Having multiple accounts is highly discouraged unless absolutely necessary. That’s because if one of your accounts becomes deactivated, your other accounts are at immediate risk of deactivation as well. Amazon links accounts through shared data points including name, address, telephone number, EIN/SSN, bank/credit card number, and IP address. If your account shares one of these data points with another account then both accounts become “related.” When appealing a related account deactivation, your appeal must address one of two options: either the accounts are not related (i.e., Amazon made a mistake); or you did not own the related account at the time it became deactivated. This guide covers what a related account appeal needs to prove, and the mistakes that can cause the deactivation of one account to affect all other accounts.
What Amazon Means by a “Related Account”
Amazon uses the term “related” to describe two or more selling accounts that are owned, accessed, or controlled by the same person or business.
Being related breaks no rule on its own. You violate the policy when you operate multiple accounts without a legitimate business need, or when Amazon links you to an account it has already enforced. That second scenario surprises most sellers, because their own account history looks spotless.
The rules sit in Amazon’s Multiple Seller Accounts policy and the Seller Code of Conduct, both incorporated into the Amazon Services Business Solutions Agreement (your contract with Amazon), which you accepted when you registered your Amazon Seller Account.
How Amazon Links Accounts Together
Amazon compares a wide set of signals across accounts and infers a connection from the overlap:
- IP addresses and network activity
- Device and browser fingerprints
- Bank accounts, deposit methods, and credit cards
- Tax identification numbers
- Business addresses, shipping addresses, and phone numbers
- Email addresses used at registration or for notifications
- Shared inventory, ASINs, or supplier records
Ordinary business life creates these overlaps constantly. Two siblings sell from one home network. A virtual assistant logs into several clients’ accounts from the same laptop. A former business partner still appears on an old bank record. A seller registers an account years ago, abandons it, and forgets it carries today’s details.
Amazon does not disclose which data points cause a link, but Amazon Suspension Lawyer can help you diagnose and identify potential causes and how to properly appeal them.
When Multiple Accounts Are Allowed
Amazon permits more than one selling account where the seller has a legitimate business need. Amazon abandoned the old pre-approval requirement, so you no longer apply for permission. However, Amazon reserves the right to refuse registration of any Amazon Seller Account at any time consistent with its discretionary right to policy its marketplace. Additionally, every account must stand in good standing at all times, and accounts cannot be used to circumvent or evade enforcement.
Amazon has recognized legitimate business needs such as genuinely separate brands or corporate entities, or distinct product lines run as separate businesses.
Whether your particular structure qualifies for a separate Amazon Seller Account depends on the facts and circumstances, and Amazon ultimately maintains discretion to permit more than one Seller Account.
Why One Suspension Can Take Down the Whole Group
When Amazon enforces one account, it can deactivate every account associated with that seller. Clean performance metrics or account health does not preclude enforcement.
The financial consequences arrive at the same time. Amazon can hold disbursements across all accounts, while inventory sits in fulfillment centers and continues to accrue fees.
Section 3 of the Business Solutions Agreement gives Amazon broad discretion to suspend accounts and withhold funds.
The Mistake That Makes It Worse: Disclosing Too Much
Any information disclosed in an appeal becomes part of the account’s history.
Sellers frequently make the mistake of disclosing too much information in their efforts to appeal a related account deactivation, so they list every account they have ever owned, operated, helped a friend set up, or logged into. This information is rarely helpful. Besides, Amazon already knows all accounts you’ve ever owned or accessed.
Some sellers attempt to register a new account to avoid enforcement of their first account. Amazon rarely grants such registration, but in the rare instances a seller is able to create a new account, it is likely to be deemed “related” to their previous account shortly after commencing operations. Creating new accounts to avoid enforcement on existing accounts is deemed by Amazon to be deceptive, fraudulent, and evasive. This conduct turns a related account case into a much more complicated case involving additional accounts.
Responding to a Related Account Suspension
Step one: read the deactivation notice and locate the related account identified by Amazon.
Step two: Try to ascertain how your account is connected to the related account identified by Amazon.
Step three: Decide which of the two defenses fits your facts: Did Amazon make a mistake in enforcement, or did you not own or access the related account at the time it was enforced by Amazon.Sellers frequently lose appeals by arguing both defenses simultaneously. This does not work, and shows Amazon you have not taken the time to investigate its concerns.
Step four: Gather your evidence. Business registration and ownership records, bank and tax records showing separation, lease or utility records where an address created the link, and anything that documents the legitimate business need. Contracts with third-parties are extremely helpful if the related account issue was triggered by a third-party who had access to your account.
