How to Pay in a Store With Your PayPal Account

PayPal, a digital payment service, now offers convenient and secure payment options in physical stores. This allows users to pay for everyday purchases at various retail locations using their PayPal accounts. Paying in-store with PayPal combines digital wallet security with mobile transaction ease, offering an alternative to traditional methods. It can also enhance financial control by centralizing spending and potentially offering buyer protection on eligible items.

Preparing for In-Store Payments

Before making an in-store payment with PayPal, download the official PayPal mobile application from your device’s app store. After installing, log in to your existing PayPal account or create a new one. This app is the primary tool for these transactions and ensures your account is accessible.

Once logged in, link a funding source to your PayPal account. You can connect a bank account, credit card, or debit card to facilitate payments. To link a bank account, navigate to the “Wallet” section in the app or on the PayPal website, then select “Link a Bank.” You can choose your bank from a list and sign in, or manually enter your bank account and routing numbers. If entered manually, PayPal typically initiates two small deposits to your bank account within 2-3 business days, which you then confirm in the app to verify the link.

Beyond linking payment methods, ensure your PayPal balance is sufficient for intended purchases, as funds in your balance are typically used first. Some in-store features, such as finding nearby merchants, may benefit from enabling location services. Before a purchase, confirm if a store accepts PayPal for in-store payments; this can often be identified by looking for PayPal signage or checking the PayPal app.

Making an In-Store Payment

Making an in-store payment with PayPal at the point of sale is a streamlined process, primarily using QR codes or mobile wallet integrations. When ready to pay, open the PayPal app on your smartphone as you approach the checkout counter. The app serves as the interface.

For QR code payments, which are a common method for in-store PayPal transactions, you will either scan a QR code displayed by the merchant or generate one in your app for the cashier to scan. If the merchant displays a QR code, open the “Scan” section of your PayPal app and point your camera at the code. After scanning, confirm payment details, including the amount, before authorizing. If you generate a QR code, select “Pay in Store” or “Scan/Pay,” choose “Pay with QR Code,” and present the code to the cashier.

In addition to QR codes, PayPal can also be used in stores through compatible mobile wallets like Google Pay or Apple Pay if your PayPal account is linked. This allows for contactless payments by holding your phone near a payment terminal that supports Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. While the PayPal app does not have built-in NFC capabilities for direct tap-to-pay, linking it to a mobile wallet enables this. After the transaction, you receive a confirmation notification within the PayPal app. Using PayPal for in-store purchases incurs no direct fees, provided no currency conversion is involved.

Finding Stores That Accept PayPal

Identifying stores that accept PayPal for in-person transactions involves looking for specific indicators and utilizing features within the PayPal app. Many major retailers and a growing number of small businesses have adopted PayPal as an in-store payment option. For example, large chains like Walmart, CVS, Target, and Home Depot accept PayPal QR codes for payments.

The PayPal app offers a convenient way to locate participating merchants nearby. Users can often access a “Nearby” or “Scan/Pay” feature within the app, which may display a map or list of businesses in their vicinity that support PayPal in-store payments. This helps users plan shopping trips.

Look for PayPal logos or QR code stickers at store entrances, windows, or checkout counters. These visual cues indicate the establishment processes PayPal transactions. While a comprehensive list of all stores may not be available, these methods help determine acceptance.