What should I do if my balance is negative?

If your account balance is negative, check your recent Activity to find out why.

Your PayPal balance could be negative because:

  • You tried to pay using your card, but there were technical problems with the payment method used, or there were insufficient funds to cover the payment.
  • A buyer opened a dispute, but there was insufficient balance to cover the amount.
  • A chargeback was filed through the credit card issuer – more information.
  • A refund was issued on your behalf to cover a buyer complaint.
  • A payment that wasn’t eligible for Seller Protection was reversed.
  • An unauthorized payment was made from your PayPal account.

You can resolve your negative balance by logging in to your PayPal account and clicking the "Resolve Negative Balance" link. You can choose the amount and how to add it, to bring your balance to zero.

If your account balance is negative, check your recent activity to find out why.

If you think your balance is negative because someone used your account, report it immediately in the Resolution Center.

While your account balance is negative, any payments you receive in your PayPal account will be applied to the outstanding balance, and any refunds you attempt will be funded by your primary bank.

If you don't resolve the negative balance within 120 days, your account will be locked, and you won’t be able to log in without contacting our customer support first.

More ways we can help

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