PayPal just blocked my account for using F&F


I used to be steadfast in refusing to use F&F because it is less secure, but also because it cheats PP out of their fees. However, so many people are just as steadfast in their refusal to use regular PP that I finally gave up and started to do it. Now PP has flagged my account and locked it until I explain why I am using it.

It looks like the days of circumventing their fees by using F&F may be coming to a close.

Wondering what's the best alternative. They own Venmo now so that free option will probably go away. I have Zelle but the limit is so low it is impractical. I actually prefer ACH transfers, but so many people are paranoid about giving you their checking account info it is a struggle. BTW, the only info you have to give is what is printed on the face of every check you have ever written, but for some reason, a lot of people freak out when you ask them for it.

herman

I used F&F at the demand of a seller, [who checked out so I thought], and ended up not receiving my audio component and got scammed. Absolutely no recourse, and so no more F&F for me. Lesson learned. 

There is no fee if you send F+F via your Bank Account.  There was ALWAYS a fee for Friend/Family if you used a credit card.

Sellers want F+F payments so they dont trigger the IRS/Paypal Limit. Luckily the limit went back up. Now you must hit BOTH 200 transactions and 20K in revenue annually to have the IRS notified. This change took effect last 4rth of July and it was in "The Big Beautiful Bill".  The ONLY good thing to come out of that signing!!

@herman 

I for the life of me figure can't out what F&F is. Why is it everyone has to use acronyms? Anyway, I never use Pay Pal, instead I use my Credit Cards for online purchases. I don’t incur fees, I pay off my balances before the end of the month, so I don’t pay interest and I have their consumer protection services if I need them. Simple.

My biggest issue with PP as a seller is their transaction limit. I get monthly messages for no obvious reason at all that my limit has gone up or down. One day it’s 1000 and the next day it could be 14k. Last thing I sold for 3000 not F&F they gave me 1500 immediately and withheld the other 1500. I added the tracking number in USM and directly in PP and followed all their directions to get the remaining cash and a week later they released it.

 

two years ago a buyer paid me twice by accident for a pair of speakers. We were both on the the phone with PayPal trying to get him his money refunded but their only easy solution was for me to pay him the money, for which they were going to take a cut out of. This took a month and a lot of phone calls  to get worked out.

i wish there was a better model.

@faustuss  For PayPal, "F&F" means Friends & Family. It's so your friends and family don't have to pay any extra fees. They figure you're giving your son or daughter some money and they don't have to worry about you disputing the transaction.