Ria money transfer review: US guide [2025]
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How to use a debit card with PayPal?
PayPal is a great method for making fast, secure payments online or in-person. The service has many options available to make purchases that include linking your bank account or a credit card.
Another option is to link a debit card directly to your PayPal account. It makes sense as this adds another layer of security between your bank account and whoever you're purchasing from.
In this article, we’ll explain how you can use a debit card with PayPal and gain access to that extra security.
If you’re looking for a great debit card option, check out the Wise debit card. Why is it better? There’s no foreign transaction fees, no monthly card fees, and you can keep more than 55 currencies on your balance.
| 💡 Note that this article doesn’t discuss PayPal's debit card products such as the PayPal Prepaid Mastercard or the PayPal Business Debit Card but the option of linking your existing debit card to your PayPal account. |
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How to use your debit card with PayPal?
Before laying out the steps, know that it isn’t a requirement to link your debit card with PayPal. It’s just one of many options available to fund your account. It’s perfectly fine to stick to linking a bank account instead.
But if you want to link a debit card, here are the steps:
- Login to your PayPal account.
- Click the link that says ‘Wallet’ at the top of the screen.
- On the top left, click the link that says ‘Link a card’ underneath the picture of a card with a plus sign on it—or click the picture.
- PayPal has some options to directly link cards through certain card companies and banks. If you have this option, follow the instructions. But most likely you’ll click the option on top to add a card manually.
- Fill in the information and click ‘Link card’ at the bottom of the page.
For security purposes, PayPal may request that you confirm your card. If that’s the case, a link that says ‘confirm credit card’ will appear in the card details section of your PayPal Wallet. Also, PayPal only allows you to link one debit card per account.¹
However, if you have a debit card, credit cards, and a bank account linked along with a PayPal balance, always be sure to check which payment method you’re using before paying for goods and services. Every purchase will offer several PayPal Wallet options, so double check the one you want to use.
And before using your debit card through PayPal, make sure there’s a balance on your bank account. Your debit card will source from there and not the PayPal balance. But It’s always possible to move money from your PayPal balance to your bank account for free or directly to your debit card for a fee.
Is it safe to use a debit card with PayPal?
The fast answer is yes. PayPal is a safe and secure payment services company that gives you the ability to make payments online or in-person.
The focal point for PayPal’s safety is that it allows you to make payments from your debit card without disclosing your card or personal information. This is key in securing your privacy and preventing fraud and identity theft.
Also, purchases made through PayPal are eligible through their Buyer Protection Program which could entitle you to the full purchase price of an item plus shipping if something goes wrong. Just know that PayPal has sole discretion for the program—though they do allow appeals if you don’t agree with their judgement.
While it’s safe to use a debit card with PayPal, it’s always safer to use a credit card.
PayPal has some credit card options if you use the platform a lot and want some added perks and rewards.
Another option is to set up a PayPal Cash card or PayPal Cash Plus account if you want to add funds directly to your PayPal account.
But if you don’t want to use your debit card with PayPal and don’t want a credit card either, a great option is a Wise debit card.
A Wise debit card puts more green in your pocket with free ATM withdrawals up to $250 every 30 days and transactions at the mid-market rate, plus a small fee. Also, there’s no credit check to get a card!
Hold up to 40 currencies in one account for free with no minimum balance and send money all over the world with low and transparent fees.
Sources:
All sources checked on 24 June 2021
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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