In most cases, holds are lifted when we can confirm an order has arrived to the buyer or, in the event of a dispute, when a case is resolved in the seller’s favor. We use tracking to confirm a buyer has received their item. To get your funds faster, we recommend sending your item and uploading tracking within your handling time.
To help ensure eBay remains a safe place to buy and sell, and to meet our legal and compliance obligations, we sometimes place a hold on funds as described in our Payments Terms of Use - opens in new window or tab, for example, if there's an open case or dispute on a transaction, if your buyer reports a problem with the order, if your account is restricted or suspended, if you owe eBay money, or if you're a new or infrequent seller. If your payouts are placed on hold for any reason, we'll notify you and, depending on the reason, may request additional information from you to help resolve the issue.
There are three types of holds: transaction holds, payment dispute holds, and payout holds.
Transaction holds
Transaction holds are when we place a hold on funds related to a particular buyer transaction. The funds on hold may be used to refund the buyer for the same transaction.
To reduce the likelihood of a transaction hold, we recommend shipping an item the same day your buyer pays for it and following good shipping practices, such as adding tracking information to your order.
Tip
If we place a hold on your funds, it will usually be resolved within 30 days, but in rare circumstances it may take longer. For most orders, adding tracking information can help you receive your funds faster.
We may place a transaction hold on funds depending on your seller status, changes to your account status, or other factors we use to help ensure a safe marketplace in all categories, regardless of whether the transaction is covered by our eBay Money Back Guarantee or not:
- New or infrequent sellers will experience transaction holds while learning best selling practices, becoming established, and building a strong selling history on eBay. New sellers typically receive their funds within 30 days, although sometimes it may be longer
- Previously restricted or suspended sellers will experience transaction holds for the 30 days after the restriction or suspension is lifted, while we confirm that the items have been successfully delivered
- High priced items may lead to transaction holds for up to 30 days to help us ensure that buyers don't have any issues with the order
- Unusual selling patterns may lead to transaction holds where funds are released 3 days after delivery confirmation or 30 days after the order is placed
Payment dispute holds
Payment dispute holds are when we place a hold on funds related to a problem reported by a buyer, regardless of whether the transaction is covered by our eBay Money Back Guarantee or not.
For example, if a buyer reports that an item hasn't been received, or the item they received is significantly different from the listing description, we hold funds until the case is resolved and closed. For more information see our article on best practices for avoiding and handling issues with buyers.
The funds on hold may be used to refund the buyer for the same transaction.
Payout holds
Payout holds are when we hold funds payable to a particular seller, and usually require further seller action on the account.
- Registration holds: We may hold payouts if we identify a discrepancy with the information you provided at registration. If your account is restricted, we'll notify you with a request for additional information. For more information on how to verify your identity, see our article on registering as a seller
- Compliance holds: We maintain policies and procedures to protect buyers and sellers while complying with applicable laws. If your account has a payout hold or restriction for compliance reasons, we'll notify you and may request additional information from you
- Performance holds: We hold your payouts if we identify unusual activity associated with your account, such as increased customer claims, a sudden change in your selling activity, late deliveries, or negative buyer feedback
- Invalid payment method: We may put your payouts on hold if we can't deduct your selling fees and other costs from any of your on-file payment methods. In this case, you’ll need to add another payment method