Payouts API

Use the Payouts API to make PayPal payments to multiple PayPal accounts in a single API call. The Payouts API is a fast, convenient way to send commissions, rebates, rewards, and general disbursements. Payouts appear as Mass Payments in the sender's PayPal account as Mass Payment reports. The Payouts API uses the ISO 8601 Internet date and time format.

Payouts (resource group)

Use the /payouts resource to create a payout and update the status for a payout, and show the latest status of a payout along with the transaction status and other data for individual items.

Create payout

POST /v1/payments/payouts

Creates a payout. In the JSON request body, pass a sender_batch_header and an items array. The sender_batch_header defines how to handle the payout. The items array defines the payout items.
You can make payouts to one or more recipients.

Notes:
PayPal does not process duplicate payouts. If you specify a sender_batch_id that was used in the last 30 days, the API rejects the request with an error message that shows the duplicate sender_batch_id and includes a HATEOAS link to the original payout with the same sender_batch_id.
If you receive an HTTP 5nn status code, you can safely retry the request with the same sender_batch_id.
The Payouts API does not support build notation (BN) codes. In a future Payouts release, you can optionally provide BN codes in the PayPal-Partner-Attribution-Id request header.
For information about the PayPal-Partner-Attribution-Id header, see HTTP request headers. To learn about or request a BN code, contact your partner manager or see PayPal Partner Program.

Header parameters

For more information about HTTP request headers, see HTTP request headers.

PayPal-Request-Id

string

The server stores keys for 30 days. For more information about PayPal-Request-Id, see PayPal-Request-Id.

Request body

sender_batch_header

object

required

The sender-provided payout header for a payout request.
items

array (contains the payout_item object)

required

An array of individual payout items.

Minimum length: 1.

Maximum length: 15000.

Sample Request

curl -v -X POST https://api.sandbox.paypal.com/v1/payments/payouts \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-H "Authorization: Bearer Access-Token" \
-d '{
  "sender_batch_header": {
    "sender_batch_id": "Payouts_2018_100007",
    "email_subject": "You have a payout!",
    "email_message": "You have received a payout! Thanks for using our service!"
  },
  "items": [
    {
      "recipient_type": "EMAIL",
      "amount": {
        "value": "9.87",
        "currency": "USD"
      },
      "note": "Thanks for your patronage!",
      "sender_item_id": "201403140001",
      "receiver": "receiver@example.com"
    },
    {
      "recipient_type": "PHONE",
      "amount": {
        "value": "112.34",
        "currency": "USD"
      },
      "note": "Thanks for your support!",
      "sender_item_id": "201403140002",
      "receiver": "91-734-234-1234"
    },
    {
      "recipient_type": "PAYER_ID",
      "amount": {
        "value": "5.32",
        "currency": "USD"
      },
      "note": "Thanks for your patronage!",
      "sender_item_id": "201403140003",
      "receiver": "G83JXTJ5EHCQ2"
    }
  ]
}'

Response

A successful request returns the HTTP 201 Created status code and a JSON response body that show the ID for the payout and payout details. To show payout status, use the payout_batch_id value that appears the response. If the initial scan that checks for syntax errors, missing or duplicated keywords, and more succeeds, the batch_status is PENDING. The initial scan checks for syntax errors and missing or duplicated keywords. The API does not immediately validate some payout item values, such as the receiver phone numbers.

batch_header

object

The payout header.
errors

object

The error details.
links

array (contains the link_description object)

An array of request-related HATEOAS links.

Read only.

Sample Response

{
  "batch_header": {
    "sender_batch_header": {
      "sender_batch_id": "Payouts_2018_100008",
      "email_subject": "You have a payout!",
      "email_message": "You have received a payout! Thanks for using our service!"
    },
    "payout_batch_id": "5UXD2E8A7EBQJ",
    "batch_status": "PENDING"
  }
}

Show payout batch details

GET /v1/payments/payouts/{payout_batch_id}

Shows the latest status of a payout along with the transaction status and other data for individual items.

Path parameters

payout_batch_id

string

required

The ID of the payout for which to show details.

Query parameters

fields

string

Shows details for only the specified fields.
page

integer

A non-zero integer representing the page of the results.

Default: 1.
page_size

integer

The maximum number of results to return at one time. Value is a non-negative, non-zero integer. If the user chooses pagination, the maximum page size is 500.
total_required

boolean

Indicates whether to show the total items and total pages count in the response.

Sample Request

curl -v -X GET https://api.sandbox.paypal.com/v1/payments/payouts/FYXMPQTX4JC9N \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-H "Authorization: Bearer Access-Token"

Response

A successful request returns the HTTP 200 OK status code.

total_items

integer

The total number of items in the full result list.
total_pages

integer

The total number of pages.
batch_header

object

A payout header. Includes the generated payout status.
items

array (contains the payout_batch_items object)

An array of individual items.
errors

object

The error details.
links

array (contains the link_description object)

An array of request-related HATEOAS links.

Read only.

