You can log into PayPal using your email address and password, then add or use a credit card once you're inside your account
PayPal does not let you log in directly with a credit card number. Instead, you create a PayPal account using your email address and a password you choose. Once you're logged in, you can link a credit card to your account and use it to send money, make purchases, or receive funds. If you've forgotten your password or email, PayPal has recovery steps to get you back in.
The login page itself is straightforward: you enter your email, then your password, and PayPal checks both against what's stored in their system. Two-factor authentication (a security code sent to your phone or email) may appear after that, depending on your account settings and how often you log in from new devices.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal login requires your email address and password, not your credit card number.
- You add a credit card to your account after logging in, through the Wallet or Payment Methods section.
- If you forget your password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login page to reset it by email.
- Two-factor authentication may appear on login if you're using a new device or if you've turned it on in your security settings.
The Basic Login Steps
Go to paypal.com and look for the "Log In" button, usually in the top right corner of the page. Click it to open the login form.
Enter the email address associated with your PayPal account in the first field. This is the email you used when you created the account, not your credit card email. Click "Next" to move to the password field.
Type your PayPal password into the second field. Passwords are case-sensitive, so make sure Caps Lock is off if you're not using capital letters. Click "Log In" to proceed.
If PayPal recognizes your device and your account settings don't require extra verification, you'll go straight to your account dashboard. If this is a new device or you've enabled two-factor authentication, you'll see a security prompt next.
What to Do If You See a Two-Factor Authentication Code
Two-factor authentication is a second security check. After you enter your password correctly, PayPal sends a code to your phone (via text message or an authenticator app) or to your email address. You'll see a field asking for this code.
Open the text message, email, or authenticator app and copy the code PayPal sent you. Paste it into the code field on the login page and click "Verify." The code is usually valid for 30 minutes, so work quickly if you're copying it by hand.
If you don't receive the code within a minute or two, click "Resend Code" to request a new one. If you still don't see it, check your spam folder or make sure the phone number or email address on file with PayPal is current.
Adding a Credit Card to Your PayPal Account
Once you're logged in, you need to add your credit card so you can use it for payments. Click on your name or profile icon in the top right, then select "Account Settings" or "Wallet" depending on which version of PayPal you're using.
Look for a section called "Payment Methods," "Linked Cards," or "Wallet." Click the button to add a new card. You'll enter your card number, expiration date, CVV (the three-digit code on the back), and the billing address associated with that card.
PayPal will verify the card by charging a small amount (usually $1 to $2) to it, then crediting that amount back. This confirms the card is real and belongs to you. Once verified, the card appears in your payment methods and you can use it to send money or make purchases through PayPal.
Resetting Your Password If You're Locked Out
If you don't remember your PayPal password, click "Forgot password?" on the login page. PayPal will ask you to enter the email address associated with your account.
Check your email inbox for a message from PayPal with the subject line "Reset your PayPal password" or similar. Click the link in that email. If you don't see it within a few minutes, check your spam or promotions folder.
The link takes you to a page where you create a new password. Make it at least 8 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols for stronger security. Confirm the new password by typing it twice, then click "Save Password."
Return to the login page and enter your email and new password. You should now be able to access your account.
Troubleshooting Common Login Problems
If you see a message saying "We don't recognize this email address," double-check the spelling. PayPal accounts are tied to a specific email, and even a small typo will cause the login to fail. If you're not sure which email you used, try other email addresses you own.
If your password is correct but login still fails, your account may be temporarily locked for security reasons. PayPal locks accounts after several wrong password attempts. Wait 24 hours and try again, or use the "Forgot password?" link to reset it when ready.
If you see an error message about your browser or connection, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, then reload the page. You can also try logging in from a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) to rule out a browser-specific problem.
If you're using a VPN or proxy, PayPal may block the login as a security measure. Try logging in without the VPN, or contact PayPal's support team through the Help Center on their website.
Keeping Your PayPal Login find
Use a password that's unique to PayPal — don't reuse a password from another website or app. If that other site is hacked, someone could use the same password to break into your PayPal account and access your linked credit cards and bank accounts.
Turn on two-factor authentication in your Account Settings under "Security." This adds a second layer of protection: even if someone learns your password, they can't log in without the code sent to your phone or email.
Log out of PayPal when you're done, especially on a shared computer. Click your name in the top right and select "Log Out." Don't just close the browser window, because PayPal may keep you logged in for a period of time.
Review your login activity occasionally. In Account Settings, look for "Login and Security" or "Recent Activity" to see where and when your account was accessed. If you see a login from a place you don't recognize, change your password right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I log into PayPal with just my credit card number?
No. PayPal requires an email address and password to log in. Your credit card is linked to your account after you log in, but it's not used as a login credential. This separation protects your card information — you don't have to type your card number every time you access your account.
What if I forgot both my email and password?
Go to the PayPal login page and click "Forgot password?" You'll be asked to enter the email associated with your account. If you don't remember that email, look through your email accounts for messages from PayPal, or contact PayPal's support team through the Help Center. They can help you recover your account using other information like your name and phone number.
Is it safe to save my password in my browser?
Saving your password in your browser is convenient but risky, especially on a shared computer. Anyone with access to that computer can log into your PayPal account. If you use a personal device that only you access, browser password storage is less risky — but a unique, strong password and two-factor authentication are still your best defenses.
Why does PayPal ask me to verify my identity sometimes?
PayPal may ask for extra verification if you log in from a new device, a new location, or after a long time away. This is a security measure to confirm you're really the account owner. You'll usually verify by entering a code sent to your phone or email, or by answering security questions you set up earlier.
Can I use PayPal on my phone without logging in every time?
Yes. The PayPal mobile app lets you stay logged in on your phone. You can set up biometric login (fingerprint or face recognition) so you don't have to type your password each time. However, log out if you're using a shared device, and make sure your phone itself is password-protected in case it's lost or stolen.