How to Add a Credit Card to Your PayPal Account
Learn how to fully integrate your credit card with your PayPal account for reliable and secure online payment options.
PayPal facilitates online payments, offering a secure and convenient way to manage financial transactions. Linking a credit card to your PayPal account provides flexibility, serving as a reliable payment source or a backup option for purchases and transfers.
Information Needed to Link Your Card
You will need the full 16-digit card number, the expiration date (month and year), and the 3 or 4-digit security code (CVV/CVC) typically found on the back of most cards. Confirming the billing address associated with the card is also necessary to avoid delays.
Steps to Add Your Credit Card
Begin by logging into your PayPal account, either through the official website using a web browser or by opening the PayPal mobile application on your device. Once logged in, locate and select the “Wallet” tab or section, which serves as the central hub for managing your financial instruments. On a desktop, it is typically a prominent link; in the app, it is often a bottom menu icon.
Within the “Wallet,” identify and click the “Link a Card” or “Add a Card” option, often accompanied by a plus (+) symbol. You will then be prompted to specify the card type, selecting “Debit” or “Credit.” Carefully input the required card information into the provided fields. This includes the complete 16-digit card number, the exact expiration month and year, and the three or four-digit security code (CVV/CVC) from your card.
It is also necessary to enter the billing address that is precisely associated with your credit card, ensuring it matches the address on your card statements. An incorrect billing address is a common reason for linking failures. After all details are entered, thoroughly review the information for accuracy before clicking “Link Card” or “Add Card.”
Confirming Your Card
Following the initial linking, PayPal typically initiates a small, temporary charge to your credit card, often around $1.95 USD. This charge will appear on your card statement within 2-3 business days and includes a unique 4-digit code. To complete the verification, access your online banking or physical statement to retrieve this specific code. Return to the “Wallet” section in PayPal, select the card, and enter the 4-digit code. The temporary charge is then refunded to your account.