Using PayPal makes it easy to buy things online once you’ve set it up, but what about those pre-paid gift cards you’ve got lying around? You can use them with PayPal, too; here’s how to add a gift card to it. Note that you can’t use retailer-specific gift cards. Only pre-paid cards from credit card companies like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover will work.
QUICK ANSWER
You can add a pre-paid Discover, Mastercard, American Express, or Visa gift card to your PayPal account after you log in by visiting Wallet > Link a debit or credit card > Link a card manually > Enter the info on the card > Click on Link Card.
JUMP TO KEY SECTIONS
- How to add gift cards to PayPal
- Can you buy PayPal gift cards?
How to add gift cards to PayPal
If you have a pre-paid Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, or similar gift card, you can add it to your PayPal account as a form of payment. Here’s how to do it:
- Log in to your PayPal account and click Wallet head to your PayPal Wallet.
- Click on Link a debit or credit card.
- Choose Link a card manually if you’re asked if you want to link manually or through a bank.
- Enter the information on the pre-paid gift card into the form.
- Click on Link Card.
After completing these steps, your pre-paid card should appear as a payment method in your PayPal account. If you encounter an error saying you can’t use your gift card because it lacks personal identifiers, there should be instructions to follow on your card to register it.
Can you buy PayPal gift cards?
There is no PayPal gift card. You can use PayPal to send people virtual cards for other retailers, like eBay, but there’s no gift card for PayPal itself. However, there is a PayPal debit card. It works anywhere that accepts Mastercard and links with your PayPal balance. Like other debit cards, you can also earn rewards with the PayPal debit card
FAQs
No, you can’t add the balance from retailer-specific gift cards to PayPal.
No, the PayPal debit card is a standard debit card that links with your PayPal balance.
No, PayPal does not make physical gift cards.
Yes, PayPal is safe, but you should not treat it as a replacement for a bank account. We have a guide covering PayPal’s safety systems in more depth.
I'm an avid enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of online payment systems, particularly PayPal, and I've navigated the intricacies of integrating various payment methods with the platform. My expertise extends beyond the basics, and I've actively engaged with the evolving features and updates within the online payment landscape.
Now, delving into the information provided in the article about adding gift cards to PayPal:
1. How to add gift cards to PayPal:
- The article rightly suggests logging into your PayPal account and heading to the Wallet section.
- Click on "Link a debit or credit card" to initiate the process.
- Opt for "Link a card manually" if prompted, and proceed to enter the details from your pre-paid gift card into the form.
- After entering the required information, click on "Link Card" to complete the process.
- This sequence enables the pre-paid card to be recognized as a payment method within your PayPal account.
2. Accepted pre-paid gift cards:
- The article specifies that not all gift cards can be used with PayPal. Only pre-paid cards from major credit card companies such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover are compatible.
3. Can you buy PayPal gift cards?
- The article clarifies that there is no dedicated PayPal gift card available. While you can use PayPal to send virtual cards for other retailers like eBay, there isn't a specific gift card for PayPal itself.
- It does mention the existence of a PayPal debit card, which operates like a standard debit card, is compatible with Mastercard, and links with your PayPal balance. Rewards can also be earned using this debit card.
4. FAQs:
- The article addresses common questions, confirming that the balance from retailer-specific gift cards cannot be added to PayPal.
- It emphasizes that the PayPal debit card is a standard debit card linking with the PayPal balance and not a physical gift card.
- Additionally, it highlights that PayPal itself does not produce physical gift cards.
5. PayPal Safety:
- While not explicitly covered in the article, it's worth noting that PayPal is considered safe. However, the article wisely advises against treating it as a replacement for a bank account and suggests referring to a safety guide for a more in-depth understanding of PayPal's security systems.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive guide on integrating pre-paid gift cards with PayPal, dispels misconceptions about PayPal gift cards, and touches on safety considerations associated with using PayPal.
