Amazon Account Suspended After New Bank Account Added: A Reinstatement Guide

An Amazon account suspension following a bank account change is a common, albeit frustrating, scenario. Amazon implements these security measures to safeguard both buyers and sellers against potential fraud and unauthorized account access. This guide provides a comprehensive approach to understanding the root causes, developing an effective Plan of Action (POA), and successfully appealing your suspension.

Understanding the Root Cause

Before drafting your appeal, identify the precise reason for the suspension. Review your Performance Notifications in Seller Central meticulously. Common reasons include:

• Verification Failure: Amazon's verification process failed after you added the new bank account. This could be due to discrepancies in the account holder's name, address, or banking details compared to your Seller Central information.
• Security Concerns: Amazon's algorithm flagged the bank account change as a high-risk activity, suspecting unauthorized access or potential compromise of your account.
• Information Mismatch: Inconsistencies between the bank account information and the information provided during your initial Amazon Seller registration.
• Violation of Amazon's Seller Code of Conduct: While less frequent, adding a new bank account might trigger concerns if it's linked to other policy violations or suspicious activities.

Crafting Your Plan of Action (POA)

Your POA is the cornerstone of your appeal. It must be clear, concise, and address the following three sections:

1. Root Cause Explanation:

• Specifically state that your Amazon account was suspended after a new bank account was added.
• Acknowledge Amazon's security concerns and demonstrate an understanding of the importance of maintaining account integrity.
• Clearly explain why you changed your bank account (e.g., business restructuring, change in banking institutions, etc.). Be transparent and honest.
• If there were any discrepancies in information, acknowledge the error and explain how it occurred (e.g., typo, outdated information).
• Example: "My Amazon account was suspended after adding a new bank account due to a verification mismatch. I understand this triggered security concerns, and I acknowledge the importance of maintaining accurate account information. The bank account was changed because our business transitioned to a new banking institution, and there was a slight discrepancy in the registered business name."

2. Corrective Actions:

• Detail the steps you took to immediately resolve the issue. This might include:
  • Verifying the accuracy of all information in Seller Central (business name, address, contact details).
  • Contacting your bank to confirm the account details (account holder name, account number, sort code/routing number).
  • Updating any outdated information in Seller Central to match the bank account details exactly.
  • Providing Amazon with any requested documentation (e.g., bank statement, business license).
• Example: "Immediately upon receiving the suspension notification, I verified all the information in Seller Central, ensuring it matches the new bank account details precisely. I contacted my bank to confirm the account holder's name and account number. I also updated the registered business name in Seller Central to match the exact legal name on the bank statement."

3. Preventive Measures:

• Outline the steps you will take to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. This is crucial to demonstrate a long-term commitment to compliance.
• Consider including the following measures:
  • Implementing a multi-step verification process for all future account updates.
  • Reviewing all account information regularly (e.g., monthly) to ensure accuracy.
  • Designating a specific individual or team responsible for managing Seller Central account information.
  • Implementing a training program for staff on Amazon's policies and procedures.
  • Consulting with an Amazon compliance expert before making any significant changes to account settings.
• Example: "To prevent this issue from recurring, I will implement a two-step verification process for all future account updates. Before making any changes, two authorized individuals will independently verify the accuracy of the information. I will also conduct a monthly review of all account information in Seller Central. Additionally, I will train our staff on Amazon's policies and procedures regarding account security and bank account management."

Providing Supporting Evidence

Include any relevant documentation to support your appeal. This might include:

• A copy of your bank statement (showing the account holder name and account number).
• A copy of your business license or registration documents.
• A letter from your bank confirming your account details.
• Any communication you had with Amazon regarding the bank account change.

Ensure that all documents are clear, legible, and match the information in your Seller Central account.

Best Practices for a Successful Appeal

• Be Professional and Polite: Maintain a respectful tone throughout your appeal.
• Be Concise and Direct: Avoid unnecessary information or lengthy explanations.
• Proofread Carefully: Ensure your appeal is free of grammatical errors and typos.
• Follow Amazon's Guidelines: Adhere to all instructions provided by Amazon in the suspension notification.
• Be Patient: Allow Amazon sufficient time to review your appeal.
• Focus on the Future: Emphasize your commitment to complying with Amazon's policies and maintaining a secure account.

Addressing Authenticity Concerns

If your suspension is linked to perceived authenticity issues stemming from the bank account change (rare, but possible), be prepared to address this in your appeal. Reference Amazon's Product Authenticity Policy and proactively provide documentation proving the legitimacy of your products and supply chain.

Submitting Your Appeal

Submit your POA and supporting documentation through Seller Central. Monitor your Performance Notifications for updates and be prepared to respond to any additional requests from Amazon.

By following these steps and crafting a comprehensive Plan of Action, you significantly increase your chances of successfully appealing your account suspension and resuming sales on Amazon.