPal account matches the bank account exactly. Mismatches will result in failed transfers.

No Withdrawal Option After 180 Days

Wait at least 2–3 business days past the 180-day mark. If still no option appears:

• Double-check email notifications
• Contact PayPal via the Resolution Center

What If You Still Can’t Withdraw Your Money?

In rare cases, PayPal may refuse withdrawal access even after the 180-day hold due to:

• Legal actions
• Policy breaches involving illegal activities
• Regulatory blocks based on the country of residence

In such cases, you may need to consider legal remedies:

• Consult a consumer protection attorney.
• Send a legal notice or demand letter.
• File a complaint with a regulatory body like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or Financial Ombudsman (if applicable in your region)

You can also reach out to financial forums or PayPal community discussions where others have shared their solutions.

Tips to Avoid Permanent Bans in the Future

• Never use PayPal for prohibited transactions
• Complete all identity verification steps promptly
• Avoid frequent disputes or chargebacks
• Keep your activity within normal transaction patterns
• Do not open multiple accounts without permission

Final Thoughts

Getting permanently banned by PayPal can be stressful, especially when money is still stuck in the account. But with the right steps and patience, it’s entirely possible to withdraw your funds legally and safely after the 180-day holding period. Always ensure that your bank account details are accurate and be proactive in communicating with PayPal support if problems arise.