Sample Response

{
  "batch_header": {
    "payout_batch_id": "FYXMPQTX4JC9N",
    "batch_status": "PROCESSING",
    "time_created": "2014-01-27T10:17:00Z",
    "time_completed": "2014-01-27T11:17:39.00Z",
    "sender_batch_header": {
      "sender_batch_id": "Payouts_2018_100009",
      "email_subject": "You have a payout!"
    },
    "amount": {
      "value": "438.35",
      "currency": "USD"
    },
    "fees": {
      "value": "5.84",
      "currency": "USD"
    }
  },
  "items": [
    {
      "payout_item_id": "DUCD8GC3VUKVE",
      "transaction_id": "6KA23440H1057442S",
      "transaction_status": "SUCCESS",
      "payout_batch_id": "FYXMPQTX4JC9N",
      "payout_item_fee": {
        "currency": "USD",
        "value": "1.00"
      },
      "payout_item": {
        "recipient_type": "EMAIL",
        "amount": {
          "value": "65.24",
          "currency": "USD"
        },
        "note": "Thanks for your patronage!",
        "receiver": "receiver77@example.com",
        "sender_item_id": "14Feb_978"
      },
      "time_processed": "2014-01-27T10:18:32Z"
    },
    {
      "payout_item_id": "LGMEPRKTK7FQA",
      "transaction_id": "8K128187J1102003K",
      "transaction_status": "SUCCESS",
      "payout_batch_id": "FYXMPQTX4JC9N",
      "payout_item_fee": {
        "currency": "USD",
        "value": "1.00"
      },
      "payout_item": {
        "recipient_type": "EMAIL",
        "amount": {
          "value": "59.87",
          "currency": "USD"
        },
        "note": "Thanks for your patronage!",
        "receiver": "receiver34@example.com",
        "sender_item_id": "14Feb_321"
      },
      "time_processed": "2014-01-27T10:18:15Z"
    },
    {
      "payout_item_id": "BQ8GT9VG64EFS",
      "transaction_id": "57382391EC1682714",
      "transaction_status": "SUCCESS",
      "payout_batch_id": "FYXMPQTX4JC9N",
      "payout_item_fee": {
        "currency": "USD",
        "value": "1.00"
      },
      "payout_item": {
        "recipient_type": "EMAIL",
        "amount": {
          "value": "59.87",
          "currency": "USD"
        },
        "note": "Thanks for your patronage!",
        "receiver": "receiver03@example.com",
        "sender_item_id": "14Feb_239"
      },
      "time_processed": "2014-01-27T10:17:15Z"
    },
    {
      "payout_item_id": "LHKZN4VT93L2Q",
      "transaction_id": "1LG71547D1353984N",
      "transaction_status": "SUCCESS",
      "payout_batch_id": "FYXMPQTX4JC9N",
      "payout_item_fee": {
        "value": "USD",
        "currency": "0.75"
      },
      "payout_item": {
        "recipient_type": "EMAIL",
        "amount": {
          "value": "19.87",
          "currency": "USD"
        },
        "note": "Thanks for your patronage!",
        "receiver": "receiver02@example.com",
        "sender_item_id": "14Feb_235"
      },
      "time_processed": "2014-01-27T10:17:25Z"
    },
    {
      "payout_item_id": "4ZF3VZHHTQJG6",
      "transaction_id": "4BD48613EX3256543",
      "transaction_status": "SUCCESS",
      "payout_batch_id": "FYXMPQTX4JC9N",
      "payout_item_fee": {
        "currency": "USD",
        "value": "0.75"
      },
      "payout_item": {
        "recipient_type": "EMAIL",
        "amount": {
          "value": "9.87",
          "currency": "USD"
        },
        "note": "Thanks for your patronage!",
        "receiver": "receiver@example.com",
        "sender_item_id": "14Feb_234"
      },
      "time_processed": "2014-01-27T10:17:37Z"
    },
    {
      "payout_item_id": "DTCJCQ6LMH8JQ",
      "transaction_id": "25F63571CL9929422",
      "transaction_status": "SUCCESS",
      "payout_item_fee": {
        "currency": "USD",
        "value": "2.35"
      },
      "payout_batch_id": "FYXMPQTX4JC9N",
      "payout_item": {
        "recipient_type": "PHONE",
        "amount": {
          "value": "112.34",
          "currency": "USD"
        },
        "note": "Thanks for your support!",
        "receiver": "91-734-234-1234",
        "sender_item_id": "14Feb_235"
      },
      "time_processed": "2014-01-27T10:17:52Z"
    },
    {
      "payout_item_id": "GSBDQHUAUD44A",
      "transaction_id": "53R03517P98080414",
      "transaction_status": "SUCCESS",
      "payout_batch_id": "FYXMPQTX4JC9N",
      "payout_item_fee": {
        "currency": "USD",
        "value": "2.5"
      },
      "payout_item": {
        "recipient_type": "PHONE",
        "amount": {
          "value": "5.32",
          "currency": "USD"
        },
        "note": "Thanks for your patronage!",
        "receiver": "408X234-1234",
        "sender_item_id": "14Feb_235"
      },
      "time_processed": "2014-01-27T10:17:41Z"
    }
  ],
  "links": [
    {
      "rel": "self",
      "href": "https://api.sandbox.paypal.com/v1/payments/payouts/FYXMPQTX4JC9N?page_size=1000&page=1",
      "method": "GET"
    }
  ]
}

Payouts item (resource group)

Use the /payouts-item resource to show payout item details.

Show payout item details

GET /v1/payments/payouts-item/{payout_item_id}

Shows details for a payout item, by ID. A payout_item_id helps you identify denied payments. If a payment is denied, you can use the payout_item_id to identify the payment even if it lacks a transaction_id.

Path parameters

payout_item_id

string

required

The ID of the payout item for which to show details.

Sample Request

curl -v -X GET https://api.sandbox.paypal.com/v1/payments/payouts-item/8AELMXH8UB2P8 \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-H "Authorization: Bearer Access-Token"

Response

A successful request returns the HTTP 200 OK status code and a JSON response body with a payout_item_details object, which contains data about a payout item including the transaction status.

payout_item_id

string

The ID for the payout item. Visible when you show details for a payout.

Maximum length: 30.
transaction_id

string

The PayPal-generated ID for the transaction.

Maximum length: 30.
activity_id

string

The PayPal-generated activity ID for the transaction.

