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Step-by-step instructions on how to buy bitcoin and other cryptos using PayPal.
There are many different ways to buy cryptocurrency, but using PayPal has long been seen as one of the most difficult and inconvenient methods available. PayPal is only accepted as a form of payment on a limited number of platforms, and often incurs additional fees.
That said, it’s still possible to buy bitcoin with PayPal if you want to. Keep reading to find out where and how to do it.
Disclaimer: This information should not be interpreted as an endorsement of cryptocurrency or any specific
provider, service or offering. It is not a recommendation to trade.
Quick guide: How to buy cryptocurrency with PayPal
Register for an account with a platform like VirWox.
Enable multi-factor authentication.
Click “Deposit” and select “PayPal Express Checkout.”
Select your deposit amount and currency.
Log in to PayPal to complete your deposit.
Go to “Exchange” and select “USD/SLL.”
Choose a market/limit order and enter amount of SLL you want to buy.
Review transaction details and buy SLL.
Go to “Exchange” and select “BTC/SLL.”
Choose a market/limit order and enter amount of BTC you want to buy.
This is mainly due to one simple fact: while PayPal supports chargebacks, bitcoin (and other crypto) transactions are irreversible. As a result, it’s relatively easy for someone to buy bitcoin with PayPal, complain that they never received the BTC they purchased and ask for a chargeback — that way scammers can keep their money and essentially get bitcoin for free.
Because of this heightened risk of fraud, there are only a handful of crypto trading platforms and exchanges that accept PayPal deposits.
There are a few different options to choose from if you want to use your PayPal account to buy cryptocurrency:
Peer-to-peer marketplaces. The first option is to buy crypto through a peer-to-peer marketplace, such as LocalBitcoins or Paxful. These exchanges allow buyers and sellers to trade directly with one another, giving the seller the freedom to set their own exchange rate and accepted payment methods. Some sellers accept PayPal, and you can filter your search of available deals on the marketplace by payment method to help find a suitable seller.
Cryptocurrency exchanges. Most exchanges don’t accept PayPal payments; however, you can use the VirWox platform to exchange fiat currency for SLL (Second Life Linden Dollars), which you can then use to acquire bitcoin.
Peer-to-peer lending platforms.xCoins is a peer-to-peer lending platform for bitcoin lenders and borrowers. It accepts PayPal as a payment method for people wanting to access a “secured loan” of bitcoin.
Pros and cons of buying crypto with PayPal
Pros
If you already have a PayPal account, payment is quick and convenient.
Safe and secure payment method.
Allows you to buy crypto with US dollars (USD).
Cons
Very high fees substantially increase the cost of the transaction.
If the platform doesn’t accept USD, currency conversion fees apply.
Limited number of platforms support PayPal.
PayPal fees
If you’re considering buying crypto with PayPal, make sure you’re aware of all fees involved:
Many trading platforms impose high fees on PayPal transactions. These could be as much as 10% of your transaction amount.
If you’re buying through a platform that doesn’t accept USD, currency conversion fees may also apply. If you’re converting to Canadian dollars, PayPal’s fee is 3.5% above the exchange rate. For all other currencies, the fee is 4% above the exchange rate.
4 sites you can use to buy bitcoin with PayPal
Let’s take a closer look at how to buy bitcoin with PayPal on four popular platforms.
The VirWox virtual currency exchange doesn’t allow you to directly purchase BTC with fiat currency. Instead, you’ll need to use it to acquire SLL first and then exchange those coins for BTC. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
Register for a VirWox account and enable multi-factor authentication.
Click the “Deposit” link on the left of screen and scroll down to select “PayPal Express Checkout.”
Select your deposit amount and currency. Please note that VirWox only accepts deposits in USD, EUR, GBP and CHF, so currency conversion fees will apply.
Log in to your PayPal account to complete your deposit.
Go to the “Exchange” section of the menu at the left of screen and select “USD/SLL.”
Choose a market or limit order and enter the amount of SLL you want to buy. Remember to take a moment to review all transaction details before completing your purchase.
Once this transaction has been processed, return to the “Exchange” section of the left-hand menu and select “BTC/SLL.”
Once again, you’ll need to choose either a market or limit order and then enter the amount of BTC you want to buy. Check over the full details of the transaction before buying BTC.
Buying BTC with PayPal on VirwoxVirwox
Pros and cons of using VirWox
Pros
One of the world’s oldest digital currency exchanges.
Relatively easy to use.
One of the only ways to make deposits into a bitcoin exchange with PayPal.
LocalBitcoins is a peer-to-peer marketplace where you can connect with bitcoin buyers and sellers in your local area, and make the transfer in a way that suits you both.
To buy bitcoin with PayPal you’ll need to:
Register for a LocalBitcoins account.
