# Cannot pay self (/api/rest/troubleshooting/rest_cannot_pay_self)



Returns from the Payments v1 API.

`CANNOT_PAY_SELF` indicates that the payment request is attempting to send money to the same account initiating the transaction.

> **Info:** **Note:** If an issue persists or if you have further questions, you can reach out to
> [paypal-techsupport.com](https://www.paypal-techsupport.com).

| Cause                                                                                                                                                      | Impact                                                                                                                                        | Resolution                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| - Duplicate reference: The transaction or billing agreement attempts to reference the sender and receiver of payment as the same entity, which is invalid. | - Disrupted transactions: PayPal prevents the transaction from being processed to avoid misuse or fraud stemming from potential self-payment. | - Confirm separation: Ensure that the sender and receiver are different entities. <br /> - Review API request: Ensure you use distinct PayPal account IDs or email addresses for the sender and receiver. <br /> - Implement validation checks: Ensure that your application checks to prevent users from setting up billing agreements with duplicate entities. <br /> - Debug application code: Review and debug the code to correct issues leading to payer and payee using the same account. |