Maximum length: 30.
transaction_status

enum
The transaction status. The possible values are:
- NEW. Your request for a payout was received.
- SUCCESS. Funds have been credited to the recipient’s account.
- DENIED. This payout was denied, so funds have not been deducted from your account.
- PENDING. Your payout request was received and will be processed.
- FAILED. This payout request has failed, so funds were not deducted from the sender’s account.
- UNCLAIMED. The recipient for this payout does not have a PayPal account. A link to sign up for a PayPal account was sent to the recipient. However, if the recipient does not claim this payout within 30 days, the funds are returned to your account.
- RETURNED. The recipient has not claimed this payout, so the funds have been returned to your account.
- ONHOLD. This payout request is being reviewed and is on hold.
- BLOCKED. This payout request has been blocked.
- REFUNDED. This payout request was refunded.
- REVERSED. This payout request was reversed.
payout_item_fee

object

The estimate for the applicable payout fee. Initially, the fee is 0. The fee is populated after the item moves to the PENDING state
payout_batch_id

string

The PayPal-generated ID for the payout batch.

Maximum length: 30.
sender_batch_id

string

A sender-specified ID number. Tracks the payout in an accounting system. Should be unique within 30 days.

Maximum length: 256.
payout_item

object

The sender-provided information for the payout item.
time_processed

string

The date and time when this item was last processed, in Internet date and time format.
errors

object

The error details.
links

array (contains the link_description object)

An array of request-related HATEOAS links.

Read only.

Sample Response

{
  "payout_item_id": "8AELMXH8UB2P8",
  "transaction_id": "0C413693MN970190K",
  "activity_id": "0E158638XS0329106",
  "transaction_status": "SUCCESS",
  "payout_item_fee": {
    "currency": "USD",
    "value": "0.35"
  },
  "payout_batch_id": "Q8KVJG9TZTNN4",
  "payout_item": {
    "amount": {
      "value": "9.87",
      "currency": "USD"
    },
    "recipient_type": "EMAIL",
    "note": "Thanks for your patronage!",
    "receiver": "receiver@example.com",
    "sender_item_id": "14Feb_234"
  },
  "time_processed": "2018-01-27T10:17:41Z",
  "links": [
    {
      "rel": "self",
      "href": "https://api.sandbox.paypal.com/v1/payments/payouts-item/8AELMXH8UB2P8",
      "method": "GET"
    },
    {
      "href": "https://api.sandbox.paypal.com/v1/payments/payouts/Q8KVJG9TZTNN4",
      "rel": "batch",
      "method": "GET"
    }
  ]
}

Cancel unclaimed payment

POST /v1/payments/payouts-item/{payout_item_id}/cancel

Cancels an unclaimed transaction, by ID. If no one claims the unclaimed item within 30 days, the API automatically returns the funds to the sender. Use this call to cancel the unclaimed item before the automatic 30-day refund. You can cancel payout items with a transaction_status of UNCLAIMED.

Path parameters

payout_item_id

string

required

The ID of the payout item to cancel.

Sample Request

curl -v -X POST https://api.sandbox.paypal.com/v1/payments/payouts-item/5KUDKLF8SDC7S/cancel \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-H "Authorization: Bearer Access-Token"

Response

A successful request returns the HTTP 200 OK status code.

payout_item_id

string

The ID for the payout item. Visible when you show details for a payout.

Maximum length: 30.
transaction_id

string

The PayPal-generated ID for the transaction.

Maximum length: 30.
activity_id

string

The PayPal-generated activity ID for the transaction.

Maximum length: 30.
transaction_status

enum
The transaction status. The possible values are:
- NEW. Your request for a payout was received.
- SUCCESS. Funds have been credited to the recipient’s account.
- DENIED. This payout was denied, so funds have not been deducted from your account.
- PENDING. Your payout request was received and will be processed.
- FAILED. This payout request has failed, so funds were not deducted from the sender’s account.
- UNCLAIMED. The recipient for this payout does not have a PayPal account. A link to sign up for a PayPal account was sent to the recipient. However, if the recipient does not claim this payout within 30 days, the funds are returned to your account.
- RETURNED. The recipient has not claimed this payout, so the funds have been returned to your account.
- ONHOLD. This payout request is being reviewed and is on hold.
- BLOCKED. This payout request has been blocked.
- REFUNDED. This payout request was refunded.
- REVERSED. This payout request was reversed.
payout_item_fee

object

The estimate for the applicable payout fee. Initially, the fee is 0. The fee is populated after the item moves to the PENDING state
payout_batch_id

string

The PayPal-generated ID for the payout batch.

Maximum length: 30.
sender_batch_id

string

A sender-specified ID number. Tracks the payout in an accounting system. Should be unique within 30 days.

Maximum length: 256.
payout_item

object

The sender-provided information for the payout item.
time_processed

string

The date and time when this item was last processed, in Internet date and time format.
errors

object

The error details.
links

array (contains the link_description object)

An array of request-related HATEOAS links.

Read only.

Sample Response

{
  "payout_item_id": "5KUDKLF8SDC7S",
  "transaction_id": "1DG93452WK758815H",
  "activity_id": "0E158638XS0329101",
  "transaction_status": "RETURNED",
  "payout_item_fee": {
    "currency": "USD",
    "value": "0.35"
  },
  "payout_batch_id": "CQMWKDQF5GFLL",
  "sender_batch_id": "Payouts_2018_100006",
  "payout_item": {
    "recipient_type": "EMAIL",
    "amount": {
      "value": "9.87",
      "currency": "USD"
    },
    "note": "Thanks for your patronage!",
    "receiver": "receiver@example.com",
    "sender_item_id": "14Feb_234"
  },
  "time_processed": "2018-01-27T10:17:41Z",
  "errors": {
    "name": "RECEIVER_UNREGISTERED",
    "message": "Receiver is unregistered",
    "information_link": "https://developer.paypal.com/docs/api/payments.payouts-batch#errors"
  },
  "links": [
    {
      "rel": "self",
      "href": "https://api.sandbox.paypal.com/v1/payments/payouts-item/5KUDKLF8SDC7S",
      "method": "GET"
    },
    {
      "rel": "batch",
      "href": "https://api.sandbox.paypal.com/v1/payments/payouts/CQMWKDQF5GFLL",
      "method": "GET"
    }
  ]
}

Common object definitions

batch_header

payout_batch_id

string

required

The PayPal-generated ID for a payout.

