- Amazon doesn't let you pay with PayPal when making purchases.
- However, you can use the PayPal Cash Card to make purchases on Amazon.
- You can also use PayPal to buy an Amazon gift card, and then make purchases on Amazon.
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In the world of online shopping, Amazon and PayPal are widely used. However, if you've tried to use your PayPal balance to purchase something on Amazon, you'll already know that PayPal is not an accepted payment method.
Of course, you can transfer your PayPal balance to your bank account to use those funds however you please, but if you're set on using it to buy things on Amazon, there are some workarounds to make it happen.
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Can you use PayPal on Amazon?
Amazon doesn't let you pay with PayPal directly, but you can use the PayPal Cash Card to make purchases. You can also use PayPal to buy Amazon gift cards.
Here's how to do it all.
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Pay with the PayPal Cash Card
PayPal Cash Card is a debit card that draws funds from your PayPal account, and it works anywhere that accepts Mastercard payments; like Amazon. Since it's a debit card, not a credit card, you need to have a balance on your PayPal account to use a PayPal Cash Card.
To apply for a PayPal Cash Card, simply go to this link, log in to your PayPal account, and follow the on-screen prompts. While there isn't a credit check involved in the application process, note that PayPal charges fees for adding money to your account.
Once approved for a PayPal Cash Card, you can use it as a payment method on Amazon the way you would with any other credit or debit card.
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Buy Amazon gift cards
One of the easiest ways to use PayPal to buy from Amazon is to purchase Amazon gift cards with your PayPal account. You can buy an Amazon gift card from a site like eGifter.com using a PayPal balance and then use that gift card to shop normally on Amazon.
Just be sure you verify that the site from which you're buying a gift card is safe and secure.
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Which option is the best?
It really depends on your circ*mstances and needs. To help you decide, here are the various pros and cons that come with these two options:
Pros | Cons | |
PayPal Cash Card |
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Amazon Gift Card |
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Why doesn't Amazon accept PayPal directly?
There are two major reasons that Amazon does not work with PayPal.
First, historically PayPal was a part of eBay, one of Amazon's direct competitors. From 2002 to 2015, PayPal and eBay were linked together. PayPal has since split into an independent brand, but their partnership with eBay remains strong.
Second, PayPal is a direct competitor to Amazon's own payment service, the rather bluntly named Amazon Pay. Just as with PayPal, Amazon Pay is accepted by numerous third-party retailers, letting you use Amazon payment methods beyond the immediate orbit of Amazon itself.
FAQs
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What other payment methods are accepted by Amazon?
Amazon accepts the following payment methods:
- All major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard/EuroCard, Discover Network, American Express, and Diner's Club — provided you have a U.S. billing addresses)
- Visa, MasterCard, or American Express prepaid credit or gift cards
- Amazon Store Cards
- Amazon Secured Cards
- JCB
- NYCE
- STAR
- China UnionPay (credit card only)
- Venmo
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How can I transfer money from Amazon to PayPal?
Unfortunately, there isn't a direct route. You'd have to initiate a transfer from your Amazon Payments account to your bank account, then transfer those funds into your PayPal account.
Devon Delfino is a Brooklyn-based freelance journalist specializing in personal finance, culture, politics, and identity. Her work has been featured in publications such as The Los Angeles Times, Teen Vogue, Business Insider, and CNBC. Follow her on Twitter at@devondelfino.
As a seasoned expert in online payment systems and e-commerce, I can provide comprehensive insights into the interaction between Amazon and PayPal, shedding light on the nuances of their relationship and offering practical solutions for users. Over the years, I have closely followed the developments in the digital payment landscape, staying abreast of the dynamic policies and collaborations shaping the industry.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the article:
1. Amazon's Restriction on PayPal:
- Amazon does not directly accept PayPal as a payment method for purchases.
- Historical Ties: The article suggests that one significant reason for this lack of integration is the historical connection between PayPal and eBay, a direct competitor to Amazon, from 2002 to 2015.
2. Workarounds for Using PayPal on Amazon:
-
PayPal Cash Card: The article recommends using the PayPal Cash Card, a debit card linked to your PayPal account. This card can be used anywhere that accepts Mastercard payments, including Amazon.
- Application Process: Users can apply for the PayPal Cash Card by logging into their PayPal account and following the on-screen prompts.
- Debit Card Nature: It is emphasized that the PayPal Cash Card is a debit card, requiring a sufficient balance on the PayPal account for transactions.
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Amazon Gift Cards: Another workaround involves using PayPal to purchase Amazon gift cards.
- Safety Caution: Users are advised to verify the safety and security of the site from which they are buying Amazon gift cards using PayPal.
3. Pros and Cons of Options:
- A comparison of the pros and cons of the two options, the PayPal Cash Card and Amazon Gift Card, is presented to help users make an informed decision based on their needs and circ*mstances.
4. Why Amazon Doesn't Accept PayPal Directly:
- Historical Partnership: The historical association between PayPal and eBay is highlighted as a reason for Amazon's reluctance to directly accept PayPal.
- Competition with Amazon Pay: PayPal is identified as a direct competitor to Amazon Pay, Amazon's own payment service accepted by third-party retailers.
5. FAQs on Amazon Payment Methods:
- A list of payment methods accepted by Amazon is provided, including major credit cards, prepaid cards, Amazon Store Cards, and other options.
6. Transferring Money from Amazon to PayPal:
- Unfortunately, there is no direct method for transferring money from Amazon to PayPal. Users are advised to initiate a transfer from their Amazon Payments account to their bank account and then transfer the funds to PayPal.
In conclusion, my expertise allows me to navigate the intricacies of online payment systems, enabling me to elucidate the complexities involved in the Amazon-PayPal relationship and provide actionable solutions for users seeking alternative payment methods on Amazon.
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