How PayPal works

Your PayPal journey starts here.

Join the millions of people who trust PayPal to send, spend, and manage their money quickly and securely.

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PayPal helps simplify your life

Create an account for free

Shop online and in person, and send and receive money—all from one account.1

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Send money securely

Whether you’re splitting the bill or planning a vacation, send money across the table or around the globe with confidence.1

Send money  

Receive money with ease

Get paid fast by creating and sharing a unique PayPal.Me link or QR code with any PayPal user.1

Request money  

Shop online or in person

Check out with PayPal online or pay in person with QR codes. No matter how you shop, we help make purchasing secure.2

Shop with PayPal  

Add payment options to your digital wallet

Link your cards and bank account info in one place so that checkout’s a breeze.

Add payment methods  

Do even more with your money

Cash a check from your couch.3 Explore the world of crypto.4 Get paid before payday.5 Or build out your side hustle. An account with PayPal is just the beginning.

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How to sign up for PayPal

Download the free app and create an account

Enter and confirm your number

Link your card or bank account

Explore the app or get started right away

Join the millions around the world who love PayPal

Easily and securely spend, send, and manage your transactions—all in one place. Download the app on your phone or sign up for free online.

Scan the code or enter your number to get the app.

A QR code you can scan with the camera on your phone to download the PayPal app
By clicking Send Link you agree to receive a text message with a link to the PayPal app. Message and data rates may apply.
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1
An account with PayPal is required to send and receive money, and use PayPal.Me.
2
Purchase Protection is available on eligible purchases. Terms and limitations apply.
3
The Cash a Check feature is a service provided by First Century Bank, N.A. and Ingo Money, Inc., subject to the First Century Bank and Ingo Money Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Fees and terms apply. All checks subject to review for approval. Unapproved checks will not be funded to your account.If your check isn’t approved to be cashed, no fees will be assessed. Effective February 14, 2022, Cash a Check is no longer available to PayPal customers located in New York.
4
When you buy or sell cryptocurrency, including when you check out with crypto, we will disclose an exchange rate and any fees you will be charged for that transaction. The exchange rate includes a spread that PayPal earns on each purchase and sale. See cryptocurrency fees.
Buying and selling cryptocurrency is subject to a number of risks and may result in significant losses. Please see our disclosure here for more details. PayPal does not make any recommendations regarding buying or selling cryptocurrency. Consider seeking advice from your financial and tax advisor. All custody of and buying and selling in cryptocurrency is performed for PayPal by its licensed service provider, Paxos Trust Company, LLC. Buying, selling, and holding cryptocurrencies is not regulated in many states, including the State of California. PayPal, Inc. is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. Buying, selling, and holding cryptocurrency with PayPal is not available in Hawaii and where prohibited by law.
5
Direct Deposit is subject to the payor's support of this feature. Funds deposited via Direct Deposit will generally be available on the day we receive the funds transfer. You may review activity on your periodic statements or transaction history on www.PayPal.com, or call Customer Service at 1-888-221-1161 to verify receipt. We reserve the right to accept, reject, or limit transfers via Direct Deposit in our sole discretion. If you wish to cancel Direct Deposits, you must contact your employer. PayPal does not charge any fee to set up or maintain Direct Deposit. Refer to your PayPal User Agreement for complete Direct Deposit details.
Once it's set up, Direct Deposit usually takes two (2) pay cycles to begin, but can vary across employers. Please check with your employer for specific timing.
New Direct Deposit enrollees will be eligible for early access, subject to the terms and conditions. The early access feature will be made available to all eligible Direct Deposit customers in the coming months. Early access can allow a user to access their funds up to 2 days early. Early access to funds depends on when we get payment instructions from the payor (your employer or government agency). When we get funds before the scheduled payment date, your money can be made available up to 2 days sooner than scheduled. Availability and timing can vary based on the payor and when we get payment instructions. Once the funds are received, they will be deposited directly into your PayPal balance.