Your payments from Shopify payments are on hold while we review your account.
5 days ago I got the following message on my Shopify Dashboard 'Your payments from Shopify payments are on hold while we review your account. This is a standard review. This hold does not prevent your customers from checking out.' I checked my email for further information, no email. I contacted Shopify chat, but they can't tell me why this has happened; I'm told it's been escalated and standard review will takes 1-3 business days to complete. However, 5 business days have passed and still no news. WIth a legal background, I consider that Shopify has unlawfully seized my pending payments. I am considering legal action in a United States court. Why? Shopify needs a lawful basis to be able to seize payments that have been made in the context of a legally binding contract between two parties that it is not a party to. In that sense, if account verification is required, that is a process that should be completed before Shopify allows its platform to be used as an online payment gateway for online stores that it hosts. In the alternative, there should be a specified time period to resolve an issue before payments are suspended. This is a very serious issue. For the record, Shopify's actions is damaging my business and I believe that there may be liability. Then again, I'm just one person. But I do believe something needs to change here because the current process is unfair and in my view, is on a shaky legal foundation. Just checked my email. Still no news from Shopify.
Reasons and Causes of the Problem and Similar Problems
- Shopify may put payments on hold for various reasons such as account verification, suspicious activities, changes in business model or sudden increase in transactions.
- Similar problems may arise due to technical glitches, changes in policies, or legal compliance issues.
Guide to Fully Solve the Problem
To fully solve the problem of payments on hold while Shopify reviews your account, follow these steps:
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Check your Shopify Dashboard: Go to your Shopify Dashboard to see if there are any notifications or messages regarding the payment hold.
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Contact Shopify Support: Reach out to Shopify Support through chat, email, or phone to inquire about the status of your account review and the reason for the payment hold.
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Provide Documentation: If Shopify requests any additional information or documents for verification, make sure to promptly provide them to expedite the review process.
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Follow Up: If the review process is taking longer than expected, follow up with Shopify Support regularly to ensure that your case is being handled.
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Consider Legal Options: If you feel that your payments are being unlawfully withheld and it is impacting your business, consult with a legal expert to explore your options and rights.
Questions and Answers
Q: Why are my payments from Shopify payments on hold?
A: Payments from Shopify may be on hold for various reasons including account verification, security concerns, or compliance checks.
Q: How long does it take to resolve a payment hold issue?
A: The timeframe to resolve a payment hold issue can vary depending on the nature of the review. It is advisable to follow up with Shopify Support for updates.
Q: Can I take legal action against Shopify for withholding payments?
A: If you believe that Shopify's actions are unlawful and causing damage to your business, you may explore legal options to address the issue.
Q: What steps can I take to prevent future payment holds?
A: Ensure that your account information is up to date, provide any requested documentation promptly, and monitor your Shopify Dashboard for any notifications regarding account reviews.