How to Pay on Amazon with PayPal

The only two ways to pay on Amazon website using PayPal

Amazon does not accept PayPal payments directly, which can be inconvenient for users who prefer this widely used payment method. However, there are two reliable ways to use PayPal for your Amazon purchases. Let’s explore these options in detail and understand why Amazon doesn’t support PayPal directly.

Option 1: Use a PayPal Debit/Mastercard Card

The simplest way to use PayPal on Amazon is by obtaining a PayPal Business Debit Mastercard®. This debit card links directly to your PayPal balance and allows you to make purchases anywhere Mastercard is accepted, including Amazon. The card also offers the benefit of earning unlimited 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases, making it a rewarding choice for frequent shoppers. In addition to earning 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases, you can now earn bonus rebates at 50,000+ businesses with Mastercard Easy Savings️ when shopping with your PayPal Business Debit Mastercard. This money is added to your PayPal balance automatically as qualifying transactions settle.

Key Benefits:

Direct Access to PayPal Funds: The card connects to your PayPal balance, allowing you to use your funds seamlessly.
Cash Back Rewards: Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases, which adds up over time.
No Annual Fee: Enjoy the benefits without worrying about extra charges.

How to Get a PayPal Debit Card

The PayPal Debit Card, officially called the PayPal Business Debit Mastercard, allows you to access funds in your PayPal account for purchases or ATM withdrawals. It’s primarily available for business account holders. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get one:

1. Understand the PayPal Debit Card

Who Can Apply: The PayPal Debit Card is available to PayPal Business account holders in eligible regions. It is not available for personal account holders.
Benefits:
- Access PayPal funds instantly.
- Earn cashback (e.g., 1.5% on eligible purchases).
- Withdraw cash from ATMs.
- Use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted.

2. Meet the Requirements

Business PayPal Account: You must have a business or premier PayPal account. Personal accounts do not qualify.
Verified PayPal Account: Ensure your account is verified by:
- Linking a bank account.
- Confirming your identity (e.g., providing a government-issued ID).
Good Standing: Your PayPal account must be in good standing with no disputes or issues.

3. Upgrade to a Business Account (If Needed)

If you only have a personal PayPal account:
1. Log in to your PayPal account.
2. Go to Settings and select Upgrade to a Business Account.
3. Follow the prompts to complete the upgrade. You can use your name as your business name if you’re a sole proprietor.

4. Apply for the Debit Card

Log In to PayPal:
1. Go to PayPal’s Business Debit Mastercard page
2. Click Apply Now.
Submit Your Application:
- Provide your personal and business details as required.
- You may be asked to verify additional information for security purposes.
Approval Process:
- PayPal will review your application. Approval typically takes a few days.
- Once approved, the card will be mailed to your address.

5. Activate Your Debit Card

When you receive your card:
1. Log in to your PayPal account.
2. Navigate to the Debit Card section.
3. Enter the card’s details and follow the activation instructions.

Option 2: Buy Amazon Gift Cards with PayPal

If obtaining a PayPal Debit Card is not an option, you can still use PayPal to purchase Amazon gift cards through third-party websites. These gift cards can then be redeemed directly on Amazon.

Steps to Buy Amazon Gift Cards with PayPal:

Visit a trusted platform such as Gyft.com or the PayPal Gifts page: PayPal Gifts – Amazon.
Select the desired value of the Amazon gift card.
Use your PayPal account to complete the purchase.
You will receive a code that can be redeemed in your Amazon account.

Advantages of Using Gift Cards:

Ease of Use: Amazon gift cards can be easily applied to your Amazon account.
Wide Availability: Many websites, including Gyft, accept PayPal for gift card purchases.

Why Doesn’t Amazon Accept PayPal Directly?

The lack of direct PayPal support on Amazon can be traced back to competitive and strategic reasons. PayPal was once owned by eBay, a direct competitor to Amazon. Although PayPal is now an independent company, the rivalry between the two platforms persists. Additionally, Amazon has its own payment system, Amazon Pay, which it promotes as a direct competitor to PayPal. Supporting PayPal would undermine Amazon’s efforts to grow its payment ecosystem.

