diff --git a/e2e-stack/env/api.env b/e2e-stack/env/api.env
index e9b54cc8a..515576ff7 100644
--- a/e2e-stack/env/api.env
+++ b/e2e-stack/env/api.env
@@ -23,7 +23,10 @@ JWT_SECRET=e2e-stack-jwt-secret-not-a-real-secret
 JWT_EXPIRES_IN=2d
 PORT=3000
 NETWORK=testnet
-DISABLED_PROCESSES=*
+# `*` would also switch off JobAccountMerge, which is not background upkeep but the process that
+# executes the account-merge confirmation link. With it off the endpoint answers 503 and the
+# merge screen never completes. `!` exempts it and leaves every other process disabled.
+DISABLED_PROCESSES=*,!JobAccountMerge
 REQUEST_LIMIT_CHECK=false
 SERVICES_URL=http://frontend
 MAIL_USER=e2e@example.com