How to Withdraw From a Permanently Limited PayPal Account

Getting your PayPal account permanently limited is stressful, especially when you have money inside and you can’t link your original bank account anymore. Many freelancers in Africa and Nigeria face this same issue, and most assume the funds are gone forever.

But it’s possible to withdraw your money, even if the original receiving account is unavailable.

This guide walks through the exact real-world process one freelancer used to withdraw funds (over $1,000) from a permanently limited PayPal account after 180 days.

What Happens When PayPal Limits Your Account

When PayPal permanently limits an account, it locks:

• Sending & receiving money

• Linking a new bank account

• Withdrawing funds (until after 180 days)

After the waiting period, some users still can’t link a new account, especially in unsupported regions like Nigeria.

That was the case here too.

Real Steps Taken to Withdraw Successfully

• Wait for the 180-day hold to finish
• Try adding your bank;  if it still blocks, move on
• Contact PayPal chat,  they’ll tell you to call
• Call support & ask for withdrawal access review
• Submit ID + confirm OTP
• Wait 24 - 48 hours for review
• Add your bank (must match your legal name)
• Confirm the small bank code
• Withdraw funds

Tips for Freelancers in Africa

• Always have your valid ID ready

• Keep your PayPal information accurate

• Don’t store funds in PayPal long-term

• Withdraw earnings as soon as you receive them

Because for African freelancers, PayPal isn’t always stable or supported.

A Better Way for Cross-Border Payments

If you work with international clients regularly, consider platforms designed for African freelancers. They reduce risk and offer easier payment flows.

Ratefy, for example, helps freelancers receive global earnings and withdraw locally without complex limitations.

Final Thought

A permanently limited PayPal account isn’t the end, but it requires patience, verification, and follow-up.

Stay organised, keep proper ID and proof ready, and insist on support escalation when needed.

You earned your money, you should be able to access it.