How can I pay with PayPal without a card?

PayPal offers several ways to pay or send money without using a credit or debit card. Here are a few quick answers to common questions about paying with PayPal without a card:

Table of Contents

Can I pay with PayPal without a card?

Yes, you can pay with PayPal without using a credit or debit card. The main ways to do this are:

PayPal balance – Fund your PayPal account by linking a bank account, receiving payments, etc. You can then use your PayPal balance to pay.

PayPal Cash or Plus Card – Load cash onto a PayPal prepaid debit card at retailers and use it to pay anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
PayPal Credit – Get a PayPal Credit line you can use to pay, then make payments from your bank account.
Bank account – Link a bank account to PayPal and use it as a funding source.

PayPal Key – Use your PayPal Key card number to pay by debit without a physical card.

How do I send money from PayPal without a card?

You have a few options to send PayPal payments without a card, including:

Send money using your PayPal balance – Add funds to PayPal by linking a bank account, receiving payments, etc., then send money from your balance.

Send money directly from your bank account – Link a bank account to your PayPal account and select it as the payment method when sending money.
Use PayPal Credit (if available) – Send money now and pay it back over time from your bank account.
Send from a debit card – If you have a PayPal debit card loaded with cash, you can send money directly from the card balance.

Can I use PayPal to pay bills without a credit or debit card?

Yes, there are a couple ways you can use PayPal to pay bills without a traditional credit or debit card:

PayPal balance – Add funds to PayPal from a bank account or other source, then use your PayPal balance to pay bills that accept PayPal.
Bank account – Link your bank account to PayPal, then select it as the payment method when paying bills.

PayPal Key – If the biller accepts debit/ACH payments, use your virtual PayPal Key card number to pay direct from your bank account.
PayPal Credit – Use PayPal Credit to pay the bill now if funds aren’t available, then pay your credit balance back over time.

What’s the best way to use PayPal without a card for online shopping?

For shopping online without a traditional card, the top options are:

PayPal balance – For sites that accept PayPal, checkout with your PayPal balance as the payment method.
PayPal Key – Where debit/ACH is accepted, use your virtual card number at checkout.
PayPal Credit – Buy now, pay over time directly from your bank account.

Bank account – Select your linked bank account as the payment method if debit is accepted.
eGift cards – Purchase an eGift card to use at checkout if the site accepts them.

Using your PayPal balance is the simplest option since many sites accept PayPal. PayPal Key and PayPal Credit give you more flexibility if debit/ACH is accepted.

Can I use PayPal at a store without a physical card?

Yes, you have a couple different options for using PayPal to pay in stores without a physical credit or debit card:

PayPal Cash Card – Load cash onto a PayPal prepaid debit card and use it to pay anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
PayPal Business Debit Mastercard® – Apply for a PayPal debit card connected directly to your PayPal balance.

PayPal Key – Use your virtual card number to pay by debiting your bank or PayPal balance in stores.
PayPal QR Code – Scan the PayPal QR code in the app to pay from your balance in participating stores.

The most widely accepted option is the PayPal Cash Card since it works anywhere Mastercard is taken. PayPal Key and QR codes give you more ways to pay in stores from your PayPal account specifically.

What if I need to pay or checkout fast using PayPal without a card?

If you need to pay quickly with PayPal without a physical card, here are some options:

PayPal balance – Instant if you have enough funds in your PayPal balance.
PayPal Credit – Get approved for a credit line you can use immediately.

Bank account – Near instant if your bank account is already linked.
Debit card – Instant if you have a PayPal debit card loaded with cash.
PayPal Key – Used instantly as a virtual card number if the merchant accepts it.

Having a PayPal balance, credit line, or linked bank account ready to go will help you checkout faster. PayPal debit cards and PayPal Key also allow fast payments without a traditional card in hand.

Is it safe to use PayPal without a credit or debit card?

It can be very safe to use PayPal without a traditional credit or debit card. Here are some tips for safe payments:

Use strong, unique passwords – Don’t reuse passwords between sites.

Enable two-factor authentication – Adds another layer of security to your account.
Stick to trusted sites – Only use PayPal on reputable merchant websites.
Review statements – Keep an eye out for any suspicious charges.

Use security keys – Physical keys provide an additional safeguard for your account.

As long as you follow general online security best practices like using strong passwords and reviewing statements, PayPal can provide a very secure payment option even without linking a card.

Conclusion

PayPal offers many flexible options for paying online, in stores, and sending money without the need for a credit or debit card. By using your PayPal balance, linking a bank account, getting a PayPal debit card, or leveraging services like PayPal Credit or PayPal Key, you can complete purchases easily and securely without a plastic card.

With a little planning ahead to make sure you have money available in your PayPal account or bank account, you can pay quickly and conveniently from your mobile device or computer without ever having to pull out your wallet.

Summary of Options to Use PayPal Without a Card

Method	How It Works	Pros	Cons
PayPal Balance	Fund your PayPal account and pay from your balance	Simple and fast checkout at thousands of sites Money available instantly	Need to plan ahead to add funds
Bank Account	Link bank account and select it at checkout	Wide acceptance if debit is taken No need to pre-fund a balance	Funds not always instant Need to setup bank link
PayPal Cash Card	Load cash onto prepaid debit card	Accepted anywhere Mastercard is Use like any other debit card	Need to load cash separately Fees may apply
PayPal Credit	Get a credit line to use anywhere PayPal is accepted	Buy now, pay over time Wide acceptance at PayPal merchants	Credit approval needed Interest and fees if not repaid
PayPal Key	Virtual card number used online or in stores	Instant digital card Works for debit/ACH payments	Only some merchants accept