International personal payments and purchase payments are subject to cross-border fees. They’re paid by either the sender or recipient of the payment, not both. The sender of the payment generally determines who pays the fee. Cross border fees apply because multicurrency payments involve additional costs.

International Personal Payments: 

• If you send or receive an international personal payment using your PayPal balance or bank account, you’ll pay a cross-border fee. Fees can vary depending on your location. Please visit our Fees page for more information. 
• If you use a credit or debit card to pay for international personal payments fully or partially, you’ll pay a cross-border fee. Fees can vary depending on your location. Please visit our Fees page for more information. 

International Purchase Payments: 

• If you receive an international payment for a purchase, you’re charged a standard fee, plus an additional fixed fee. The fixed fee is based on the currency of the payment. Please visit our Fees page for more information. 
• It’s free to send payments for your purchases, even for some international payments. Some fees may apply if PayPal performs a currency conversion to complete your payment. Your financial institution may charge fees directly to the card you use to fund a cross-border payment even where no currency conversion is involved.

We may hold payments for a variety of reasons, based on the activity of the account. Check your account for specific reasons as to why we are holding your payment and to learn how you can release it.

Here are a few examples of why we may place payments on hold:

• You’re a new seller with PayPal or an established seller who opened a new account. New PayPal sellers can take time to build positive reputations.
• You haven’t sold in a while and are still building a positive seller reputation.
• Multiple customers reported problems or requested refunds.
• Your selling pattern appears to have changed or seems unusual.
• You’re selling higher-risk items such as event tickets, consumer electronics, travel packages, or gift cards.

As a new seller or someone who hasn’t sold in a while, we want to ensure you’re able to serve your customers with the high standards they deserve. At the same time, we want to protect you, as a seller, as you navigate how payments work. We require you to confirm your identity, and we monitor your performance as a seller. 

As you begin your selling journey, or start selling after a while, we hold the initial payments you receive for up to 21 days. This is a common industry practice to cover any potential buyer complaints that may happen in that time.