Overview

Amazon has shortened the waiting period for sellers to retrieve funds that were frozen after an account deactivation. The hold now lifts after 60 days instead of the previous 90‑day window, giving sellers an earlier chance to request disbursement. This change matters because it reduces cash‑flow uncertainty for sellers facing suspensions or closures.

Key Points

• 60‑day release window — Sellers whose accounts are deactivated can begin the payout request process 30 days sooner than before.
• Rewritten policy language — Amazon has clarified the reasons for holding funds and the steps required to unlock them, making the rules easier to understand.
• Single policy hub — The Fund Withholding Policy is now consolidated in one location within Seller Central, simplifying navigation for sellers.
• Explicit third‑party checks — Amazon states it may compare seller‑provided data with external databases and government records during verification.
• Stricter identity verification — Additional documentation and cross‑checking are required before any disbursement is approved.
• Permanent retention criteria — The policy now spells out the circumstances under which Amazon can keep funds indefinitely, such as proven fraud or repeated violations.

How the New 60‑Day Timeline Works

1. Deactivation triggers a hold — When Amazon disables an account, it automatically freezes the entire account balance to cover pending refunds, A‑to‑Z claims, FBA removal fees, and any outstanding charges. For example, a seller with $12,000 in sales sees the full amount locked the day the suspension is issued.
2. 60‑day countdown begins — The clock starts on the enforcement date. After 60 days, the seller becomes eligible to submit a formal disbursement request. A seller whose account was closed on January 1 can file the request beginning on March 2.
3. Submission of verification package — The seller uploads identity documents (government‑issued ID, business registration, tax information) and confirms that all details match Amazon’s records. If a seller previously submitted a passport that expired in June, they must replace it with a current one before filing.