Overview

Amazon maintains a funds disbursement eligibility policy designed to protect both customers and sellers from fraudulent, deceptive, and illegal activity on the platform. When a seller's account is deactivated for policy violations, Amazon may withhold funds in the account to cover potential liabilities. Understanding this policy is essential for every seller, as it directly impacts when and whether you can access your earnings after an account suspension.

Key Points / What Sellers Need to Know

• Account deactivation can trigger fund holds — If Amazon deactivates your selling account and determines your actions pose risks to Amazon or third parties, all funds in your account may be withheld indefinitely.
• Withheld funds can be used to cover liabilities — Amazon may apply your held balance toward product returns, refunds, A-to-z Guarantee claims, inventory removal costs, outstanding fees, or other damages resulting from your conduct.
• Appeals can restore fund access — Successfully appealing your account deactivation will result in your funds being released according to your normal disbursement schedule.
• A separate disbursement appeal exists — Even if your account appeal fails, you can independently request the release of withheld funds by contacting Amazon's disbursement appeals team.
• Permanent withholding is possible — In cases involving confirmed fraud, identity issues, or repeated policy violations, Amazon reserves the right to permanently keep your funds.

How the Fund Withholding Process Works

When Amazon deactivates a seller account under its Business Solutions Agreement, the company evaluates whether the seller's activities may have caused harm to customers, Amazon, or other third parties. If that risk is identified, Amazon places a hold on all account funds. These funds serve as a financial buffer against potential liabilities including customer refunds, A-to-z claims, removal fees for FBA inventory, and any outstanding seller fees. The hold remains in place throughout the appeals process and can extend well beyond the initial deactivation date.

The Appeals Process