
Linking your debit or credit card to PayPal is a straightforward process that can be completed online or through the mobile app. This connection allows for seamless payments and transactions, making it a convenient option for online shoppers.
To start, you'll need to have a PayPal account, which can be created for free. PayPal supports a wide range of credit and debit cards from various banks and financial institutions.
You can link your card to PayPal by logging into your account and navigating to the "Wallet" or "Cards" section. From there, you can add your card information, which will be securely stored for future use.
Once your card is linked, you can use it to make payments on eligible websites and apps, or to send money to friends and family. This feature is particularly useful for online shopping, as it eliminates the need to re-enter card information each time.
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Getting Started
To link your debit or credit card to PayPal, you'll need to have a PayPal account, which can be created in just a few minutes.
You can link most major credit and debit cards to your PayPal account, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
First, log in to your PayPal account and go to the "Wallet" or "Link a card" section.
From there, you can enter your card details, including the card number, expiration date, and security code.
Make sure to enter the information carefully, as incorrect details can cause delays.
For another approach, see: Can You Link Credit Cards to Cash App
Payment Options
You can link a variety of debit and credit cards to your PayPal account. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Interac debit cards are all accepted.
To send money from your credit card, you can use PayPal, but be aware that it may not be the best option. PayPal charges fees that could offset any potential rewards you earn from using a credit card.
You can link your credit card to PayPal and earn rewards on purchases, but the fees PayPal charges may negate any benefits. For example, if you have a flat-rate 2% cash-back card linked to PayPal, you could earn up to $10 cash back on a $500 transfer, but PayPal would charge you $14.80 for using your credit card.
Here are the debit and credit cards you can link to PayPal:
- Visa (credit or Visa Debit)
- Mastercard (credit or Mastercard Debit)
- American Express
- Interac debit cards by linking your bank account
Security and Safety
Using PayPal to link your debit or credit card can be a safer option than entering your details directly on a retailer's website.
Debit cards generally offer fewer protections than credit cards when it comes to online shopping.
PayPal acts as a middleman, processing the payment on your behalf, which helps shield your financial details from potential data breaches or fraudulent websites.
This means the seller never sees your actual debit card number.
PayPal has its own dispute resolution process, which can help you get your money back if you don't receive your item or it arrives significantly different from what was described.
Just remember, PayPal charges a currency conversion fee if you're paying a merchant in a foreign currency.
Fees and Considerations
PayPal doesn't charge credit card fees for online purchases made with a linked credit card.
You'll pay a 2.90% transaction fee, plus a fixed fee of 30 cents for US currency, if you transfer money to someone using a credit card.
Sending money directly from a bank account is free via PayPal.
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Fees to Consider

PayPal doesn't charge credit card fees for online transactions, but you'll pay a 2.90% transaction fee and a 30-cent fixed fee for US currency if you're transferring money to someone using a credit card.
Transferring money directly from a bank account is free via PayPal, which is a great option if you're looking to save some money.
Your credit card issuer might charge a cash-advance fee, so it's a good idea to check beforehand to avoid any surprises.
The credit card fee charged by PayPal is actually quite common compared to other payment apps like Venmo and CashApp.
Worth a look: Paypal Business Account Fee
Why Not Accept?
You might be wondering why PayPal doesn't accept debit cards. In some cases, it's because the card issuer doesn't support online transactions, which can trigger an error message.
If you're trying to add your debit card to PayPal and getting an error, it's likely because the card is not eligible for online transactions. This can happen with some debit cards, especially those linked to checking accounts.
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Some debit cards are not eligible for international transactions, which can also cause issues when trying to use them with PayPal. This is something to keep in mind if you plan on making online purchases from outside your country.
In some cases, the error message is due to the card issuer's policies, rather than PayPal's. If you're unsure about why your debit card isn't working with PayPal, it's a good idea to contact your bank or card issuer for more information.
Accepting Payments
You can link your debit or credit card to PayPal, but be aware that there may be fees associated with certain transactions.
PayPal offers a secure payment system, protecting both you and the merchant from potential scams and unauthorized transactions.
By linking your debit or credit card to PayPal, you can easily make purchases online without having to enter your card details for each transaction.
PayPal's fees for debit and credit card transactions can vary depending on the type of card and the country of purchase.
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Linking your card to PayPal also allows you to track your spending and stay on top of your finances.
PayPal's fees for debit card transactions are typically lower than those for credit card transactions.
With PayPal, you can also set up automatic payments for recurring expenses, such as rent or utility bills.
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Verification and Setup
To get the most out of PayPal, you'll need to verify your debit or credit card. You can do this by adding a card to your account, and PayPal will send a temporary charge to confirm it's active. This usually happens very quickly, and the charge will remain pending until PayPal verifies it.
Not all cards require manual verification, though. If you add a debit or credit card, a $1 charge will appear in your account to confirm it's open. This charge will stay pending until PayPal verifies it, which usually happens quickly. If the charge stays on your card for more than 30 days, you'll need to contact your card issuer to have it removed.
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You can link most types of debit cards to your PayPal account, including Interac debit, Visa debit, and Mastercard debit. However, if you have an Interac debit card, you'll need to link your bank account to add it to PayPal.
To link a card, you'll need to enter your card number, expiration date, CVV, and billing address. You can do this by clicking the "Wallet" link near the top of the page and then selecting "Link a card." If you're using an Interac debit card, you'll need to link your bank account first.
Here are the steps to link a bank account to your PayPal account:
- Sign up or log in to your PayPal account with your email address and password.
- Click the Wallet link near the top of the page.
- Click on Link a bank.
- Search for your bank in the dropdown list and click on it.
- Enter your card number or username and password. Then, click Agree and Link.
Keep in mind that it can take two to three business days to add your bank account to your PayPal account using this method.
Bank and Account
To link a bank account to PayPal, sign in to the PayPal app and go into "Banks and Cards." You can find your routing number and account number online in your bank account, or on the desktop site in a browser if they're not available in the mobile app.
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First-time linkers should tap on the blue bar at the bottom that says "Link a Card or Bank Account", while existing users can tap the small plus (+) sign up top. Select "Bank Account" from the two options that appear and authenticate to continue if necessary.
After adding your bank account, it may take a few minutes for PayPal to link it. However, this does not mean the bank is verified, and you'll need to take additional steps to confirm your account.
To verify your bank account, PayPal will send you two small deposits and one withdrawal. The deposits take anywhere from two to three business days to appear in your bank statement, so be patient.
Once you've received the deposits, log in to your bank account and note the amounts of the two deposits. Then, open the PayPal app and tap on the gear icon to go into "Banks and Cards." Tap on the bank account you're trying to verify, which should say "Unconfirmed", and enter the amounts of the two deposits that PayPal made to your account.
Here's a quick rundown of the steps to verify your bank account:
- Log in to your bank account and note the amounts of the two deposits.
- Open the PayPal app and go into "Banks and Cards."
- Tap on the bank account you're trying to verify.
- Enter the amounts of the two deposits that PayPal made to your account.
Mobile App
To link your debit or credit card to PayPal using the mobile app, start by logging on to your PayPal account via the app. Tap the Wallet icon at the bottom of the screen to begin the process.
You'll then need to tap the + sign next to Banks and cards. This will give you access to the card linking feature. Select Debit and credit cards to proceed with the linking process.
You have two options to manually enter your card's information or choose from the list of banks to login into your bank account and sync your credit card.
Related reading: Linking Credit Cards to Bilt
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