Step five: Address the underlying enforcement. If the related account was suspended for a genuine reason, that account needs to be reinstated first.
| If the link is | What the appeal has to establish | Typical evidence |
| Factually wrong | No ownership, access, or control exists | Ownership and registration records, banking separation, address records, contracts |
| Real and permitted | A legitimate business need, with all accounts in good standing | Entity documents, separate operations records, account health history |
| Real, from a suspended account | The underlying violation was resolved | Proof the related account was reinstated and is in good standing |
The contents of an appeal are as critical as the evidentiary support. The submission has to acknowledge the pertinent facts, refute inaccurate facts, and stay within the boundaries of the deactivation notice. That combination is why sellers route these appeals through counsel rather than writing them at midnight.
Protecting Your Other Accounts Going Forward
Build separation deliberately and document it at the time, rather than reconstructing it under pressure later. Run each business as a distinct entity with its own registration, bank account, payment card, tax ID, email address, and business address, and record the commercial reason each account exists.
Control shared access with the same care. Track who logs into which account, from where, and on which device. Agency and virtual assistant access creates more links than sellers expect, particularly when one person manages several clients from one device.
None of this makes you immune. Amazon maintains exclusive enforcement discretion under the Business Solutions Agreement. When Amazon requests information and documents then you must provide them.Failure to do so give Amazon the contractual discretion to deactivate your account, withhold funds, and confiscate FBA inventory.
When Funds Are Withheld Across Accounts
A related account deactivation can result in Amazon withholding funds from all related accounts. This means account reserves will not be disbursed according to their normal schedule.
When appeals fail to reinstate the account, Amazon withholds the seller’s funds. TheBusiness Solutions Agreement mandates arbitration as the exclusive dispute resolution mechanism. Arbitration is a complex legal proceeding. If you need help with arbitration, please speak with one of our professionals. Sellers should never pursue arbitration without professional help.
What Should You Do If Amazon Suspends a Related Account?
Amazon determines cases based on internal information (which it never discloses) along with your submissions. The most effective way to appeal a related account deactivation is to: (1) read the notice properly; (2)identify the connection; (3) gather your evidence; and draft the appeal. Failing to do the necessary legwork and rushing to submit an appeal is where most sellers go wrong.
Read the Suspension Notice Carefully and Ask Yourself the Following Questions
- What is the name of the related account identified by Amazon?
- Which documents is Amazon requesting?
- What instructions must be followed to submit the appeal?
- Are there any deadlines?
Identify Why Amazon May Have Linked the Accounts
- Account ownership;
- Business relationships;
- Physical addresses;
- Bank or credit card information;
- Networks and, devices; and
- Previous account activity.
Gather the Documents That Support Your Position
- Business registration documents;
- Tax documents;
- Utility bills;
- Bank or credit card statements;
- Supplier invoices;
- Identity and business verification documents;
- Evidence explaining legitimate business relationships, including contracts.
Prepare a Clear Appeal
Cite the related account identified by Amazon and explain why you have no ownership interest, access, or control over this account. Where appropriate, provide supporting evidence. If evidence is unavailable or inadequate, consider supplementing with an affidavit, which is a sworn statement made under the penalty of perjury. An affidavit should be drafted by a professional, so consult with Amazon Suspension Lawyer first.
How Amazon Suspension Lawyer Handles Related Account Cases
First, we review the deactivation notice and determine which data point(s) are shared between your account and the one identified by Amazon. Second, we identify whether the accounts are truly related (i.e., shared ownership, access, or control). Third, we identify and gather all necessary documents. And finally, we prepare the appeal for your submission to Amazon.
No attorney can promise or guarantee reinstatement. Outcomes depend on the nature of the relationship between the two accounts, and your ability to obtain and provide competent evidence to refute the linkage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have more than one Amazon seller account?
Amazon permits more than one selling account where there is a legitimate business need, and separate approval is no longer required. Every account must be in good standing, and cannot be used to circumvent enforcement on a prior account. Ultimately, Amazon has the final say regarding a seller’s ability to create and operate multiple Amazon Seller Accounts.
Why was my account suspended for a related account I do not own?
Amazon links accounts using signals such as IP addresses, networks & devices, financial instruments, tax IDs, addresses, and contact information. A shared home network, a former business partner, or a virtual assistant who works across multiple accounts can create a link. If you believe Amazon erroneously related your account to another, your appeal must demonstrate there is no ownership, control, or benefit relationship.
Should I tell Amazon about my other accounts in the appeal?
Amazon already knows about all your accounts. Not to mention, anything you disclose becomes part of your account’s appeal history and can be used against you later. Appeals should focus only on the account(s) at issue. This is one of the main reasons why sellers should have an attorney review a related account appeal before submission.
Can I open a new account while my appeal is pending?
No. Opening a new account while a current account is enforced is treated as circumventing a suspension and can lead to the permanent loss of every linked account.
