PayPal is a global leader in digital payments, offering flexibility and ease when sending or receiving money. However, users often encounter receiving limits that can restrict the amount of money they can accept into their accounts. These limits can be frustrating, especially for individuals and businesses managing large transactions. In this article, we detail how to lift the receiving limit on your PayPal account, offering you a comprehensive guide to unlock the full potential of your PayPal experience.

Understanding PayPal Receiving Limits

PayPal imposes receiving limits on unverified accounts to comply with financial regulations and reduce fraudulent activity. These PayPal limits vary by region and account type, but generally restrict how much money a user can receive until their account is verified.


The most common reason your PayPal receiving limit is in place is that your account is not verified. Verifying your account not only lifts the limit but also boosts your credibility with senders and buyers.

How to Check Your PayPal Receiving Limit?

Before lifting your PayPal limit, it's important to know where you currently stand. Here's how to check:

  1. Log in to your PayPal account.
  2. Go to Settings (gear icon at the top right).
  3. Click on "Account Limits" (or go directly to https://www.paypal.com/myaccount/limits).
  4. Here, you will see any sending, receiving, or withdrawal limits on your PayPal account.

Steps to Lift the Receiving Limit on Your PayPal Account

1. Link and Confirm a Bank Account

The most important step in verifying your PayPal account is linking a bank account. Here's how:

  • Go to Wallet in your PayPal dashboard.
  • Click on Link a bank account.
  • Enter your bank details (name, account number, and IFSC/SWIFT code if required).
  • PayPal will send two small deposits to your bank account.
  • Once you see the deposits, return to your PayPal wallet and confirm the exact amounts.

This step verifies that you are the legitimate owner of the bank account, significantly enhancing the trust factor of your PayPal account.

2. Link and Verify a Debit or Credit Card

Adding a card to your PayPal account is another critical verification step. Here’s how to do it:

  • Go to Wallet and click Link a debit or credit card.
  • Enter your card details.
  • PayPal will charge a small amount (around $1.95 USD), which will appear on your card statement with a 4-digit code.
  • Once you retrieve this code from your statement, enter it in your PayPal account to verify the card.

Verifying a card proves to PayPal that you are in control of the financial instruments connected to your account.

3. Provide Identity Documents (If Requested)

In some countries, especially in the EU or India, PayPal may require additional verification due to regulatory compliance. You may be asked to submit:

  • Government-issued ID (passport, national ID, or driver’s license)
  • Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
  • Business documents if you have a business account

These documents help PayPal remain compliant with KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) laws.

4. Confirm Your Email Address

Without confirming your email address, your account will remain partially verified, and limits may still apply. Make sure you:

  • Open the email from PayPal.
  • Click the confirmation link.
  • Log into your account when prompted.

5. Upgrade to a Business Account (Optional but Recommended)

For users receiving large payments regularly or running an online business, consider upgrading your account:

  • Go to Settings > Upgrade to Business Account.
  • Provide your business name, type, and other relevant details.
  • Follow the verification steps (bank, card, documents, etc.)


Business accounts typically have higher or no receiving limits and offer additional features like payment analytics, invoicing tools, and multi-user access.

Common Issues That Prevent Lifting Limits

Even after completing all the verification steps, some users still find their limits are not lifted. Here are common reasons:

  • Mismatched details: Ensure the name on your PayPal account matches your bank and card details.
  • Incomplete verification: Double-check if you confirmed both your email and phone number.
  • Pending documentation: Go to the Resolution Center to check if PayPal has requested more information.
  • Location restrictions: Regulatory laws in some countries may impose additional limits regardless of verification status.

How Long Does It Take for Limits to Be Removed?

Once you complete all verification steps, PayPal typically removes the receiving limit within 24 to 72 hours. However, it could take longer if manual review is required or if additional documents are needed.

Tips to Avoid Future Receiving Issues

  • Always keep your account information up to date.
  • Avoid suspicious activity that may trigger account reviews.
  • Maintain a healthy transaction history by resolving disputes quickly.
  • For business users, consider using PayPal Merchant Services for more seamless operations.

Benefits of Lifting PayPal Receiving Limits

Once you lift your receiving limit, you gain access to:

  • Unlimited incoming payments.
  • Faster withdrawals to your bank.
  • Higher credibility and trustworthiness with buyers or clients.
  • Full access to PayPal's business tools and analytics.
  • Lower risk of transaction holds or delays.

Final Thoughts

Lifting the receiving limit on your PayPal account is not just about convenience—it’s about unlocking the full financial flexibility of one of the world’s most trusted payment platforms. Whether you're a freelancer, small business owner, or individual user, completing PayPal's verification steps ensures you can receive payments without interruption, build trust, and grow your financial operations confidently.