How Long Does PayPal Authorization in Progress Take?
Learn about PayPal's "authorization in progress" status, its expected duration, and the various factors that influence transaction processing.
Understanding Authorization in Progress
When initiating an online transaction through PayPal, users may encounter a status labeled “Authorization in Progress.” This status indicates the payment process has begun, with a temporary hold placed on the designated payment method (such as a bank account or credit card). This confirms the availability of funds and verifies the buyer possesses sufficient balance or credit to cover the transaction amount.
The primary purpose of this authorization stage is to secure the payment. By placing a temporary hold, PayPal ensures funds are reserved for the intended purchase, preventing the buyer from spending them elsewhere before finalization. This provides assurance to the seller that payment can be expected once they fulfill their end of the transaction, such as shipping an item.
Typical Timelines for Authorization
For most PayPal transactions, an “authorization in progress” status resolves almost immediately, often within seconds. This rapid processing is typical for routine purchases where the funding source is well-established and no unusual activity is detected.
However, some circumstances can lead to a slightly longer duration for this status. During periods of high transaction volume, or for payments involving newly linked financial accounts, the process might extend to a few minutes. While these situations are not uncommon, they generally do not indicate a problem with the transaction itself.
Factors Influencing Authorization Time
Several elements can impact the time it takes for a PayPal authorization to complete. Issues with the linked funding source frequently contribute to delays. This could involve insufficient funds in a bank account, an expired credit card, or internal checks by the financial institution, which might temporarily block a transaction due to their fraud detection protocols.
PayPal also conducts internal security reviews, especially for transactions flagged as potentially unusual. These automated checks can occur for larger amounts, payments to new recipients, or if the transaction falls into a higher-risk category. Such reviews ensure the integrity of the payment network.
Merchant processing times can also play a role, although less directly related to the initial authorization. Some merchants manually verify orders or stock availability before capturing funds, which can extend the overall time a payment remains in an authorized state. In rare instances, heavy traffic on payment networks might also cause minor technical delays in the authorization process.
Troubleshooting Delays and Next Steps
If a PayPal transaction remains in an “authorization in progress” status for an extended period, there are several steps a user can take. First, review the PayPal activity page for any updates or specific notifications related to the transaction. This often provides immediate insight into the reason for the delay.
Contact the financial institution linked to the PayPal account, such as the bank or credit card company. They can confirm if a pending authorization exists or if any internal holds or security blocks have been placed. Ensuring linked card details are current and accurate within the PayPal wallet is also a helpful verification step.
Users should also check their PayPal account’s Resolution Center for any alerts or requests for additional information, such as identity verification. If the delay is prolonged, reaching out to the merchant directly for an update on their order processing is recommended.
What Happens After Authorization
Following a successful “authorization in progress,” a PayPal transaction typically transitions to a “Completed” status once the merchant captures the payment. This action signals that the funds have been fully transferred from the buyer’s account to the seller’s. For certain transactions, like hotel reservations or future services, the authorization might remain “Pending” until the service is rendered or the merchant processes the final charge.
If a merchant does not capture the authorized funds within a specified timeframe, the authorization will automatically expire or be voided. PayPal authorizations generally remain valid for up to 29 days, after which the hold on the funds is released back to the buyer’s funding source. This ensures that funds are not indefinitely tied up for unfulfilled or canceled orders.