Tech Guide

Why payment I sent is pending or unclaimed? PayPal

Why Is The Payment I Sent Pending Or Unclaimed Can I Cancel It

Why is My Payment Pending or Unclaimed on PayPal?

If a payment you sent through PayPal is marked as pending or unclaimed, it means the recipient hasn’t received or accepted the payment yet. Here’s why this might happen:

  1. Recipient’s Account Isn’t Set Up or Verified:
    • The payment was sent to an email address or phone number that isn’t linked to a verified PayPal account.
    • Solution: Double-check that you sent the payment to the correct email or phone number. The recipient may need to create a PayPal account or verify their existing account to receive the payment.
  2. Recipient’s Settings:
    • The recipient may have chosen not to automatically accept certain payments (e.g., payments in a non-preferred currency or from unverified accounts).
    • Note: In this case, the recipient must manually accept or deny the payment within 30 days. You cannot cancel the payment yourself.

Can I Cancel a Pending or Unclaimed Payment?

  • If the recipient’s account isn’t set up or verified: You can cancel the payment yourself. See the steps below.
  • If the recipient has manual acceptance settings: You cannot cancel the payment. The recipient must accept or deny it within 30 days.
  • Automatic Cancellation: If the payment remains unclaimed after 30 days, PayPal
  • will automatically cancel it and refund the money to your original payment method. Refunds to bank accounts may take up to 5 business days, while refunds to credit or debit cards may take up to 30 days.

How to Cancel a Pending or Unclaimed Payment

On the Web:

  1. Go to your Activity page.
  2. Find the payment in question and click Cancel.
  3. Follow the prompts to confirm the cancellation.

On the Mobile App:

  1. Tap Menu.
  2. Go to Activity under the “Manage Finances” section.
  3. Find the payment and tap to open it.
  4. Tap Cancel.