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How to buy bitcoin with PayPal in the US
Step-by-step instructions on how to buy bitcoin and other cryptos using PayPal.
There are many ways to buy Bitcoin, and with PayPal joining the industry buying and selling cryptocurrencies just got a little easier. PayPal has partnered with the Paxos Crypto Brokerage to offer cryptocurrency access through PayPal accounts.
How to buy Bitcoin with PayPal
Buying and selling cryptocurrencies through PayPal can be done through the PayPal app or by accessing your account online after you log in:
- Click on the cryptocurrency section of your account. This section can be found from the homepage. Alternatively, you can visit paypal.com/myaccount/crypto/ to access this page.
- Select the cryptocurrency you want to buy. Your options include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash and Litecoin. For other cryptocurrencies, you’ll need to compare alternative ways to buy.
- Click buy. If this is your first purchase you’ll need to confirm your account.
- Choose purchase amount and payment method. You can typically use bank accounts, debit cards or your PayPal balance to buy cryptocurrencies.
- Review and buy. Look over the details of your purchase and click Buy Now to make your purchase.
After buying cryptocurrency through PayPal you’ll be able to see your total balances in your account. Because PayPal stores your crypto for you, if you want more control over your private keys you’ll need to use a different method to buy cryptocurrency.
In a nutshell
Pros
- Easy to use. Buy cryptocurrencies through the PayPal app or through the website in a few clicks.
- Track your portfolio. See your current crypto-portfolio’s worth in a glance.
- Flexible payment options. Pay with a debit card, from your bank account or using your existing PayPal account balance.
- Instant transactions. Buying and selling crypto through PayPal is instantaneous.
- Purchase with crypto. Make purchases through PayPal’s network using cryptocurrency.
Cons
- Fees. You’ll be charged a fee based on the total amount of your purchase.
- You don’t control your private keys. PayPal doesn’t give you access to your cryptocurrency keys, so you won’t be able to store your purchase in an external wallet.
- Limited options. PayPal currently only supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash and Litecoin.
- Exchange markups. Currency conversion rates will apply to your purchase, so you’ll be buying and selling cryptocurrencies at a slight price disadvantage.
- No transfers. PayPal does not currently let you move cryptocurrency in or out of your wallet. So you will only be able to make purchases with the crypto you bought through the PayPal wallet.
PayPal cryptocurrency fees
Transaction fees are applied to your purchase when you buy or sell.
Fees accurate as of April 27, 2021.
| Buy or Sell amount | Fee | Fee estimates |
|---|---|---|
| $1 – $24.99 | $0.50 | $0.50 |
| $25 – $100 | 2.30% | $0.575 – $2.30 |
| $100.01 – $200 | 2% | $2 – $4 |
| $200.01 – $1,000 | 1.80% | $3.60 – $18 |
| $1000.01+ | 1.50% | $15+ |
Sometimes you can save on fees by buying a bit more cryptocurrency. For instance, you’ll pay less in fees to buy $200 in crypto than you would to buy $199. Consider making one larger purchase to save on fees instead of many smaller purchases, if possible.
Supported cryptocurrencies
Although PayPal may add support for more cryptocurrencies in the future, currently only four are supported.
- Bitcoin (BTC) – Released in 2009 and uses the Proof of Work consensus algorithm. Dig deep in our guide to learn more about Bitcoin.
- Ethereum (ETH) – Released in 2015 and uses the Ethash proof of work consensus algorithm. Explore our guide for a crash course on Ethereum.
- Bitcoin Cash (BCH) – Released in 2017 as a hard-fork from Bitcoin. Learn more about how this cryptocurrency came into existence.
- Litecoin (LTC) – Released in 2011, Litecoin is thought of as the silver to Bitcoin’s gold. Learn where this cryptocurrency came from and what sets it apart.
How to sell cryptocurrency on PayPal
Because PayPal doesn’t allow you to import or export cryptocurrency private keys, like you can do with a hardware wallet, you’ll only be able to sell crypto bought through PayPal.
To sell cryptocurrency:
- Click on the cryptocurrency section of your account. This section can be found from the homepage and may have different names, including Curious about crypto?, Learn more about crypto and Buy Bitcoin and more. Alternatively, you can visit paypal.com/myaccount/crypto/ to access this page.
- Select the cryptocurrency you want to sell. Your options include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash and Litecoin.
- Click sell. If this is your sale, you’ll need to confirm some tax information for your account.
- Choose sale amount. You can only sell cryptocurrency that you bought through PayPal.
- Review and sell. Look over the details of your sale and click Sell Now to complete your sale.
Compare other ways to buy and sell cryptocurrency
PayPal isn’t often the cheapest way to buy and sell cryptocurrency, so if you’re going to be trading large amounts it is worth comparing other options to potentially save money.
Where to buy and sell cryptocurrency in the US
Disclaimer: This information is not financial advice or an endorsement of cryptocurrency or any specific provider, service or offering. Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile and high risk. Do your own research and seek financial advice before buying. Please check with providers if their services are available in your state.
Find ways to keep your cryptocurrency safe
Disclaimer: This information is not financial advice or an endorsement of cryptocurrency or any specific provider, service or offering. Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile and high risk. Do your own research and seek financial advice before buying. Please check with providers if their services are available in your state.
Pricing data obtained February 2020. Prices are subject to change and should be used only as a general guide.
Bottom line
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.
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.
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