Maximum length: 30.
batch_status

enum

required
The PayPal-generated payout status. If the payout passes preliminary checks, the status is PENDING. The possible values are:
- DENIED. Your payout requests were denied, so they were not processed. Check the error messages to see any steps necessary to fix these issues.
- PENDING. Your payout requests were received and will be processed soon.
- PROCESSING. Your payout requests were received and are now being processed.
- SUCCESS. Your payout batch was processed and completed. Check the status of each item for any holds or unclaimed transactions.
- CANCELED. The payouts file that was uploaded through the PayPal portal was cancelled by the sender.
time_created

string

The date and time when processing for the payout began, in Internet date and time format.
time_completed

string

The date and time when processing for the payout completed, in Internet date and time format.
time_closed

string

The date and time when the payout was closed, in Internet date and time format.
sender_batch_header

object

required

The original payout header, as provided by the payment sender.
funding_source

enum
The funding source of the payout sender. The possible values are:
- BALANCE. Funded by balance.
- PAYPAL_TREASURY. Funded by special receivable account.
- VENMO. Funded by special receivable account.
amount

object

The total amount, in U.S. dollars, requested for the payouts.
fees

object

The currency and amount of the total estimate for the applicable payouts fees. Initially, the fee is 0. The fee is populated after the payout moves to the PROCESSING state.
errors

object

The error information.

batch_header_response

payout_batch_id

string

required

The PayPal-generated ID for a payout.

Maximum length: 30.
batch_status

enum

required
The PayPal-generated payout status. If the payout passes preliminary checks, the status is PENDING. The possible values are:
- DENIED. Your payout requests were denied, so they were not processed. Check the error messages to see any steps necessary to fix these issues.
- PENDING. Your payout requests were received and will be processed soon.
- PROCESSING. Your payout requests were received and are now being processed.
- SUCCESS. Your payout batch was processed and completed. Check the status of each item for any holds or unclaimed transactions.
- CANCELED. The payouts file that was uploaded through the PayPal portal was cancelled by the sender.
time_created

string

The date and time when processing for the payout began, in Internet date and time format.
sender_batch_header

object

required

The original payout header, as provided by the payment sender.
errors

object

The error information.

batch_status

batch_status

enum
The payouts status. The possible values are:
- DENIED. Your payout requests were denied, so they were not processed. Check the error messages to see any steps necessary to fix these issues.
- PENDING. Your payout requests were received and will be processed soon.
- PROCESSING. Your payout requests were received and are now being processed.
- SUCCESS. Your payout batch was processed and completed. Check the status of each item for any holds or unclaimed transactions.
- CANCELED. The payouts file that was uploaded through the PayPal portal was cancelled by the sender.

create_payout_request

sender_batch_header

object

required

The sender-provided payout header for a payout request.
items

array (contains the payout_item object)

required

An array of individual payout items.

Minimum length: 1.

Maximum length: 15000.

currency

currency

string

required

The three-character ISO-4217 currency code.
value

string

required
The value, which might be:
- An integer for currencies like JPY that are not typically fractional.
- A decimal fraction for currencies like TND that are subdivided into thousandths.
For the required number of decimal places for a currency code, see Currency codes - ISO 4217.

error

name

string

required

The human-readable, unique name of the error.

Read only.
debug_id

string

The PayPal internal ID. Used for correlation purposes.

Read only.
message

string

required

The message that describes the error.

Read only.
information_link

string

required

The URI to detailed information related to this error for the developer.

Read only.
details

array (contains the error_details object)

An array of additional details for the error.

Read only.

error_details

field

string

required

The name of the field that caused the error.
issue

string

required

The reason for the error.

errors

name

string

required

The human-readable and unique name of the error.

Read only.
debug_id

string

The PayPal internal ID, which is used for correlation purposes.

Read only.
message

string

required

The message that describes the error.

Read only.
information_link

string

required

The URI for detailed information related to this error for the developer.

Read only.
payout_error_details

array (contains the payout_error_detail object)

An array of additional error details.

Read only.

funding_source

funding_source

enum
This enum type identifies the funding type of the payment. Value is:
- BALANCE. Funded by balance.
- PAYPAL_TREASURY. Funded by special receivable account.
The possible values are:
- BALANCE. Funded by balance.
- PAYPAL_TREASURY. Funded by special receivable account.
- VENMO. Funded by special receivable account.

link_description

href

string

required

The complete target URL. To make the related call, combine the method with this URI Template-formatted link. For pre-processing, include the $, (, and ) characters. The href is the key HATEOAS component that links a completed call with a subsequent call.
rel

string

required

The link relation type, which serves as an ID for a link that unambiguously describes the semantics of the link. See Link Relations.
method

enum

The HTTP method required to make the related call.

Possible values: GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, HEAD, CONNECT, OPTIONS, PATCH.

name

prefix

string

The prefix, or title, to the party's name.

Maximum length: 140.
given_name

string

When the party is a person, the party's given, or first, name.

Maximum length: 140.
surname

string

When the party is a person, the party's surname or family name. Also known as the last name. Required when the party is a person. Use also to store multiple surnames including the matronymic, or mother's, surname.

