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 lets you send and receive money online from almost anywhere in the world. It uses encryption software to help people 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 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 current 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.
How do I link my debit card to PayPal?
To add a new debit card:
- Log in to your PayPal account with your email address and password.
- Click the Wallet option in the menu at the top of the page.
- Click on Link a credit or debit card and then click on Debit or credit card.
- Enter your card number, card type, expiration date, CVV and billing address.
- 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:
- Log in to your account.
- Click Wallet followed by the card you want to confirm.
- Click the Confirm card link.
- Check that the information is correct, and then click OK.
- Wait for the £1 temporary charge to be applied to your debit card.
- 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 charge from PayPal and click Confirm.
You can now add money to PayPal from your debit card.
How do I link my credit card to PayPal?
Linking a credit card to PayPal is exactly the same as linking a debit card – just follow the same steps from above.
How do 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:
- Log in to your PayPal account with your email address and password.
- Click the Wallet link near the top of the page.
- Click the card you’d like to remove and then click Remove card, which is near the bottom of the page.
- Click Remove this card.
Bottom line
It’s easy to link your PayPal account to a debit card, credit card or bank account so that you can spend your money online without having to enter your card or account information for each purchase. But to make your money even more accessible, compare current accounts to find one that offers online banking, good customer service and money management options that fit your needs.
PayPal and debit cards FAQ
More guides on Finder
-
Santander Edge Up review
Level up your cashback earning potential with the Santander Edge Up current account. Find out about its features and benefits in our review.
-
Barclays Blue Rewards: What’s it all about?
Learn more about the pros and cons of Barclays Blue Rewards.
-
NatWest Select current account review
Find out whether the NatWest Select current account could be worth switching to.
-
Digital Kroo, assemble! (…For our review of this social banking app)
Discover whether Kroo’s account and card could work for you.
-
Monzo bank account and card review: Is it worth it?
Is Monzo’s app-only current account the right option for you? Read our review to get the low-down on all of the features of the account, its card and the app.
-
Best current accounts & debit cards with cashback in the UK 2024
Learn how current accounts with cashback work, whether they’re right for you and how to find the best current account.
-
Compare virtual debit cards in the UK
Compare different types of virtual debit cards and how to use each.
-
Like Monzo, but… not. Here’s a list of similar banks and apps
Digital bank Monzo offers a full UK current account, but it’s not the only one. We look at challengers’ features and pricing to help you find others like Monzo.
-
It’s on like Donkey Kong: Starling vs Monzo
Thinking about using Starling or Monzo? Compare both side by side using our table. We look at their costs, foreign transaction fees, card delivery speed and app features.
-
Revolut review: The digital banking app popular with travellers
Is Revolut’s app-only account the solution for you? Our review of this challenger banking brand explores the features and fees of its free Standard plan, and outlines the other Revolut accounts available.