How PayPal works
It’s a smart, secure, flexible way to pay.
Speed through checkout online and in stores. Earn cash back with everyday offers. Send money across the table or across the globe. And manage it all with one account.

Get started with PayPal. Here’s how:
Create your account
Start with your email and phone number. Then create a password. We’ll walk you through it.
Set up your PayPal Debit Card1
Pick your monthly cash back category. Pay online and in stores. Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,000 spent in your cash back category per month.2
Link your bank
Add money to your PayPal balance3 so you’re ready to shop, send, and save.
Make sure you’ve got the app
Pay, send, and save smarter on the go. And stay in control of your money with tracking, alerts, security features, and more.
Get even more out of PayPal
Earn cash back on purchases
Discover online offers from brands you love in the app.4 If it’s in your monthly category, check out with PayPal and use your PayPal Debit Card1 and add 5% cash back2 on top.
Check out with more choices
Load your PayPal app with your cards and banks, and skip entering your info every time you pay. Or pay right from your PayPal balance with the PayPal Debit Card.1 Need some extra time? Choose one of our Pay Later options.
Send and receive
money with confidence
Join the millions who trust PayPal to send money across the globe.5
Send money fast to just about anyone in 110+ countries. All you need is their name, email, or phone number.
Your money is available as soon as it hits your PayPal balance.3 Use it to shop, pay bills, donate, transfer to your bank, and more.
Split any bill among multiple people—or pool money for group gifts, experiences, and more.6
Pay it safe with built-in security
Your transactions are encrypted. Plus, we've got your back on eligible purchases with PayPal Purchase Protection.7
Frequently asked questions
All in the
PayPal app
It’s your do-it-all digital wallet. Load up on offers before you shop. And manage it all on the go.