PayPal changed the online finance landscape when it launched, allowing users to execute online payments with security and ease. PayPal is widely accepted and allows you to use your credit or debit cards for payment all over the world.
Many people don't know you can also use gift cards to add a balance to your PayPal account. If you received a prepaid gift card and don't know how to use it, here's how to add a gift card to your PayPal account on iOS devices, Android smartphones, and desktop devices.
What kind of gift cards can you add to your PayPal account?
Before we get to the steps, you should know what gift cards PayPal supports. Per PayPal's website, the payment does not support retailer-specific gift cards. While you can buy retail gift cards via PayPal, you cannot add them to your PayPal account for payment.
PayPal only supports prepaid gift cards from Visa, American Express, MasterCard, and Discover. If you have a prepaid gift card issued by any of these companies, you can add it to your PayPal account using the steps below.
Add a gift card to your PayPal account on iPhone and Android
Open the PayPal app on your smartphone and click the wallet icon at the bottom.
Click the plus (+) button next to the Bank accounts and credit card option.
Tap the Debit and credit cards option.
Scan your card or use the Enter your card number information option to enter your gift card information.
Frequently asked questions about PayPal gift cards
Q. Can you buy PayPal gift cards?
No, you cannot buy PayPal gift cards. You can only buy prepaid gift cards from companies like Visa and Discover and add the balance to your PayPal account.
Q. Can you add merchant gift cards (Starbucks, Target, or others) to your PayPal account?
No, PayPal doesn't support merchant or retailer gift cards.
Q. Can you buy merchant gift cards from PayPal?
Yes, PayPal allows you to buy retailer gift cards for companies like Starbucks, Lowe's, Home Depot, and more. Visit PayPal's gift card page to buy these cards.
You can buy these cards but cannot add them to your PayPal account. You can only use these retailer gift cards in their stores or via their online wallet.
Use PayPal gift cards to shop in online stores
That is how you add gift cards to your PayPal account and use them to pay on supported online stores. We hope this guide helps you understand PayPal gift cards and how you can use them for payment. Before you go, check out our guide on how to use PayPal on Amazon.
Click add to wallet.Select payment card or gift card.Select a new credit card (if it's an open-loop card).Scan the gift card number or enter the number manually.
Enter your gift card number and PIN and click Connect with PayPal.Log in to your PayPal account.Fill in the required fields and click Get my PayPal balance.
Yes, you can move money from certain gift cards directly into your bank account, if allowed. Depending on the gift card terms, you will more than likely need to move the money from the gift card to a third-party service like PayPal or Venmo, which links to your bank account and can be transferred from there.
This service accepts all the major credit and debit cards as well most prepaid cards. All you need to do to connect your prepaid card is to go into your PayPal settings and select the “Link Card” option.Then follow the prompts and fill in all the relevant fields.
If you have a PayPal account, you can link your Visa gift cards and transfer balances between them. This method can combine your funds into a single source that you can use online or through PayPal's payment network.
Raise, CardCash and GameFlip are reputable companies that help you sell U.S. gift cards for cash. Selling gift cards often involves marking down the price and paying a fee. Gift card exchanges vary in the cards they allow, selling fees and more.
Go to a Gift Card Exchange kiosk to trade your card for cash. A Gift Card Exchange kiosk is usually bright yellow and located in a grocery store. Insert the card information into the kiosk and then choose to accept or reject the offer the kiosk gives you.
Open the PayPal app on your smartphone and click the wallet icon at the bottom. Click the plus (+) button next to the Bank accounts and credit card option. Tap the Debit and credit cards option. Scan your card or use the Enter your card number information option to enter your gift card information.
There are several ways to transfer money from a gift card to a bank account. One option is to link the gift card to an online payment service like PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App. Once the card is connected, you can simply forward the money to your bank account.
During the PayPal Prepaid Card activation process you will be asked if you have a PayPal Account. If you do have a PayPal Account, then you will be asked to provide the log-in information for the account. We will then use that log-in information to automatically link the PayPal Prepaid Card with your PayPal Account.
Go to a Gift Card Exchange kiosk to trade your card for cash. A Gift Card Exchange kiosk is usually bright yellow and located in a grocery store. Insert the card information into the kiosk and then choose to accept or reject the offer the kiosk gives you.
Introduction: My name is Dan Stracke, I am a homely, gleaming, glamorous, inquisitive, homely, gorgeous, light person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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