Another reason is the transaction fees PayPal imposes on merchants. Amazon may prefer to avoid these additional costs by encouraging the use of its own payment methods, such as credit/debit cards or Amazon Pay.

My Personal Experience Using PayPal Cards

Having used the PayPal card for a considerable time, I can confidently say it has been a smooth and rewarding experience. While I understand that everyone’s experience with payment tools can vary, my experience has been overwhelmingly positive. The card offers a unique combination of convenience, cash-back rewards, and seamless integration with the PayPal ecosystem, making it a valuable addition to my wallet.

What I Love About the PayPal Card

Generous Cash-Back Rewards
- One of the standout features of the PayPal Mastercard is its cash-back reward system.
  - 3% Cash Back Online: I particularly love the 3% cash back I get for purchases made online anywhere PayPal is accepted. For someone like me who shops online frequently, this adds up quickly, making it a highly rewarding card for digital purchases.
  - 2% Cash Back Everywhere Else: Even for in-person or non-PayPal transactions, the flat 2% cash back is a fantastic deal. It’s rare to find cards that offer this level of consistency in rewards for all types of purchases.
Unlike some cards that reward you with points or store credits, the PayPal Mastercard offers actual cash-back rewards that are directly credited to your PayPal balance. This makes it easy to use the rewards for future purchases or transfer them to a bank account.

Comparison to Other Cards
- I also own the Citi Double Cash Card, which offers a 2% cash-back reward system. While it’s a good card, I find the PayPal card more versatile and beneficial for my lifestyle. The additional 1% cash back for online purchases gives it a distinct edge over the Double Cash card for someone like me who regularly shops online.

Convenience and Integration
- The card is fully integrated with the PayPal platform, making it easy to manage payments and rewards through a single app.
- Whether it’s tracking transactions, paying bills, or redeeming rewards, the PayPal card simplifies the entire process.

Wide Acceptance
- The PayPal card is powered by Mastercard, which ensures broad acceptance both online and offline. Whether I’m paying at a local store or shopping internationally, I’ve never faced an issue with card acceptance.

How It Benefits Online Shoppers

As someone who shops a lot online, the PayPal card feels tailor-made for my needs. Here’s why:

Automatic Cash Back: With the 3% cash back applied automatically at checkout wherever PayPal is accepted, there’s no need to activate categories or worry about limitations.
Secure Transactions: PayPal’s secure payment system adds an extra layer of protection for online transactions.
Versatility: Even when PayPal isn’t accepted, I still earn a flat 2%, which keeps the rewards rolling.

Note: PayPal Cards not not available in all countries, PayPal in Uganda and other other African countries don’t support these cards

FAQs About PayPal and Debit Cards

1. What are eligible debit cards for PayPal?

PayPal accepts most debit cards issued by major financial institutions as long as they meet the following criteria:

Visa or Mastercard Branded: The card must have a Visa or Mastercard logo.
Linked to a Bank Account: The card must be linked to an active bank account.
Support for Online Transactions: The card must be enabled for online and international transactions.
Validity: The card must not be expired.

Some popular virtual debit cards like those from Chipper Cash, Eversend, or Revolut may also work, depending on your region.

2. Can I use a PayPal debit card with no balance?

Yes, you can use a PayPal debit card with no balance, but there are some conditions:

Backup Funding Source: The card can draw funds directly from your linked bank account, credit card, or PayPal balance. You need to set a backup funding source in your PayPal account.
Insufficient Funds Protection: If no balance is available in your PayPal account, PayPal automatically deducts the transaction amount from the backup funding source.

3. Can I receive money on PayPal without linking a bank account or card?

Yes, you can receive money on PayPal without linking a bank account or card. Here’s how:

Receiving Money: You can receive funds into your PayPal balance, which will remain in your PayPal account until you decide to use or withdraw it.
Limitations Without Linking:
- You may not be able to withdraw the funds to a bank or card unless one is linked.
- Some account features, such as sending large amounts, may be restricted until you verify your account by linking a bank or card.

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