Maximum length: 140.
middle_name

string

When the party is a person, the party's middle name. Use also to store multiple middle names including the patronymic, or father's, middle name.

Maximum length: 140.
suffix

string

The suffix for the party's name.

Maximum length: 140.
alternate_full_name

string

DEPRECATED. The party's alternate name. Can be a business name, nickname, or any other name that cannot be split into first, last name. Required when the party is a business.

Maximum length: 300.
full_name

string

When the party is a person, the party's full name.

Maximum length: 300.

name_validation

name_validation

payout

batch_header

object

The payout header.
errors

object

The error details.
links

array (contains the link_description object)

An array of request-related HATEOAS links.

Read only.

payout_batch

total_items

integer

The total number of items in the full result list.
total_pages

integer

The total number of pages.
batch_header

object

A payout header. Includes the generated payout status.
items

array (contains the payout_batch_items object)

An array of individual items.
errors

object

The error details.
links

array (contains the link_description object)

An array of request-related HATEOAS links.

Read only.

payout_batch_items

payout_item_id

string

required

The ID for the payout item. Viewable when you show details for a payout.

Maximum length: 30.
transaction_id

string

The PayPal-generated ID for the transaction.

Maximum length: 30.
activity_id

string

The PayPal-generated activity ID for the transaction.

Maximum length: 30.
transaction_status

enum
The transaction status. The possible values are:
- NEW. Your request for a payout was received.
- SUCCESS. Funds have been credited to the recipient’s account.
- DENIED. This payout was denied, so funds have not been deducted from your account.
- PENDING. Your payout request was received and will be processed.
- FAILED. This payout request has failed, so funds were not deducted from the sender’s account.
- UNCLAIMED. The recipient for this payout does not have a PayPal account. A link to sign up for a PayPal account was sent to the recipient. However, if the recipient does not claim this payout within 30 days, the funds are returned to your account.
- RETURNED. The recipient has not claimed this payout, so the funds have been returned to your account.
- ONHOLD. This payout request is being reviewed and is on hold.
- BLOCKED. This payout request has been blocked.
- REFUNDED. This payout request was refunded.
- REVERSED. This payout request was reversed.
payout_item_fee

object

The fee, in U.S. dollars.
payout_batch_id

string

required

The PayPal-generated ID for the payout.

Maximum length: 30.
payout_item

object

required

The sender-provided information for the payout item.
time_processed

string

The date and time when this item was last processed, in Internet date and time format.
errors

object

The error information.
links

array (contains the link_description object)

An array of request-related HATEOAS links.

Read only.

payout_error_detail

field

string

required

The name of the field that caused the error.
issue

string

required

The reason for the error.
links

array (contains the link_description object)

An array of request-related HATEOAS links.

Read only.

payout_item

recipient_type

string
The recipient type. Value is:
- EMAIL. The unencrypted email. Value is a string of up to 127 single-byte characters.
- PHONE. The unencrypted phone number.
  Note: The PayPal sandbox does not support the PHONE recipient type.
- PAYPAL_ID. The encrypted PayPal account number.
If the sender_batch_header includes the recipient_type attribute, payout items use the recipient_type of the sender_batch_header, unless a payout item has its own recipient_type attribute. If the sender_batch_header omits the recipient_type attribute, each payout item must include its own recipient_type value.
Maximum length: 13.
amount

object

required

The currency and amount to pay the receiver.
note

string

A sender-specified note for notifications.

Maximum length: 4000.
receiver

string

required

The receiver of the payment. Corresponds to the recipient_type value in the request. Max value of up to 127 single-byte characters.

Maximum length: 127.
sender_item_id

string

A sender-specified ID number. Tracks the payout in an accounting system.

Maximum length: 63.

payout_item_detail

recipient_type

enum
The ID type that identifies the payment receiver. The possible values are:
- EMAIL. An unencrypted email. Value is a string of up to 127 single-byte characters.
- PHONE. An unencrypted phone number.
- PAYPAL_ID. An encrypted PayPal account number.
- USER_NAME. The user name in the wallet that is identified by recipient_wallet. Supported only if recipient_wallet is VENMO.
amount

object

required

The currency and amount of payout item. Might be an integer for currencies like JPY that are not typically fractional or a decimal fraction for currencies like TND that are subdivided into thousandths. For the required number of decimal places for a currency code, see Currency codes - ISO 4217.
note

string

A sender-specified note for notifications.

Maximum length: 4000.
receiver

string

required

The receiver of the payment. Corresponds to the recipient_type value in the request.

Maximum length: 127.
sender_item_id

string

A sender-specified ID number. Tracks the payout in an accounting system.

Maximum length: 30.
recipient_name

object

The name of the recipient of the payment. For UNCLAIMED payments, the recipient name is populated after the payment is claimed.

payout_item_response

payout_item_id

string

required

The ID for the payout item. Visible when you show details for a payout.

Maximum length: 30.
transaction_id

string

The PayPal-generated ID for the transaction.

Maximum length: 30.
activity_id

string

The PayPal-generated activity ID for the transaction.

Maximum length: 30.
transaction_status

enum
The transaction status. The possible values are:
- NEW. Your request for a payout was received.
- SUCCESS. Funds have been credited to the recipient’s account.
- DENIED. This payout was denied, so funds have not been deducted from your account.
- PENDING. Your payout request was received and will be processed.
- FAILED. This payout request has failed, so funds were not deducted from the sender’s account.
- UNCLAIMED. The recipient for this payout does not have a PayPal account. A link to sign up for a PayPal account was sent to the recipient. However, if the recipient does not claim this payout within 30 days, the funds are returned to your account.
- RETURNED. The recipient has not claimed this payout, so the funds have been returned to your account.
- ONHOLD. This payout request is being reviewed and is on hold.
- BLOCKED. This payout request has been blocked.
- REFUNDED. This payout request was refunded.
- REVERSED. This payout request was reversed.
payout_item_fee

object

The estimate for the applicable payout fee. Initially, the fee is 0. The fee is populated after the item moves to the PENDING state
payout_batch_id

string

required

The PayPal-generated ID for the payout batch.

