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Everything you need to know about using PayPal with Zelle
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Are you trying to get Zelle to work with your PayPal account? Unfortunately, Zelle and PayPal can't be used together directly. If you have a PayPal debit card, you might be able to connect it to your Zelle account, but this doesn't always work. However, if you have Zelle and PayPal connected to the same bank account (or debit card), there is a workaround that uses the account as a middleman. Keep reading to learn more.

Using Zelle with PayPal

For the most part, you can't use Zelle with PayPal. Some users have been able to connect their PayPal debit card to Zelle, but this doesn't work for everyone. However, if Zelle and PayPal are both connected to the same bank account, you can use that account as a middleman between the two.

Section 1 of 2:

Can I use Zelle with PayPal?

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  1. Zelle only works to move money between bank accounts, including debit cards that are connected to a checking account. [1] It's not a payment method in and of itself, nor can it store any money for you like Venmo or CashApp.
  2. While Zelle is built into many banking apps, you can also use the Zelle app with a debit card. Some users have found that they can use their PayPal debit card with the Zelle app, but this doesn't work for all users.
    • To do this, first install the Zelle app from the App Store or Google Play Store . Once it's done installing, open the app.
    • Enter your mobile number, then accept the privacy agreement.
    • Enter "PayPal" when the app asks you to search for a bank, then tap the Don't see your bank? button that shows up in the menu.
    • Enter your email, then enter the verification code that was sent to your email.
    • Enter your PayPal debit card information. You'll need to enter the card number, your first and last name, the card's expiration date, and the card's security code or CVV. After you submit this information, the Zelle app will let you know if it has accepted your PayPal debit card or not.
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Section 2 of 2:

Zelle to PayPal Workaround

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  1. You can connect both bank accounts and debit cards to PayPal. If you're using Zelle in your banking app, it will have access to your bank account. If you're using the Zelle standalone app, you'll have to use a debit card. If you're using a bank account on one app and a debit card on the other, make sure the debit card is linked to that bank account.
    • Zelle is built into many banking apps, but if your bank doesn't offer it, you can download the standalone Zelle app from the App Store or the Google Play Store .
      • If you are using Zelle to send money to yourself, you will need separate Zelle accounts for each bank account. You will need either a phone number or email to create an account, and each phone number or email can only be used once.
    • If you don't have a debit card or bank account added to PayPal, check out this wikiHow article on connecting one to your account .
  2. If you're getting money from someone else, have them use Zelle to send money to your account. If you're sending money to yourself, use your second Zelle account to send the money to your primary Zelle account (the one that is connected to the bank account that's also linked to PayPal).
    • If you use Zelle through your banking app, simply tap the Zelle option and follow the on-screen instructions to send money. Each banking app may work slightly differently, but you will likely have to select the Send money option, then choose a recipient and enter how much money you want to send.
    • If you use Zelle through the Zelle app, tap the Send button, select your recipient (tap Access Contacts if your recipient isn't on the list), then enter how much money you want to send.
  3. The Zelle transfer should be instant unless you sent it in the evening, on the weekend, or over a holiday. Once the money is in your account, you can use the debit card via PayPal—either to make a payment or to send the money to your PayPal account.
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