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An Amazon account suspension is one of the most stressful experiences a seller can face. Beyond the immediate loss of sales, the sudden freeze on your hard-earned funds can feel like a devastating blow. The good news is that a suspended account doesn’t automatically mean your money is gone forever. There is a clear, albeit sometimes lengthy, process for retrieving your funds. Here’s a step-by-step guide to navigating the disbursement process after an Amazon account deactivation.
Understand the 60-Day Waiting Period
Patience is the first, and perhaps most difficult, step. If your attempts to reinstate your account have been unsuccessful, you cannot immediately claim your funds. Amazon imposes a mandatory waiting period to cover any potential customer claims, A-to-Z guarantees, or chargebacks that may arise after your suspension.
Previously, this hold lasted 90 days. However, the policy has been updated. You must now wait 60 days from the date your account was deactivated before you can formally request a disbursement. Mark this date on your calendar. Trying to appeal for your funds before this period has passed will likely be unproductive.
Submit a Formal Disbursement Appeal
Once the 60-day waiting period is over, you can initiate the process to get your money back. This is a separate process from your account reinstatement appeals. You must contact a specific department dedicated to these requests.
Draft a clear and professional email and send it to [email protected]. In your email, state your suspended seller name, the date of your account deactivation, and that you are formally requesting the disbursement of your remaining funds now that the required waiting period has concluded.
Prepare for a Thorough Verification Process
Sending the email triggers a new, separate investigation into your account. Amazon’s primary goal is to ensure that your business is not engaged in any deceptive, fraudulent, or illegal activity. Be prepared for Amazon to request additional information to verify your identity and business practices. This may include documentation related to your identity, financial instruments, or your product supply chain.
As part of this verification, you may be required to complete a video call. This is an increasingly common security measure. During the call, which typically lasts 10 to 20 minutes, an Amazon associate will ask you to show the front and back of your original, government-issued identification documents. The purpose is to confirm you are who you say you are. After the call, it can take several business days for Amazon to complete its review. While this step can feel intimidating, having your documents ready will make the process smoother.
Know Why Amazon Can Hold Your Funds
It can be frustrating to have your funds withheld, but it’s important to understand that Amazon has the legal right to do so. When you signed up to be a seller, you agreed to the Amazon Services Business Solutions Agreement (BSA). Section 3 of this agreement gives Amazon the authority to suspend or terminate your account and withhold payments if it determines your account has been used for fraudulent or illegal activity or has harmed customers or Amazon’s interests.
The BSA also states that Amazon can delay payments for up to 90 days if it believes your actions could result in a significant number of customer disputes or chargebacks. This clause is the basis for the waiting period and investigation process. Understanding this framework helps set realistic expectations for the timeline and scrutiny involved.
Consider Arbitration as a Last Resort
What happens if your disbursement appeal is denied even after you’ve followed the steps? If you’ve exhausted all internal appeal options and are still unable to retrieve your funds, the Business Solutions Agreement outlines a final path: binding arbitration.
Instead of suing in a traditional court, the BSA requires sellers to resolve disputes through the American Arbitration Association (AAA). This involves filing a “Demand for Arbitration” and serving it to Amazon’s legal agent. While this is a serious legal step, it can be effective. In some cases, simply having an attorney send a pre-arbitration letter to Amazon’s legal team can prompt a review and release of funds without a full hearing.
Regarding costs, the AAA has a fee schedule. For claims under $10,000, Amazon’s policy is to reimburse your filing fee unless the arbitrator deems your claim “frivolous.” It’s important to note that while arbitration can be successful in recovering funds, arbitrators generally do not have the power to force Amazon to reinstate your seller account..
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Written By: Ahzel P. Miral
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.ehpconsultinggroup.com
Number: 925-293-3313
Date Written: February 10, 2026