PayPal Authorization in Progress: How Long Does It Take?

When making online purchases, encountering a “PayPal authorization in progress” status means a payment process has begun but is not yet complete. Understanding this stage is important for consumers to know what to expect and how to interpret their transaction details within their PayPal account.

Understanding “Authorization in Progress”

An “authorization in progress” status in PayPal signifies that funds for a purchase have been reserved or held by the buyer’s financial institution. This confirms the necessary amount is available in the account or on the linked payment method. The funds are earmarked, ensuring they cannot be spent elsewhere, but they have not yet been transferred to the merchant. This preliminary step is distinct from the “capture” or “settlement” phase, which involves the actual transfer of funds from the buyer to the seller. The authorization serves as a commitment that the payment can be completed once the merchant processes the order.

Common Reasons for Authorization Delays

Several factors can contribute to a PayPal transaction remaining in an “authorization in progress” state for longer than anticipated. One common reason is that the merchant needs to manually capture the payment, rather than it being an immediate, automatic process. This often occurs when a merchant performs checks on inventory or prepares an item for shipment before finalizing the charge.

Delays can also stem from the buyer’s funding source, such as their bank or credit card, which might conduct their own internal checks or experience technical issues. Additionally, PayPal’s internal security reviews for unusual activity or transaction patterns can temporarily hold an authorization. For certain purchases, like pre-orders or subscriptions, the payment might be intentionally authorized early and captured at a later date, aligning with product availability or service commencement.

Expected Timelines and Status Checks

The duration for an authorization to clear can vary, ranging from almost immediate to several days. Merchants typically have up to 29 days to capture an authorized payment. The specific timeframe largely depends on the merchant’s processing practices and the nature of the transaction. For instance, if a Pay in 4 transaction is not completed, the pending authorization may be automatically voided by PayPal within 72 hours, though it might take up to five business days for the funds to reflect in the financial institution’s balance.

Users can check the current status of their transactions directly within their PayPal account. To do this, navigate to the “Activity” section, which displays a record of all transactions. Users can select or search for the specific payment in question and apply filters to narrow the search by status or transaction type.

Resolving Authorization Issues

If an authorization remains in progress for an extended period, or if there is a suspicion of an issue, several steps can be taken. Initially, it is advisable to wait for the typical timeframe, as many delays resolve on their own. Checking the PayPal account for any notifications or messages regarding the transaction can provide further insight.

Since merchants often control the capture of funds, contacting the merchant or seller directly is frequently the most effective next step. They can provide specific details about their processing timeline or confirm if they intend to capture the payment.

If contacting the merchant does not resolve the issue, or if the delay is significant, reaching out to PayPal customer support becomes necessary. When contacting support, having transaction details readily available, such as the transaction ID and merchant information, can expedite the process. If an authorization expires without the merchant capturing the payment, the reserved funds are typically released back to the buyer’s account.