How to Open a PayPal Account and Send Money

PayPal is an online payment service that allows users to send and receive money online, without having to enter their credit or debit card details on the web. In this post, you will learn how to open a PayPal account from anywhere in the world.

You will also learn how to fund your PayPal account, how to send money on PayPal, how to receive money into your PayPal account and many more.

What is PayPal, and How Does It Work?

PayPal is a financial service that allows users to perform transactions on the internet without directly inputting their financial details in to that website or service provider.

With PayPal, all you need to do is create an account, link your credit card and bank account (optional) to PayPal, fund it and start spending money in a very safe and secure way.

Types of PayPal Accounts

There are two types of PayPal accounts; a personal PayPal account and a business PayPal account.

#1. Personal PayPal Account

The PayPal personal account is best suited for people that want to use PayPal to send money or pay for goods/services on the internet.

You can also use a PayPal personal account to perform transactions and shop in accepted locations.

#2. Business PayPal Account

A PayPal business account is more suitable for businesses, freelancers and individuals that want to receive payment from their customers on the internet.

A PayPal business account also allows users to add Payment solutions to their websites and applications. That way, they can easily collect money on the internet.

Requirements to Open an Account on PayPal

Requirements to open a PayPal personal account

• Your full name
• A valid email address
• Set a very strong password that’s hard to guess
• A Debit or credit card. Note that only the Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Verve cards are not accepted
• Your current address will be required

Requirements to open a PayPal business account

• Your full name
• The registered name of your business. Unless you’re a freelancer, your business must be registered in your country before you can open a PayPal business account
• Some other details about your business will be needed
• A valid means of identification. It must be a government-issued ID
• Your email address
• A valid Phone number

How to Open a PayPal Account

1. Visit any web browser and type paypal.com into the address URL box.
2. Click the sign-up button. On the next page, select an account type and press the “Next” button. You can choose between a PayPal personal or business account.

Note: You can always switch from a personal to a business account whenever you like. However, users are not allowed to convert a business account to a personal account.

3. On the next page, provide your mobile phone number and tap the “Next” button. Whenever you’re creating a personal account, you will need to enter your valid phone number to verify your account.

Once you submit the phone number, PayPal will send a verification code as an SMS.

For users creating a PayPal business account, they will be required to provide their email addresses.

4. On the next page, input your personal or business details. Then input a strong password that only you will know.

The details that you’ll need to provide for a personal account are different from that of a business account.

In your own best interest, it’s advisable to use your full legal name, so as to avoid complications during withdrawals.

5. From here on, the remaining process will vary depending on the type of PayPal account you’re opening. Follow the on-screen prompts and complete creating your PayPal account.

Read Also: How to Sell on Amazon for Beginners – Step by step Guide

How to Deposit Money Into Your Paypal Account

After you open your PayPal account, you should follow the steps below to fund your PayPal account.

1. Log into your PayPal account. Navigate to the homepage. Locate and press the “Transfer Money” button located right under your balance.
2. On the next page, press the “Add money to your balance” tab.
3. Input the amount of cash you wish to fund from your bank, and press the “Add” button.

Note that you must have set a payment method before this. Your payment method can be your credit/debit card. It can also be a bank account or both.

4. On the next page, press “Add $ (the amount you inputted)” to authorize your PayPal account funding.

How to Send Money on PayPal

You can send money to other PayPal users, both in your country and outside countries. Follow the steps below to send money to other users on PayPal.

1. log in to your PayPal account and navigate to your homepage. Locate and click on the  “send payment” button.
2. Provide the details of the recipient. It can be the name or email of the beneficiary.
3. Input the amount of money that you want to send. If you have more than one debit or credit card linked to your PayPal account, you should select the one you want to pay with.
4. Follow the prompts and complete the transaction.

Note:

1. You can send money and make payments on PayPal using an invoice. Ask the recipient to send you an invoice.

The invoice will appear in your PayPal account, making it easier for you to pay right away.

2. PayPal allows pre-approved (automatic) payments. If you have a payment schedule that must be met, like an ad or service subscription, you can set up a pre-approved payment.

That way, the payment will be automatically made without you having to do it manually.

How to Withdraw Money From PayPal to Your Local Bank Account

1. log in to your PayPal account on a web browser or the mobile app.
2. Click on your account balance and then on the “Transfer” button located at the bottom of the page.
3. On the next page, your bank account will show up (you must have linked it before now). Click on it.
4. Input the amount of money that you want to withdraw from your PayPal account and press the “transfer now” button to authorize the withdrawal.

Note: The time the withdrawal will take to reach your local bank account varies depending on the country you’re operating from.

Where is the PayPal Head Office Located?

PayPal has a head office in the United States. You can visit the office for any complaint or enquiry. They have customer support staff that will attend to you.

PayPal head office is situated at 2211 N 1st St San Jose, CA 95131 United States.

PayPal Customer Support

You can always contact PayPal customer support service if you have any complaints or enquiries. Call PayPal on +1-402-517-4519 and +1 408-967-1000.