Maximum length: 30.
sender_batch_id

string

A sender-specified ID number. Tracks the payout in an accounting system. Should be unique within 30 days.

Maximum length: 256.
payout_item

object

required

The sender-provided information for the payout item.
time_processed

string

The date and time when this item was last processed, in Internet date and time format.
errors

object

The error details.
links

array (contains the link_description object)

An array of request-related HATEOAS links.

Read only.

recipient_type

recipient_type

enum
The ID type that identifies the payment receiver. The possible values are:
- EMAIL. An unencrypted email. Value is a string of up to 127 single-byte characters.
- PHONE. An unencrypted phone number.
- PAYPAL_ID. An encrypted PayPal account number.
- USER_NAME. The user name in the wallet that is identified by recipient_wallet. Supported only if recipient_wallet is VENMO.

sender_batch_header

sender_batch_id

string

A sender-specified ID number. Tracks the payout in an accounting system.
Note: PayPal does not process duplicate payouts. If you specify a sender_batch_id that was used in the last 30 days, the API rejects the request with an error message that shows the duplicate sender_batch_id and includes a HATEOAS link to the original payout with the same sender_batch_id.
If you receive an HTTP 5nn status code, you can safely retry the request with the same sender_batch_id. The API completes a payment only once for a sender_batch_id that is used within 30 days.

Maximum length: 256.
recipient_type

string

The ID type that identifies the recipient of the payment. For example, EMAIL.

Maximum length: 13.
email_subject

string

The subject line for the email that PayPal sends when payment for a payout item completes. The subject line is the same for all recipients. Value is an alphanumeric string of up to 255 single-byte characters.

Maximum length: 255.
email_message

string

The email message that PayPal sends when the payout item completes. The message is the same for all recipients.

Maximum length: 1000.
note

string

The payouts and item-level notes are concatenated in the email. The maximum combined length of the notes is 1000 characters.

Maximum length: 1000.

sender_batch_header_response

sender_batch_id

string

The sender-specified ID number. Tracks the payout in an accounting system.
Note: PayPal does not process duplicate payouts. If you specify a sender_batch_id that was used in the last 30 days, the API rejects the request with an error message that shows the duplicate sender_batch_id and includes a HATEOAS link to the original payout with the same sender_batch_id.
If you receive an HTTP 5nn status code, you can safely retry the request with the same sender_batch_id. The API completes a payment only once for a sender_batch_id that is used within 30 days.

Maximum length: 256.
recipient_type

enum
The ID type that identifies the payment receiver. The possible values are:
- EMAIL. An unencrypted email. Value is a string of up to 127 single-byte characters.
- PHONE. An unencrypted phone number.
- PAYPAL_ID. An encrypted PayPal account number.
- USER_NAME. The user name in the wallet that is identified by recipient_wallet. Supported only if recipient_wallet is VENMO.
email_subject

string

The subject line for the email that PayPal sends when payment for a payout item completes. The subject line is the same for all recipients. Value is an alphanumeric string with a maximum length of 255 single-byte characters.

Maximum length: 255.
email_message

string

The email message that PayPal sends when the payout item completes. The message is the same for all recipients.

Maximum length: 1000.

transaction_status

transaction_status

enum
The item transaction status. The possible values are:
- NEW. Your request for a payout was received.
- SUCCESS. Funds have been credited to the recipient’s account.
- DENIED. This payout was denied, so funds have not been deducted from your account.
- PENDING. Your payout request was received and will be processed.
- FAILED. This payout request has failed, so funds were not deducted from the sender’s account.
- UNCLAIMED. The recipient for this payout does not have a PayPal account. A link to sign up for a PayPal account was sent to the recipient. However, if the recipient does not claim this payout within 30 days, the funds are returned to your account.
- RETURNED. The recipient has not claimed this payout, so the funds have been returned to your account.
- ONHOLD. This payout request is being reviewed and is on hold.
- BLOCKED. This payout request has been blocked.
- REFUNDED. This payout request was refunded.
- REVERSED. This payout request was reversed.

Error messages

In addition to common HTTP status codes that the REST APIs return, the Payouts API can return the following errors.

ACCOUNT_RESTRICTED

Access to your account has been restricted. Contact your account manager or our customer service team for assistance. Access to your account was restricted. For assistance, contact your account manager or our customer service team.
ACCOUNT_UNCONFIRMED_EMAIL

You need to be a verified PayPal account holder to send payouts. You can verify your account by confirming your email and your bank account or credit card. Contact your account manager or our customer service team for assistance. To send payouts, you must be a verified PayPal account holder. To verify your account, confirm your email and your bank account or credit card. For assistance, contact your account manager or our customer service team.
AUTHORIZATION_ERROR

Your account is not authorized to use payouts. Contact your account manager or our customer service team for assistance. Your account is not authorized to use payouts. For assistance, contact your account manager or our customer service team.
BATCH_NOT_COMPLETED

This payout batch is still being processed. Please try again later. This payout batch is still being processed. Try the request again later.
CLOSED_MARKET

This account is not allowed to receive payouts from other countries. Try re-sending this payout to another account. This account is not allowed to receive payouts from other countries. Send the payout to another account.
CURRENCY_COMPLIANCE

Due to currency compliance regulations, you are not allowed to make this transaction. Due to currency compliance regulations, you cannot make this transaction.
CURRENCY_NOT_SUPPORTED_FOR_RECEIVER

