PayPal Payment Pending: How Long It Takes and How to Fix It (2026)

If your PayPal payment is pending, it can be confusing and stressful, especially when funds are needed urgently. This issue affects both buyers and sellers in the United States and usually occurs due to payment reviews, verification checks, or bank processing delays.

In most cases, a PayPal pending payment is temporary and can be resolved by taking the right steps.

This guide explains why PayPal payments stay pending, how long they usually take, and how to fix the issue quickly in 2026.

What Does “PayPal Payment Pending” Mean?

When a payment is marked as Pending, PayPal has received the transaction but has not completed it yet. During this time:

The money is not fully available
Sellers cannot withdraw funds
Buyers may see the amount deducted or authorized

Once the review or processing is complete, the payment status changes to Completed.

Common Reasons PayPal Payments Are Pending

Payment Under Review

PayPal automatically reviews some transactions to prevent fraud. This is common for:

New PayPal accounts
High-value transactions
International payments

eCheck Payments

If a buyer pays using an eCheck, the payment remains pending until PayPal confirms the bank transfer. This can take several days.

Unverified PayPal Account

Payments may stay pending if:

Email address is not confirmed
Identity verification is incomplete
Linked bank account is not verified

Currency Conversion Delays

Payments involving currency conversion may require extra processing time.

Seller Protection Review

PayPal may temporarily hold funds to ensure seller protection requirements are met, especially for digital goods or new sellers.

How Long Does PayPal Payment Pending Take?

Payment Type	Estimated Time
PayPal Balance or Card	Instant to 24 hours
eCheck	3–5 business days
New Seller Hold	Up to 21 days
Security Review	24–72 hours

Most pending payments are resolved automatically without manual action.

How to Fix PayPal Payment Pending (Step-by-Step)

Follow these steps to speed up the process.

Step 1: Check Payment Details

Look for messages like:

Payment under review
Awaiting bank transfer
Action required

Step 2: Complete PayPal Verification

Make sure your account is fully verified:

Confirm your email address
Link and verify a US bank account
Submit identity documents if requested

Verified accounts face fewer payment delays.

Step 3: Confirm Order or Shipping (For Sellers)

For physical products:

Add tracking information
Mark the order as shipped

For digital services:

Update order status to completed

This can release funds faster.

Step 4: Avoid Refunds During Review

Refunding a pending payment can complicate the process. Wait until PayPal completes its review unless instructed otherwise.

Step 5: Contact PayPal Support

If the payment remains pending longer than expected:

Visit the PayPal Help Center
Select Payments → Pending Payments
Contact support via chat or message
Provide transaction ID

PayPal usually responds within 24–48 hours.

Can PayPal Hold Payments for 21 Days?

Yes. PayPal may hold funds for up to 21 days, especially if:

You are a new seller
There is a sudden increase in sales
You sell digital goods or services

Funds are often released sooner once:

Delivery is confirmed
No disputes are opened

Best Alternatives If PayPal Payments Keep Pending

If delays happen frequently, consider these alternatives:

Stripe

Faster payouts for verified businesses
Strong fraud detection

Square

Simple setup for small businesses
Predictable payout schedule

Shopify Payments

Integrated payment solution for eCommerce stores

Always compare fees and payout timelines before switching.

How to Prevent PayPal Pending Payments in the Future

Keep your PayPal account fully verified
Maintain low dispute and refund rates
Avoid sudden spikes in transaction volume
Use clear product descriptions and policies
Deliver orders on time

Frequently Asked Questions

What does PayPal pending payment mean?

A PayPal pending payment means the transaction is still being processed or reviewed. It has not failed and will be completed once PayPal finishes verification or clears the payment method.

How long does a PayPal payment stay pending?

PayPal payments can stay pending from a few minutes up to 21 days. The duration depends on factors like payment method, account verification, seller history, and security checks.

Can a buyer cancel a pending PayPal payment?

Yes, buyers can cancel certain pending payments, such as eCheck transactions, before they are completed. Once the payment is processed, cancellation may not be possible.

Does pending mean the PayPal payment failed?

No, a pending status does not mean the payment failed. It only indicates that PayPal is still processing or reviewing the transaction.

Why does PayPal hold payments for up to 21 days?

PayPal may hold payments for up to 21 days to protect buyers and sellers. This usually happens for new sellers, high-risk transactions, or accounts with limited activity history.

Will PayPal notify me when the pending payment is completed?

Yes, PayPal sends an email notification and updates the transaction status in your PayPal account once the payment is completed or released.

How can sellers avoid PayPal pending payments?

Sellers can reduce pending payments by verifying their PayPal account, confirming their identity, adding shipment tracking details, and maintaining a good transaction history.

Final Summary

A PayPal payment pending status is usually temporary and part of PayPal’s security process. Most payments are completed within a few days once verification and reviews are finished.

By following the steps above, US users can resolve pending PayPal payments faster in 2026.