How to Add and Use a Gift Card on PayPal
Seamlessly incorporate your gift cards into PayPal for effortless online spending and expanded payment flexibility.
PayPal is a widely used digital payment platform. Many individuals receive gift cards and wonder if they can be integrated with their PayPal account for online purchases. This guide will walk you through linking and using compatible gift cards within the PayPal ecosystem.
Understanding Compatible Gift Cards
Not all gift cards can be used with PayPal. The platform primarily supports “network-branded” gift cards, which are issued with logos from major payment networks like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. These types of gift cards function similarly to a debit or credit card, making them compatible with PayPal’s payment system.
Conversely, store-specific gift cards, such as those from Amazon, Starbucks, or Best Buy, cannot be directly added to or used on PayPal. These cards are designed for use only with their specific retailers and do not operate within the broader payment networks PayPal utilizes. Before adding any gift card, check its balance and ensure it is activated, as some cards require this step before online use.
Adding a Network-Branded Gift Card to PayPal
Once you have a compatible network-branded gift card, adding it to your PayPal account is a straightforward process. First, log into your PayPal account on the website or through the mobile application. Navigate to the “Wallet” or “Payment Methods” section, found in the main menu.
Within this section, you will find an option to “Link a debit or credit card” or a similar prompt. Select this option and then choose to link a card manually. You will then be prompted to enter the gift card details, including the full card number, expiration date, and security code (CVV). For the billing address, use the address associated with the gift card if one was registered during purchase; otherwise, your own home address can be used. After entering all the required information, confirm the details, and the gift card will appear in your list of payment methods.
Using Your Gift Card for PayPal Purchases
After successfully linking your network-branded gift card to your PayPal account, you can use it for online purchases wherever PayPal is accepted. When you are ready to make a purchase on a merchant’s website, select PayPal as your payment method during checkout. This action will redirect you to your PayPal login page.
Once logged into your PayPal account, you will see a list of your linked payment methods. From this selection, choose the gift card you wish to use for the transaction. If the gift card balance is insufficient to cover the entire purchase amount, PayPal allows you to combine it with another linked payment method, such as a bank account or another credit/debit card, to complete the transaction. Ensure the purchase amount does not exceed the gift card’s balance unless you intend to use a split payment option.