This currency cannot be accepted for this recipient’s account. You can re-send this payout with a different currency. This currency cannot be accepted for this recipient’s account. Send this payout with a different currency.
DUPLICATE_ITEM

This transaction is duplicated in this batch. Please check the Ref_ID / Sender_Item_ID. This transaction is duplicated in this batch. Verify the reference ID and sender item ID.
GAMER_FAILED_COUNTRY_OF_RESIDENCE_CHECK

The recipient lives in a country that is not allowed to accept this payout. The recipient lives in a country that cannot accept this payout.
GAMER_FAILED_FUNDING_SOURCE_CHECK

The funding source that was selected for this payout is not allowed. Try again by using your PayPal balance instead. The selected funding source for this payout is not allowed. Try the request again with your PayPal balance.
GAMING_INVALID_PAYMENT_FLOW

This payment flow is not allowed for gaming merchant accounts. This payment flow is not allowed for gaming merchant accounts.
INSUFFICIENT_FUNDS

You have insufficient funds in your PayPal balance. You'll need to add funds to your account to complete the payout. You have insufficient funds in your PayPal balance. To complete the payout, you must add funds to your account.
INTERNAL_ERROR

An error occurred while processing this payout request. Please re-submit this payout as a new batch or file. An error occurred while processing this payout request. Submit this payout as a new batch or file.
ITEM_ALREADY_CANCELLED

This payout request has already been cancelled. This payout request has already been cancelled.
ITEM_CANCELLATION_FAILED

An error occurred while processing this payout request. Try again in a few minutes. An error occurred while processing this payout request. Try the request again in a few minutes.
ITEM_INCORRECT_STATUS

You can only cancel items that are unclaimed. You can only cancel items that are unclaimed.
MALFORMED_REQUEST_ERROR

JSON request is malformed. Check your request format and try again. The JSON request is malformed. Check your request format and try the request again.
NEGATIVE_BALANCE

You have insufficient funds in your PayPal balance. You'll need to add funds to your account to complete the payout. You have insufficient funds in your PayPal balance. To complete the payout, you must add funds to your account.
NON_HOLDING_CURRENCY

Your account does not have a PayPal balance in this currency. Try again with a currency that has funds in your PayPal account, or change your account settings to this currency. Your account does not have a PayPal balance in this currency. Try the request again with a currency that has funds in your PayPal account, or change your account settings to this currency.
PENDING_RECIPIENT_NON_HOLDING_CURRENCY_PAYMENT_PREFERENCE

This payout is pending because the recipient has set their account preferences to review credits in this currency. The recipient has been notified. Check back later for the status of this payout. This payout is pending because the recipient has set their account preferences to review credits in this currency. The recipient has been notified. Check back later for the status of this payout.
POS_LIMIT_EXCEEDED

You have exceeded the POS cumulative spending limit. Contact your account manager or our customer service team for assistance. You have exceeded the POS cumulative spending limit. For assistance, contact your account manager or our customer service team.
RATE_LIMIT_VALIDATION_FAILURES

Your request has been blocked due to multiple failed attempts. Please try again later. Your request has been blocked due to multiple failed attempts. Try the request again later.
RECEIVER_ACCOUNT_LOCKED

We were not able to send a payout because the recipient’s account is inactive or restricted. Funds have been returned to your account. The payout could not be sent because the recipient’s account is inactive or restricted. Funds were returned to your account.
RECEIVER_COUNTRY_NOT_ALLOWED

We can’t send this payout because the recipient lives in a country where payouts are not allowed. The payout cannot be sent because the recipient lives in a country where payouts are not allowed.
RECEIVER_STATE_RESTRICTED

We can’t send this payout because the recipient lives in a state where payouts are not allowed. The payout cannot be sent because the recipient lives in a state where payouts are not allowed.
RECEIVER_UNCONFIRMED

The recipient’s email or phone number is unconfirmed. Any payments made to this account will be marked as Unclaimed until the recipient confirms their account information. Funds will be returned to your account if they are not claimed within 30 days. The recipient’s email or phone number is unconfirmed. Any payments made to this account are marked as unclaimed until the recipient confirms their account information. If the funds are not claimed within 30 days, they will be returned to your account.
RECEIVER_UNREGISTERED

The recipient for this payout does not have a PayPal account. A link to sign up for a PayPal account has been sent to the recipient, however, if the recipient does not claim this payout within 30 days, the funds will be returned to your account. The recipient for this payout does not have a PayPal account. A link to sign up for a PayPal account was sent to the recipient. However, if the recipient does not claim this payout within 30 days, the funds will be returned to your account.
RECEIVER_YOUTH_ACCOUNT

We were not able to send a payout because the recipient has a youth account. Please check with the recipient for an alternate account to receive the payout. The payout could not be sent because the recipient has a youth account. Check with the recipient for an alternate account to receive the payout.
RECEIVING_LIMIT_EXCEEDED

The recipient cannot accept this payout, because it exceeds the amount they can receive at this time. Please resubmit your payout request for a different amount. The recipient cannot accept this payout, because it exceeds the amount they can receive at this time. Resubmit your payout request for a different amount.
REFUSED_ACCESS_DENIED

Your account is not allowed to send money. Check with your primary account holder to get permission to send money. Your account is not allowed to send money. To get permission to send money, check with your primary account holder.
RECEIVER_REFUSED

The recipient has refused this payout in this currency. Try resending in a different currency. The recipient has refused this payout in this currency. Try the request in a different currency.
REGULATORY_BLOCKED

This transaction is blocked due to regulatory compliance restrictions. This transaction is blocked due to regulatory compliance restrictions.
REGULATORY_PENDING

