Finder may earn compensation from partners, but editorial opinions are our own. Advertiser Disclosure

PayPal and your debit card

Linking your card can save you time on online purchases.

Avatar
Tim Falk
Updated
Fact checked

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 credit or debit card and then click on Debit or credit card.
  4. Enter your card number, type, expiration date, CVV and billing address.
  5. Click Link card.

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 the card you want to confirm.
  3. Click the Confirm card link.
  4. Check that the information is correct, and then click OK.
  5. Wait for the $1.95 temporary charge to be applied to your debit card.
  6. 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 $1.95 charge from PayPal and click Confirm.

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

Name Product APY Minimum deposit to open ATMs Out-of-network ATM fee
Aspiration Spend & Save Account
Finder Rating: 4.2 / 5: ★★★★★
Aspiration Spend & Save Account
5.00% on balances of $0 to $10,000
$10
55,000 free in-network ATMs
$0
Deposits are fossil fuel-free and insured by the FDIC. Enjoy a spend and save combo account with unlimited cash back rewards and a $100 bonus when you spend $1,000 in your first 60 days.
Go to site
View details
Chase Secure Banking℠
Chase Secure Banking℠
N/A
$0
Access to 16,000 ATMs and more than 4,700 branches nationwide
$2.50
Chase Secure Banking offers no overdraft services
Go to site
View details
OnJuno
Finder Rating: 4.8 / 5: ★★★★★
OnJuno
1.20% on balances of $0 to $50,000
0.25% on balances of $50,000.01+
$0
more than 85,000 ATMs nationwide
$0
OnJuno embraces an open banking system for everyone, regardless of their age, location, or income.
Go to site
View details
Lili
Finder Rating: 4.7 / 5: ★★★★★
Lili
1.00%
$0
32,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide
$2.50
Freelancers get paid up to two days early and can automatically set aside money for taxes with the Lili digital bank account. Get up to 10 referral rewards, or $1000.
Go to site
View details
Chime Spending account
Finder Rating: 4.7 / 5: ★★★★★
Chime Spending account
N/A
$0
60,000+ fee-free ATMs
$2.50
Get rid of fees with this financial app offering consumer-friendly accounts. Chime can also help you save easily and access your paycheck faster.
Go to site
View details
loading

Compare up to 4 providers

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

Why did PayPal deny my debit card?

There are a few reasons a debit card might be denied:

  • A debit card can only be linked to one PayPal account at a time.
  • Your card must have a card verification code (CVV), which is usually a three-digit code displayed on the back of the card.
  • The billing address you provide to PayPal must match exactly the billing address on your debit card statement.
  • All numbers you provide, including the card number, expiration date and CVV, must be entered exactly as they appear on the card.
  • Your name must exactly match the name on the card, including any middle names or initials.

How can I remove a debit card 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 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 checking accounts to find one that offers online banking, good customer service and money management options that fit your needs.

PayPal and debit cards FAQ

Image source: Getty Images

More guides on Finder

Ask an Expert

You are about to post a question on finder.com:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder.com provides guides and information on a range of products and services. Because our content is not financial advice, we suggest talking with a professional before you make any decision.

By submitting your comment or question, you agree to our Privacy and Cookies Policy and finder.com Terms of Use.

Questions and responses on finder.com are not provided, paid for or otherwise endorsed by any bank or brand. These banks and brands are not responsible for ensuring that comments are answered or accurate.

2 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    RueNovember 10, 2019

    For what purpose is linking your paypal account to a visa card besides being able to top up your paypal account. can you withdraw the funds using the card ?if so how?

    Reply
      Default Gravatar
      nikkiangcoNovember 11, 2019

      Hi Rue,

      Thanks for your comment and I hope you are well. The advantage of linking your bank account or card to your PayPal account helps you to make payments more simply and quickly. You’ll never need your wallet, card numbers or personal details when it’s time to pay.

      Other features and benefits of linking your bank or card to your PayPal account include:

      – You don’t need a PayPal balance – Paypal can charge your bank account or card to send money to people or pay for things.
      – The person you’re paying never sees your bank or card numbers.
      – Paypal send receipts for every payment so you can keep track of your spending.
      – You can add money to your PayPal balance from your bank.
      – Paypal monitors your account for unusual activity to keep you safe.
      – You can withdraw money from your PayPal account to your bank account.
      – You can add more than one card to your PayPal account, but cards can only be used on one PayPal account at a time.
      – Your sending and withdrawal limits are removed.
      – Buyers and sellers have more trust in you because your verified status provides stronger account security.
      – Sending money to family and friends is free when you use only your PayPal balance or bank account but if you send by card we apply a small fee.
      – Unauthorised payments are rare but we’ll investigate if you report an unauthorised payment was somehow sent from your PayPal account.

      You can only add or withdraw funds to a bank account linked and verified to your PayPal account in the U.S. You can’t withdraw to a credit card.

      Hope this helps and feel free to reach out to us again for further assistance.

      Best,
      Nikki

      Reply
Go to site