For PayPal buyers · UK, Australia, US, Canada and everywhere · checked 4 November 2026
PayPal dispute deadline checker
Item didn't arrive, or not what was described? PayPal gives you 180 days from paying to open a dispute, then 20 days to escalate it to a claim. Miss either and the case closes. Enter your dates.
The steps and their time limits
| Step | Time limit |
|---|---|
| Open a dispute in the Resolution Centre and message the seller | Within 180 days of paying |
| Escalate the dispute to a claim, so PayPal decides | Within 20 days of opening the dispute, or it closes automatically |
| PayPal's decision | Usually within about 30 days. It may ask for proof, such as photos or tracking. |
| If PayPal says no | Complain to PayPal, then to the ombudsman where you live (below). If you funded the payment by card, you can also ask your card issuer for a chargeback. |
If PayPal turns you down
- UK: the Financial Ombudsman Service, free, after PayPal's final response or 8 weeks.
- Australia: the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), free.
- US: a complaint to the CFPB.
- EU: PayPal (Europe) is regulated in Luxembourg; you can complain to the CSSF, or use your country's financial ombudsman through FIN-NET.
A card chargeback is separate from the PayPal dispute. Banks usually refuse it while a PayPal case is still open, so finish one route first. Section 75 usually doesn't cover PayPal payments.
Item not received on PayPal · Not as described on PayPal · UK chargeback deadlines · Card refund letter
Sources: PayPal User Agreement and Buyer Protection terms for the UK, Australia, US and Canada (180-day and 20-day limits); Financial Ombudsman Service; AFCA; CFPB; CSSF. Guidance, not legal advice.