You then have two options:
Browse existing ads from BTC sellers on the “Quick Buy” screen. Use the drop-down menu provided to select PayPal as your desired payment method, and click “Buy” if you find a suitable ad. You’ll then be able to view the trade details, enter the amount of USD you want to spend or the amount of BTC you want to buy, and click “Send trade request.”
Place your own ad. This allows you to specify your desired payment method, currency and transaction amount. Please note that you’ll need to complete ID verification before you can post an ad for a trade.
Buying BTC with PayPal on LocalBitcoinsLocalBitcoins
Pros and cons of using LocalBitcoins
Pros
You can buy bitcoin with USD
Platform is simple to use
Freedom to search for the price you want
Cons
It might take a while to find a seller that accepts PayPal
The rate you get depends on the deals available on the platform
Paxful is another peer-to-peer bitcoin marketplace that accepts a long list of payment methods, including PayPal. Here’s an example of how to buy BTC using PayPal on Paxful:
Create a Paxful account.
Link your phone number and set your security questions and settings.
Click the “Buy Bitcoin” link at the top of the screen, then select USD as your currency and enter the amount you want to spend. Choose “PayPal” as your desired payment method and click “Search.”
You’ll be shown a list of open offers that meet your search criteria. Click “Buy” next to one that satisfies all your requirements.
You’ll then be able to view the trade details and enter the amount of USD you want to spend or the amount of BTC you want to buy. Click “Buy Now” when you’re ready to proceed with your purchase.
Buying BTC with PayPal on PaxfulPaxful
Pros and cons of using Paxful
Pros
Simple, quick and easy.
Potentially one of the most cost-effective ways to buy bitcoin with PayPal.
Freedom to search for the deal you want.
Cons
Might take some time to find a suitable seller.
The rate you get depends on the deals available on the platform.
xCoins is a bitcoin lending platform where you can use PayPal to acquire a secured bitcoin loan. Instead of buying or selling bitcoin, users offer loans to each other and set an “interest rate.” Sellers “lend” bitcoin, and buyers take this loan and then repay it in a single payment later on.
This may sound complicated but in practice it’s quite similar to using a more traditional crypto exchange. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
Sign up for an xCoins account.
Enable 2-factor authentication and verify your ID.
Enter the amount of BTC you want to buy and click “Get Bitcoin.”
Take a moment to review the total cost of the transaction and the amount of bitcoin you will receive.
If you’re happy with the terms, accept the loan agreement and click “Continue to Payment.”
You will be redirected to the lender’s PayPal page where you can enter your PayPal account details and finalize payment.
It’s possible to buy cryptocurrency with PayPal, but should you? The high fees involved and shortage of platforms that accept PayPal payments means that there are other more cost-effective and convenient options available.
For example, rather than funding your PayPal account from your credit card and then using that balance to buy crypto, you could use a platform that allows you to buy crypto directly with your credit card.
Having said that, there are several trading platforms that support PayPal if you insist on buying using this method. Compare the features and fees of those platforms to find one that’s right for you.
FAQs
No, Coinbase does not currently accept PayPal transfers. At the time of writing, the only supported payment methods for US buyers are debit cards, bank transfers and wire transfers.
Not really. While there are some platforms that allow you to buy cryptocurrency without providing any proof of ID, PayPal isn’t an anonymous payment method. This is due to the fact that you’ll need to fund your PayPal account from a linked bank account or credit card, which will in turn be linked to your identity.
Yes. One option is to sell bitcoin through a peer-to-peer marketplace that accepts PayPal, such as LocalBitcoins or Paxful, or place a trade on an exchange like VirWox. Another alternative is to use an exchange where you can sell bitcoin for USD, then withdraw your dollars to the credit card or bank account linked to your PayPal balance.
No, you can’t fund your PayPal wallet with bitcoin and BTC cannot be stored in your PayPal wallet. Your BTC will instead need to be held in a dedicated cryptocurrency wallet.
Yes, there are several crypto exchanges that offer fiat-to-crypto trading and accept deposits via bank account transfer, credit card, debit card and even cash.
Disclaimer: Cryptocurrencies are speculative, complex and involve significant risks – they are highly
volatile and sensitive to secondary activity. Performance is unpredictable and past performance is no guarantee of
future performance. Consider your own circumstances, and obtain your own advice, before relying on this information.
You should also verify the nature of any product or service (including its legal status and relevant regulatory
requirements) and consult the relevant Regulators' websites before making any decision. Finder, or the author, may
have holdings in the cryptocurrencies discussed.
Tim Falk is a freelance writer for Finder, writing across a diverse range of topics. Over the course of his 15-year writing career, Tim has reported on everything from travel and personal finance to pets and TV soap operas. When he’s not staring at his computer, you can usually find him exploring the great outdoors.
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