## **🔍 Overview**

When you update your PayPal address inside the platform, the change applies to **future** payouts only. Any payment that was already submitted to PayPal and is in a **pending** state remains linked to the PayPal address that was on file when the payout was initiated.

**A pending payout cannot be rerouted** — not through the dashboard and not by support. Once PayPal has created the payout, the recipient is fixed. If the original payout fails or reaches a final state, support can update the payout record so a retry uses your new PayPal address.



## **✅ What You Should Do First**

1. Log in to your Search Atlas account and navigate to your publisher or billing profile.
2. Confirm that your **new PayPal address is already saved** and displayed correctly in your account settings. If it is not, update it and save the change before contacting support.
3. Make a note of both your **old PayPal address** (the one the pending payout is currently linked to) and your **new PayPal address** (where you want the funds sent). You will need to provide both when you contact us.

## **⚠️ Why This Happens**

Payouts are locked to the PayPal address recorded at the moment the payment cycle is triggered. This prevents funds from being automatically redirected if an address change is made mid-cycle, protecting both publishers and the platform from fraudulent redirection attempts. Because of this, our team must verify your identity and manually update the destination before releasing a pending payment.



## **🛠️ What Support Can and Cannot Do**

- **Cannot:** reroute a pending payout that has already been submitted to PayPal. The recipient of that specific payout is fixed.
- **Can:** update the payout record so that any **retry or future payout** uses your new PayPal address, once the original payout reaches a final state (for example, if it fails or is returned).

If a pending payout is tied to an old address, contact the team with:

- Your registered account email address
- The **old PayPal address** currently linked to the payout
- The **new PayPal address** saved in your account settings
- The approximate payout amount or the publication name associated with the payment

## **⏱️ What to Expect After You Request the Update**

Once our team verifies your request, the payout record will be updated so future or retried payments go to your new PayPal address. Processing time depends on the current payout cycle, but our team will keep you informed of the status through the chat. **No additional action is needed on your end** after the request is submitted and confirmed.



## **💡 Tips to Avoid This Issue in the Future**

- **Update your PayPal address before a payout cycle begins.** If you know a payment is coming, make the change as early as possible so the new address is captured when the cycle triggers.
- **Double-check your PayPal address after saving.** A typo in your PayPal email can cause delays or failed payments.
- **Keep your PayPal account active.** If your PayPal account is closed or restricted, payouts may be held even if the address is correct.

## **💬 Need Help?**

If you need further assistance, open the chat widget in the bottom-right corner of the platform and type **human teammate** to be connected with a member of our team.