This transaction is pending, while it is reviewed for compliance with government regulations. This transaction is pending while it is reviewed for compliance with government regulations.
REQUIRED_SCOPE_MISSING

The access token doesn't have the required scope. You'll need to use the access token with the correct scope to send a payout. The access token does not have the required scope. To send a payout, use an access token with the correct scope.
RISK_DECLINE

This transaction was declined due to risk concerns. This transaction was declined due to risk concerns.
SELF_PAY_NOT_ALLOWED

You can’t send a payout to yourself. Try sending it to a different account. You cannot send a payout to yourself. Send the payout to a different account.
SENDER_ACCOUNT_LOCKED

You can’t send a payout now, because your account is locked or inactive. Contact your account manager or our customer service team for assistance. You cannot send a payout because your account is locked or inactive. For assistance, contact your account manager or our customer service team.
SENDER_ACCOUNT_UNVERIFIED

To send a payout, you need to have a verified PayPal account. You can verify your account by confirming your bank account or credit card. Contact your account manager or our customer service team for assistance. To send a payout, you must have a verified PayPal account. To verify your account, confirm your bank account or credit card. For assistance, contact your account manager or our customer service team.
SENDER_STATE_RESTRICTED

Your address is in a state where payouts are not allowed. Contact your account manager or our customer service team for assistance. Your address is in a state where payouts are not allowed. For assistance, contact your account manager or our customer service team.
SPENDING_LIMIT_EXCEEDED

You’ve exceeded your spending limit. Contact your account manager or our customer service team for assistance. You have exceeded your spending limit. For assistance, contact your account manager or our customer service team.
TRANSACTION_DECLINED_BY_TRAVEL_RULE

Your payout request does not comply with travel rule regulations. To send this payout, you’ll need to update and verify your account information. Contact your account manager or our customer service team for assistance.

To send this payout, you must update and verify your account information. Contact your account manager or our customer service team for assistance.
TRANSACTION_LIMIT_EXCEEDED

This payout request has exceeded the limit for this type of transaction. The funds have been returned to your account. This payout request has exceeded the limit for this type of transaction. The funds were returned to your account.
UNDEFINED

An error occurred while processing this payout request. Try again in a few minutes, or try resending as part of a new request or file. An error occurred while processing this payout request. Try the request again in a few minutes, or make a new request or send a new file.
UNVERIFIED_RECIPIENT_NOT_SUPPORTED

This payout request was not completed because the recipient has not verified their account. Your account is only allowed to send payout to verified accounts. This payout request was not completed because the recipient has not verified their account. Your account is only allowed to send payout to verified accounts.
USER_BUSINESS_ERROR

An error occurred while processing this payout request. For batch processing, try again with a different sender_batch_ID. For single payout items, try again with email or payer ID as recipient type. An error occurred while processing this payout request. For batch processing, try again with a different sender batch ID. For single payout items, try again with email or payer ID as the recipient type.
USER_COUNTRY_NOT_ALLOWED

Your address is in a country where payouts are not allowed. Contact your account manager or our customer service team for assistance. Your address is in a country where payouts are not allowed. For assistance, contact your account manager or our customer service team.
USER_FUNDING_SOURCE_INELIGIBLE

The funding source for this payout is not allowed. Try again by using your PayPal balance instead. The funding source for this payout is not allowed. Try the request again with your PayPal balance.
ZERO_AMOUNT

Please provide a valid payment amount. Provide a valid payment amount.

PayPal-Request-Id

sender_batch_header

items

Sample Request

batch_header

errors

links

Sample Response

payout_batch_id

fields

page

page_size

total_required

Sample Request

total_items

total_pages

batch_header

items

errors

links

Sample Response

payout_item_id

Sample Request

payout_item_id

transaction_id

activity_id

transaction_status

payout_item_fee

payout_batch_id

sender_batch_id

payout_item

time_processed

errors

links

Sample Response

payout_item_id

Sample Request

payout_item_id

transaction_id

activity_id

transaction_status

payout_item_fee

payout_batch_id

sender_batch_id

payout_item

time_processed

errors

links

Sample Response

payout_batch_id

batch_status

time_created

time_completed

time_closed

sender_batch_header

funding_source

amount

fees

errors

payout_batch_id

batch_status

time_created

sender_batch_header

errors

batch_status

sender_batch_header

items

currency

value

name

debug_id

message

information_link

details

field

issue

name

debug_id

message

information_link

`PayPal-Request-Id`

`sender_batch_header`

`items`

`batch_header`

`errors`

`links`

`payout_batch_id`

`fields`

`page`

`page_size`

`total_required`

`total_items`

`total_pages`

`batch_header`

`items`

`errors`

`links`

`payout_item_id`

`payout_item_id`

`transaction_id`

`activity_id`

`transaction_status`

`payout_item_fee`

`payout_batch_id`

`sender_batch_id`

`payout_item`

`time_processed`

`errors`

`links`

`payout_item_id`

`payout_item_id`

`transaction_id`

`activity_id`

`transaction_status`

`payout_item_fee`

`payout_batch_id`

`sender_batch_id`

`payout_item`

`time_processed`

`errors`

`links`

`payout_batch_id`

`batch_status`

`time_created`

`time_completed`

`time_closed`

`sender_batch_header`

`funding_source`

`amount`

`fees`

`errors`

`payout_batch_id`

`batch_status`

`time_created`

`sender_batch_header`

`errors`

`batch_status`

`sender_batch_header`

`items`

`currency`

`value`

`name`

`debug_id`

`message`

`information_link`

`details`

`field`

`issue`

`name`

`debug_id`

`message`

`information_link`

`payout_error_details`

`funding_source`

`href`

`rel`

`method`

`prefix`

`given_name`

`surname`