Add your card in the Wallet section of your PayPal account
To add a credit card to PayPal, log into your account, go to Wallet, select Link a card, and enter your card details. PayPal will verify the card by charging and refunding a small amount (usually $1.95) to confirm you own it. The whole process takes about five minutes, though the verification can take a few business days.
You do not need a PayPal balance to add a card. Once linked, you can use it to pay for purchases, send money, or fund your PayPal balance. If you are adding a card for the first time, PayPal may ask for your billing address and the last four digits of your Social Security number to confirm your identity.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal verifies new cards by charging a small temporary amount, then refunding it within a few business days.
- You can add Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards; prepaid cards may not work depending on the issuer.
- Your card information is stored securely and you can remove or update it at any time from your Wallet.
- Once verified, you can use your card when ready for most transactions, though some features may require full verification first.
Step-by-step: adding your card on desktop
Open PayPal in a web browser and sign into your account. Click your name or profile icon in the top right corner, then select Account Settings.
On the left menu, click Wallet. You will see any cards already linked. Click the blue Link a card button. Enter your card number, expiration date, CVV (the three-digit code on the back), and the name on the card exactly as it appears. Add your billing address and click Link Card.
PayPal will charge $1.95 to your card within one to two business days. Check your bank statement for this charge, then return to PayPal and enter the exact amount in the verification field. Once you confirm the amount, your card is fully verified and ready to use.
Adding your card on the PayPal mobile app
Open the PayPal app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right. Tap Wallet, then tap the + icon or Link a card. You can either type in your card details manually or use your phone's camera to scan the card number.
If you scan, PayPal will read the card number and expiration date automatically; you still need to enter the CVV and billing address by hand. Tap Link Card when you are done. The verification process is the same as on desktop — PayPal charges $1.95, and you confirm the amount once it appears on your statement.
What card types PayPal accepts
PayPal accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards issued in the United States. Debit cards with these logos work the same way as credit cards. Prepaid cards sometimes work, but it depends on the card issuer — some prepaid cards are blocked by PayPal's security system, and you will see an error message if yours is one of them.
Business cards, corporate cards, and cards issued outside the United States may have different rules. If you run into trouble linking a card, contact your card issuer to confirm the card is active and has no fraud blocks, then try again.
Removing or updating a card
To remove a card, go to Wallet in Account Settings, find the card you want to remove, and click the three dots next to it. Select Remove card. If the card is set as your primary payment method, PayPal will ask you to choose a different card first.
To update a card — for example, if your expiration date changed — click the three dots next to the card and select Edit. You can change the expiration date, CVV, and billing address without relinking the entire card. Changes take effect when ready.
Troubleshooting common problems
If PayPal rejects your card, the most common reasons are a mismatch between the name on the card and the name on your PayPal account, an incorrect billing address, or a fraud block from your bank. Check that the name, address, and zip code match exactly what your card issuer has on file. If they do, contact your bank and ask whether they have blocked PayPal transactions.
If the $1.95 verification charge does not appear on your statement after two business days, wait one more day — it sometimes takes longer depending on your bank. If it still does not show, try removing the card and linking it again. If you see the charge but PayPal will not let you confirm it, make sure you are entering the exact amount, including cents.
If you get an error saying your card type is not supported, you are likely using a prepaid card or a card issued outside the United States. Try a different card, or contact PayPal Support through the Help Center in your account.
Using your card after it is linked
Once your card is verified, you can use it to pay for goods and services on websites that accept PayPal, send money to friends and family, or add funds to your PayPal balance. When you check out, you will see your linked cards as payment options — select the one you want to use.
You can set one card as your primary payment method so it is selected by default. To do this, go to Wallet, click the three dots next to the card, and select Make primary. PayPal will use this card first if you do not choose a different one at checkout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does PayPal charge a fee to add a credit card?
No. PayPal charges $1.95 to verify the card is real, but that amount is refunded within a few business days. You are not charged to link the card itself, only when you use it to make a purchase or send money.
Can I add someone else's credit card to my PayPal account?
No. PayPal requires that the name on the card match the name on your account. If you want to let someone else pay from your account, they should log in with their own credentials and link their own card.
How long does it take for a card to be verified?
The verification charge usually appears on your statement within one to two business days. Once you confirm the amount in PayPal, your card is ready to use when ready. Full verification typically takes three to five business days total.
What happens if I lose my credit card after linking it to PayPal?
Remove the card from your Wallet right away by going to Account Settings, clicking Wallet, and selecting Remove next to the card. This stops PayPal from charging it. Contact your card issuer to report the card lost or stolen as you normally would.
Can I link the same credit card to multiple PayPal accounts?
Yes, one card can be linked to more than one PayPal account. However, each account must have a different email address, and PayPal may ask for additional verification if it detects the same card on multiple accounts.