top of page

What to Do If Your Account Gets Frozen

When Square/Stripe/PayPal Freezes Your Funds: What You Need to Know


Thousands of businesses trust Square/Stripe/PayPal to move their money—until one day, they can’t.


Whether you're a conservative business owner, run a firearms-related brand, or just fall into a "high-risk" category, Square/Stripe/PayPal has a history of freezing accounts without warning, holding funds for 180 days or more, and offering little to no explanation.


If it happened to you, here’s what to do next—and how to make sure it never happens again.


1. Understand Why Square/Stripe/PayPal Locked Your Account

Square/Stripe/PayPal can freeze your funds for reasons including:

  • "Violation of acceptable use policy" (often vaguely defined)

  • A sudden spike in transaction volume

  • Being labeled “high-risk” due to your industry

  • Chargeback or refund disputes

  • Their internal political or compliance stance

Unfortunately, they don’t always explain which one it is.


2. File a Complaint and Get Documentation

If your account is frozen:

  • Request written documentation of the reason.

  • Ask for a timeline on fund release.

  • File a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or Better Business Bureau (BBB) if no clear answer is given.

This won’t always unlock your funds—but it creates a paper trail and puts pressure on Square/Stripe/PayPal.


3. Switch to a Processor That Stands With You

The best way to avoid being frozen again? Don’t go back to PayPal.

Instead, choose a processor that:

✅ Supports businesses

✅ Underwrites you upfront for long-term stability

✅ Offers real customer service—not just email forms

✅ Believes in protecting your freedom, not policing your beliefs


4. Why Businesses Are Switching to 2nd Amendment Processing

At 2ndAP, we’ve helped countless merchants who were burned by PayPal, Stripe, and Square. We believe your business deserves:

  • Transparent pricing

  • Upfront approval (no surprises)

  • A processor that won’t cancel you over your beliefs


Your Funds. Your Freedom. Your Processor Should Protect Both.


If your Square/Stripe/PayPal funds are frozen—or you're tired of worrying they might be—it’s time to move to a processor that actually has your back.


👉 Stop playing by Big Tech’s rules. Apply now at www.2ndAP.com


Thomas Troyer

CEO

2nd Amendment Processing

517-755-6696


Comments


2nd Amendment Processing 2018  Built By Red5  

2nd Amendment Processing is a registered DBA of EPX, a registered ISO of BMO Harris Bank N.A., Chicago, IL, Fresno First Bank, Fresno, CA, and Citizens Bank N.A., Providence, RI.

  • Facebook Basic Black
bottom of page