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PayPal and your debit card

Linking your debit card to your PayPal account can save you time on online purchases.

By linking your PayPal account to your debit card, credit card or bank account, you can pay for your online purchases and send quick and convenient international money transfers without entering your card or account information each time.

How does PayPal work?

PayPal’s online payments system allows you to send and receive money online from almost anywhere in the world. It uses encryption software to help users send electronic money transfers to other PayPal customers, allowing you to instantly pay for purchases online and on your phone.

There are three ways you can add money or pay for purchases through your PayPal account:

  • Using your PayPal balance. This is always the first option when buying something online.
  • Using your bank account. You can link your checking account to your PayPal account to pay for purchases online.
  • Using your credit or debit card. You can also add money to PayPal from your debit card or credit card.

To add a new debit card:

  1. Log in to your PayPal account with your email address and password.
  2. Click the Wallet link near the top of the page.
  3. Click on Link a card
  4. Enter your card number, type, expiration date, CVV and billing address. For Visa Debit cards, select Visa.
  5. Click Link card.

Confirm your debit card with a PayPal code

In some cases, you may need to confirm your card with PayPal by requesting a PayPal code. To do this you will need to:

  1. Log in to your account
  2. Click Wallet followed by selecting the card you want to confirm.
  3. Click the Confirm your card link.
  4. Read the directions for confirming the small charge from PayPal on your card (which will be refunded after you confirm), and then click Get a code.
  5. It should take about 3-5 business days for the $2.45 temporary charge to be applied to your card.
  6. After you see the charge, navigate back to your Wallet and then to the card that needs to be confirmed. Enter the 4-digit code that appeared on your bank statement or transaction history along with the $2.45 charge from PayPal and click Confirm.

You can now add money to PayPal from your debit card.

Linking a credit card to PayPal works exactly like linking a debit card. Follow the steps above to link your Visa, American Express, or Mastercard.

How can I remove a debit or credit card from my PayPal account?

If you no longer want your debit card to be linked to your PayPal account:

  1. Log in to your PayPal account with your email address and password.
  2. Click the Wallet link near the top of the page.
  3. Click the card you’d like to remove and then click Remove card, which is near the bottom of the page.
  4. Click Remove this card.

Bottom line

PayPal allows you to link your credit card, debit card or bank account directly so that you can easily spend your money online without entering your card or account information for each purchase. But to make your money even more accessible, compare chequing accounts to find one that offers online banking, good customer service and money management options that fit your needs.

PayPal and debit cards FAQ

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Written by

Writer

Tim Falk is a freelance writer for Finder. Over the course of his 15-year writing career, he has reported on a wide range of personal finance topics. Whether you're investing in stocks and ETFs, comparing savings accounts or choosing a credit card, Tim wants to make it easier for you to understand. When he’s not staring at his computer, you can usually find him exploring the great outdoors. See full bio

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Co-written by

Associate Publisher, Investments

Jaclyn Hurst was an associate publisher at Finder. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Redeemer University and a University Certificate in Management Foundations from Athabasca University. She’s as passionate about business and finance as she is about the great Canadian outdoors, organic Sumatra coffee and music. See full bio

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