2 Easy Ways to Add a Credit Card to a PayPal Account

PDF download Download Article
The complete guide to adding a new credit card to your PayPal wallet
PDF download Download Article

When you link a credit card to PayPal, you can use it as a method for paying bills or a source of funds for online shopping. If you haven't linked a credit card to your account before, you can easily connect one through the website or mobile app. This wikiHow will show you how to add a credit card to your PayPal account using your computer, iPhone, iPad, or Android device.

Things You Should Know

  • Mobile: Go to Wallet → + → Debit and credit cards → Enter your card info, then input your credit card details.
  • Desktop: Go to Link a Card or Bank → Link a debit or credit card → Debit or credit card, then input your card details.
  • If you need to confirm your card, check your transactions to find the 4-digit code and input it in Wallet.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using Mobile

PDF download Download Article
  1. This looks like two overlapping P s with a blue background.
    • If you don't already have the PayPal app, you can download it for iOS in the App Store and for Android in the Google Play Store .
    • Use your email address and password to log into your account.
  2. You can find this in the bottom-right corner.
    Advertisement
  3. A pop-up menu will open.
    • This is where you can link bank accounts , credit or debit cards, and Amex Send Accounts.
  4. This is the second option, underneath Banks .
  5. You can also select Scan your card to input your card information automatically with your camera, or you can select Log in to your issuing bank to link your information with your online banking account. [1]
  6. You'll need to input your card number, expiration date, and CVV. If you don't already have a billing address added to your account, enter it at the bottom.
    • For security purposes, you may be asked to sign in again.
    • If you selected Scan your card , point your camera to the front of your card and wait for the app to input the information. Do the same with the back of the card when prompted.
    • If you selected Log in to your issuing bank , select your bank, and then enter your login details. You may need to allow permission to link your card.
  7. This is the blue button at the very bottom. Your credit card will be added. It may take a few days for your card's image to refresh from the default.
    • You can tap Add Another Card to enter another credit card, or you can tap All done for now to finish.
  8. If you see a Confirm Card link next to your credit card details, you'll need to confirm your card before you can begin using PayPal to receive or send money . PayPal will make a small charge to your account with a 4-digit code within 2-3 business days. Check your recent transactions to find the code, and then do the following:
    • Tap Wallet .
    • Tap your credit card.
    • Enter the 4-digit code.
    • Tap Confirm .
    9. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using Desktop

PDF download Download Article
  1. Log into https://www.paypal.com/signin in a web browser. Enter your email address or phone number and password.
  2. You can find this on the right side of the page, underneath the Banks and cards header.
    • A pop-up menu will open.
  3. This is the first option.
  4. You can find this under Link a card manually .
    • You can also link a card through your online bank by clicking one of the listed banks below.
  5. You'll need to input your card number, expiration date, and CVV. If you don't already have a billing address added to your account, enter it at the bottom.
    • For security purposes, you may be asked to sign in again.
  6. This is the blue button at the very bottom. Your credit card will be added and can now be used to pay bills . It may take a few days for your card's image to refresh from the default.
  7. If you see a Confirm Card link next to your credit card details, you'll need to confirm your card before you can use the card. PayPal will make a small charge to your account with a 4-digit code within 2-3 business days. Check your recent transactions to find the code, and then do the following:
    • Click Wallet .
    • Click your credit card.
    • Enter the 4-digit code.
    • Click Confirm .
    8. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can I add a credit card from a foreign account?
    Community Answer
    Paypal will accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, and their affiliate brands. If your card matches one of those categories and has a valid billing address it should work fine.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 9
  • Question
    Can I use a prepaid card?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you should be able to add it just like a credit card.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 6
  • Question
    What kind of information does the billing need to have?
    Community Answer
    The provided billing address must match the address kept on record by your bank when you set up the credit card.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 7
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • If you want to set the credit card as your default payment method, go to your Wallet , click your credit card, and then click Set as preferred .
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Cancel a Subscription in PayPal
      4 Simple Ways to Accept Credit Card Payments Using PayPal
      How to
      Change or Reset Your PayPal Password: Step-by-Step Guide
      How to
      Hide Your Real Name on PayPal (Using a Business Account)
      How to
      Contact PayPal: 4 Quick Ways to Get Help With Your Account
      How to
      Sign Up for a PayPal Account & Add a Payment Method
      How to
      Find Your Own PayPal Username or Look Up Someone Else's
      How to
      Send Your PayPal.Me Link: Easy Step-by-Step Guide
      How to
      Withdraw or Move Money from Your PayPal Account
      2 Ways to Verify Your PayPal Account on Computer or Mobile
      How to
      Add Money to PayPal
      How to
      Connect Sweatcoin to PayPal
      Get Started with PayPal: How It Works, Signing Up & More
      2 Easy Ways to Pay for Netflix with PayPal
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.paypal.com/gi/cshelp/article/how-do-i-link-a-debit-or-credit-card-to-my-paypal-account-help155

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 199,777 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement