Why Amazon holds your money
When an account is deactivated, Amazon keeps the balance so it can cover what might still come back: customer refunds, chargebacks, A-to-z Guarantee claims and fees. If the deactivation is about authenticity, identity or a policy violation, Amazon may also hold funds until it has verified who you are and where your inventory came from.
A hold doesn't automatically mean the money is lost. In most cases it means Amazon is waiting on time, on information from you, or both.
The 90-day rule
Amazon's standard practice is that a deactivated account isn't eligible for a payout for about 90 days from the deactivation date. That window lets late refunds and claims come in. Some sellers see a release soon after the 90 days, and others wait longer because Amazon still needs something from them.
The 90 days runs whether or not you appeal. Appealing doesn't restart the clock, and waiting doesn't replace the appeal if you want the account back.
Three situations, three different paths
1. You want the account back
Reinstatement is the fastest way to your money. Once the account is reactivated, normal disbursements usually resume. That means a Plan of Action that answers exactly what your notice asked for, with documents that hold up.
2. You're done selling, you just want the balance
You still need to keep the account in good standing with Amazon. Respond to every request in Seller Central, keep your bank and contact details current, and complete any verification Amazon asks for. Sellers who ignore these requests are the ones most likely to wait well past 90 days.
3. Amazon asks you to verify identity or supply chain
Before releasing funds, Amazon may ask for a video call or new documents to confirm your identity, business details or suppliers. Treat it like an appeal: every document should match your Seller Central details exactly. See our video call guide, our invoice requirements guide and our identity verification help.
What to do this week
- Read the notice closely. The reason for the deactivation decides which path you're on.
- Check Payments. In Seller Central, look at the Payments dashboard for the held amount and any reserve or unavailable balance.
- Create FBA removal orders as soon as the option is available. Inventory left in fulfillment centers keeps adding storage fees and can be disposed of.
- Keep handling customers. Answer buyer messages and refund requests. New claims are paid out of the money you're waiting for.
- Don't open a new account. A second account usually gets linked and deactivated, and it makes the original case harder.
- Write down the dates. Note your deactivation date so you know when the 90-day window ends.
When funds are held longer, or not released
Long holds usually come from an open verification request, unanswered messages from Amazon, or a large number of claims still coming in. Amazon can keep funds permanently in serious cases, such as confirmed fraud or counterfeit sales, which is another reason to answer every request carefully and honestly.
If you've done everything Amazon asked and the money still isn't released, the Business Solutions Agreement includes a formal dispute process. That's a legal step, so talk to an attorney before you go down that road.
Not sure which path you're on? Send us the deactivation notice and a screenshot of your Payments page. We'll tell you what Amazon is waiting for, free.
Need help with this? See our Amazon account suspended service, or send us your notice on WhatsApp.
Updated October 2026. DPBX Consulting is an independent consultancy, not affiliated with Amazon, and this guide is not legal advice. Amazon's policies change; check Seller Central for the current rules on your account.