What Can I Buy With PayPal? Places That Accept It
Explore the extensive possibilities of what you can purchase with PayPal, simplifying diverse online and in-store payments.
PayPal is a digital payment platform facilitating secure online and mobile transactions. It allows users to send and receive money, manage financial accounts, and complete purchases. Its broad acceptance across various merchants makes it a convenient option for consumers. The platform simplifies money movement and enhances digital commerce.
Online Retailers and Marketplaces
PayPal is a widely accepted payment method for physical goods from online retailers and e-commerce marketplaces. Shoppers can acquire items like electronics, clothing, and home goods from stores such as Best Buy, Macy’s, and Walmart. These platforms display PayPal as a payment option during checkout, often alongside credit card choices.
PayPal is also integrated into large online marketplaces like eBay and Etsy, where independent sellers offer a diverse range of products. Consumers can purchase a broad spectrum of items, from electronics to handmade crafts, often consolidating their payment methods through a single PayPal account. The platform streamlines transactions, allowing buyers to complete purchases without repeatedly entering sensitive financial information.
Digital Goods, Subscriptions, and Services
PayPal is widely used for digital content, subscriptions, and online services. Consumers can subscribe to streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Paramount+, simplifying monthly payments. This convenience also applies to music streaming services like Spotify, ensuring uninterrupted access to digital libraries.
The platform supports purchases of software licenses, video games, and other digital downloads. Beyond entertainment, PayPal facilitates payments for online educational courses, cloud storage solutions, and web hosting services, enabling access to essential digital tools. Many independent creators and online businesses also accept PayPal for their digital products, from e-books to specialized software.
In-Person and Local Purchases
PayPal has expanded its utility beyond online transactions, enabling in-person and local purchases. One common method involves using QR codes at physical checkout counters, where customers scan a displayed code with their PayPal app to complete a payment. Major retailers like CVS, Walmart, Target, and Home Depot often accept PayPal QR code payments, offering a contactless payment experience.
Another way to use PayPal for in-person transactions is by linking the account to mobile payment applications like Google Pay, which leverage Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. A PayPal Debit Card can also be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted, providing a direct link to a user’s PayPal balance. These options provide flexibility for consumers who prefer to use their PayPal funds for everyday shopping in brick-and-mortar stores.
Peer-to-Peer Transactions and Other Uses
PayPal facilitates direct peer-to-peer (P2P) money transfers between individuals, distinct from commercial purchases. This functionality is used for splitting shared expenses, repaying friends, or buying items directly from other individuals. Users can send money by searching for another user’s name, email, or phone number within the PayPal app.
When sending money, PayPal offers a distinction between “Friends & Family” and “Goods & Services” payment types. The “Friends & Family” option is for personal transfers, such as gifts or shared bills, and usually carries no fee for the sender if funded by a bank account or PayPal balance. Conversely, the “Goods & Services” option is for transactions involving a purchase, such as buying an item from a private seller or paying for freelance services. For “Goods & Services” payments, the recipient (seller) typically incurs a small transaction fee, which is often a percentage of the total amount plus a fixed fee.