A Guide to Using PayPal

If you’ve indulged in online shopping at any point, you will be familiar with the PayPal payment option popping up on the checkout page. Many people have been using PayPal as a method of online payment for several years; PayPal’s annual revenue was $2.46 billion in 2019. 

Online payment can be a risky business, and you should have a good understanding of money transfer companies in order to use their services without fear and hesitation. If you’re wondering whether PayPal is safe and worth using, this article provides a simple guide. You can follow it up by going through a more detailed post on how PayPal works on any relevant site.

What Is PayPal?

As a payment service available online, PayPal enables its users to send, receive, or transfer money. When you use PayPal, you won’t have to enter your bank or credit card information every time you’re making a transaction online. It is also convenient for organizing group funding, donating to charities, and making business payments. PayPal is compatible with almost all your devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, and laptops. 

Setting Up a PayPal Account

You can start setting up your account by accessing the PayPal website and clicking on the ‘get started’ option available for a personal or business account, depending on your requirement. You will then be asked to add a phone number which will be verified through a security code sent via text message on that number. 

Following this, you will need to fill in your email address and full name and create a password. Put in your birth date and your address. You’ll need to check the boxes that say you’ve read PayPal’s User Agreement and their Privacy Statement, and then select the “Agree and Create Account” option. 

PayPal will subsequently send you an email with a link to confirm your email address. If it doesn’t appear in your inbox, you should look through your spam folder. The setup will be complete after you’ve clicked the link. All you have to do then is set up your desired source of funding, where PayPal withdraws money when you make online payments. 

It’s up to you whether you pick a debit card, credit card, or bank account. Instructions are available onscreen in relation to setting up your preferred funding source. Making payments using a bank account is likely to take more time to be cleared, so it’s better to choose a payment card if possible. 

Making Payments Online With PayPal

You can pay online with PayPal for any online app or retailer that offers it as a payment option. Sites like eBay, Uber, and ASOS provide PayPal as a payment option when you proceed to check out. Often, you’ll come across a PayPal button when you are picking a payment method on an online shop. You can opt to use your PayPal account by logging in at the checkout point and, thus, pay through PayPal.

Using PayPal’s Website and App

When you are logged into PayPal, you’ll notice that you can perform a wide range of operations, such as viewing your transaction activity, checking your balance, and sending money. By linking your chosen funding source to your account on the website, you can also carry out online transactions much more quickly. 

The PayPal app is available for download on both the Android and Apple app stores. The app incorporates facial and fingerprint security to secure your finances if supported by your phone. The app version is similar to the web version. You can manage your profile and account settings, transfer or receive money, and see how much money you have in your account. 

How Safe Are PayPal Payments?

Making payments through PayPal will not send the retailer or seller any sensitive or financial information, ensuring all your data is safeguarded. PayPal also has a Buyer Protection Scheme, which entails that if there is an issue with your purchased item, such as a defective or wrong item, PayPal will assist you in obtaining a full refund using its Resolution Center. 

Endnote

PayPal is a convenient online payment service that has gained popularity over time. It provides its users with various discounts and offers when using certain retail shops online and helps to save money. Some retailers may not accept certain cards or bank accounts to make payments online, but they will accept PayPal. PayPal offers the opportunity to bridge online and offline retail and make everyone’s lives easier. If you’ve never used PayPal before, this is the time to give it a shot, as it is known as one of the best payment services globally.