PayPal is one of the most popular digital payment methods, allowing you to pay online and in store quickly and securely from your PayPal account. With over 300 million active users worldwide, PayPal is accepted in millions of stores and restaurants globally. But how exactly can you use PayPal to pay in physical retail stores? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from setting up a PayPal account to making purchases in store using your smartphone or PayPal debit card. We’ll also provide tips for using PayPal in store and answers to frequently asked questions.
How to set up a PayPal account
The first step to using PayPal in store is setting up an account, which only takes a few minutes. Here’s how to get started:
- Go to paypal.com and click on the “Sign Up” button in the top right corner.
- Enter your email address and create a password. Click “Next”.
- Enter your name, physical address, phone number, and date of birth. Click “Next”.
- Read and accept PayPal’s user agreement and privacy policy. Click “Agree and Create Account”.
- Confirm your email address by clicking the link sent to your inbox. Then log in to your new PayPal account.
Once your account is open, you can link credit cards, debit cards, or bank accounts to fund transactions. under “Wallet” in the top menu. You can add up to 8 funding sources. When checking out, you can choose which source to pay with.
Getting the PayPal app
To use PayPal in stores, you’ll need the free PayPal app for your smartphone. Here’s how to get set up:
- On your iPhone or Android phone, go to the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Search for “PayPal” and download the official PayPal app.
- Open the app and log into your PayPal account.
- Allow the app to access your camera (for scanning QR codes) and enable notifications to receive payment confirmation alerts.
The PayPal app allows you to check balances, send/receive money, scan QR codes to pay, and view payment history. It’s the easiest way to pay with your phone in stores. Make sure to keep the app updated too!
Getting a PayPal debit card
In addition to the mobile app, you can also get a PayPal debit card connected directly to your account balance. Using the card, you can pay in store by swiping or inserting at checkout terminals – just like a regular debit card. Here’s how to get one:
- Log into your PayPal account and go to “Wallet” in the top menu.
- Under “Get a PayPal debit card”, click on “Order card”.
- Confirm your address. There’s no credit check or fees for the card.
- Wait 5-7 business days for the card to arrive in the mail. Activate it using the included instructions.
When checking out in store, select “Credit” and enter your PayPal debit card PIN to pay. You’ll earn cash back rewards on purchases too. Just keep your PayPal balance funded to cover purchases.
Finding stores that accept PayPal
PayPal is accepted at millions of major retailers worldwide. Most large stores accept PayPal, including:
- Walmart
- Target
- CVS
- Home Depot
- Best Buy
- Nordstrom
- Macy’s
- Walgreens
- Lowe’s
- GameStop
PayPal is also accepted at popular restaurants like Subway, Pizza Hut, Panera Bread, and Starbucks. And many small local businesses take PayPal too. Look for the PayPal logo near checkout terminals or on storefront windows. You can also ask the cashier if they accept PayPal before checking out.
Not sure if a store takes PayPal? Check the retailer’s website for accepted methods or call ahead to ask. You can also use the PayPal app – turn on Location Services and it will notify you when nearby stores accept PayPal.
How to pay with PayPal in store
When you’re ready to pay at checkout, here are the steps to use PayPal in store:
Using the PayPal app:
- When your total is due, open the PayPal app and tap “Pay In Store”.
- Select your payment method if prompted.
- The app will display a QR code. Have the cashier scan it to collect your payment.
- Confirm the payment details on your phone. Receipts are emailed and saved in your app activity.
Using a PayPal debit card:
- When checking out, insert or swipe your PayPal debit card into the terminal.
- Select “Credit” – it will run as a debit transaction.
- Enter your 4-digit PIN when prompted.
- Take your receipt once approved. The purchase will show in your PayPal activity.
That’s all there is to it! PayPal makes in-store payments fast and easy, so you can skip fumbling for cash and easily track all your spending.
Tips for using PayPal in store
To ensure smooth transactions when using PayPal in store, keep these tips in mind:
- Make sure your PayPal balance is funded or debit card is loaded.
- Update the PayPal app regularly so all features work properly.
- Enable Bluetooth on your phone – PayPal uses it to communicate with checkout terminals.
- Save your PayPal debit card PIN under Passwords in your phone for easy access.
- Review your email or PayPal activity after purchases to check receipts.
- Contact PayPal Customer Service if any transactions are incorrect or disputed.
Following these tips will help prevent issues and ensure seamless PayPal checkout every time you pay in store.
PayPal in store FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about using PayPal at retail locations:
Is my PayPal information secure when paying in stores?
Yes, PayPal utilizes encryption technology to keep your account details and financial information safe and secure when making in-store purchases.
Can I use PayPal at self-checkout kiosks?
Yes, many major retailers have self-checkout kiosks that accept PayPal payments through your smartphone app. Look for the PayPal QR code symbol on the checkout screen.
Does my PayPal debit card earn rewards?
Yes! You earn 1% cash back on every in-store purchase made with your PayPal debit card. Rewards automatically apply as statement credits to your balance.
What if my PayPal payment fails at checkout?
If your PayPal payment won’t go through, first check that you have a sufficient balance or available funds on your linked card. If it still fails, contact PayPal Customer Service for assistance. You can always use another payment method.
Can I request a chargeback for items bought with PayPal in store?
Yes, you can initiate chargebacks for fraudulent transactions or issues with items bought in store using PayPal. Log into your account, select the transaction, and begin the chargeback process.
The bottom line
PayPal makes in-person shopping easier and more convenient by allowing you to pay directly from your smartphone or PayPal debit card. Just look for the PayPal logo at checkout or in storefront windows to know it’s accepted. With over 300 million users, PayPal is one of the most widely available digital payment methods for paying in store. So ditch the physical wallet and leverage the ease of PayPal to check out faster!
