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Over the years, PayPal has established itself as the most secure and easy way to conduct online transactions. People use PayPal for almost all online transactions.
But this payment method does not work with Amazon yet. You still have to use a business debit card or other credit cards to complete the checkout process.
However, there are some workarounds that you can follow to use your PayPal account instead of debit/credit cards.
Quick Summary
By the end of this article, we will discuss the following things:
- How to use PayPal as a payment method
- Why doesn’t Amazon accept PayPal as a payment system
- Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s get started.
How to use PayPal instead of a Credit Card
As we mentioned earlier, you cannot use PayPal on Amazon. You are only allowed to use credit cards issued by either Visa or MasterCard.
So, how do you use your PayPal account?
There are a couple of methods that can allow you to use your PayPal account directly and indirectly for Amazon payments.
These methods are:
- PayPal Cash Card
- PayPal Key
- PayPal Credit Cards
- Amazon Gift Cards
The main reason for the rise of PayPal as a payment method is security. Merchants and employees only see your email address.
But how does it help?
It helps you to use your money without the worry of some hacker stealing information and using it for malicious purposes.
Besides that, PayPal is the future of online payments because it doesn’t include banks in its day-to-day transactions.
These payment methods use your PayPal business account. Let’s see how each payment option works.
PayPal Cash Card
Just like debit cards are for your bank account, PayPal Cash Card is a debit card for your PayPal account.
It is issued by PayPal itself. One important key takeaway is that it is known as PayPal Business Debit MasterCard.
How do you use a PayPal Debit Card?
It is quite easy to use. Just like any other business card, the PayPal Cash Card has its own 16-digit serial number and a 3-digit pin.
As an Amazon user, you just have to put in the relevant information in the checkout window like you would with your regular debit card.
A debit card deducts money from your regular bank account. Just like that, a PayPal Cash Card deducts money from your PayPal account.
It is quite convenient to apply for a PayPal Cash Card. Furthermore, it will enable you to use a PayPal Cash Card for businesses that don’t generally have the utility of the PayPal payment option.
But there are two downsides to it. One is the PayPal fee that the company charges to transfer money to the temporary account linked with your card.
The other is the fee PayPal charges if you wish to withdraw money from an ATM. Even though it is not a considerable amount, it is still deducted from your account.
PayPal Key
The second method to use a PayPal account is through the PayPal Key. In comparison, it is easier to obtain a PayPal key.
When it comes to PayPal Cash Cards, you have to wait for the physical card to arrive before you can make purchases.
But for the PayPal Key, you just have to sign in to your PayPal account and you’ll be assigned a virtual card number that can be used for checkouts on Amazon.
Moreover, you can also use this key for other online purchases as long as the merchant accepts MasterCard associated cards.
The best thing about PayPal Key is that you don’t have to keep a physical card with yourself all the time.
You can just write down the key somewhere secure or have it sent to your email address.
On the other side, not every user is eligible for the PayPal Key.
To make sure that business account holders are eligible for a PayPal Key, PayPal has added a feature that tells you about the eligibility status.
PayPal Credit Cards
Another way to use your PayPal balance is via PayPal Credit cards.
PayPal issues two such products:
- PayPal Cashback MasterCard
- PayPal Extras MasterCard
Both of these cards can be used to accept PayPal payments. The credit card works just like any other credit card. The money being used isn’t from your actual bank accounts.
The same is the case with PayPal credit cards, your actual PayPal balance remains untouched.
However, you have to pay it back in the future which is the standard procedure.
The downsides of this method are that in order to use a PayPal Cash card, you have to apply and wait for the physical card.
Furthermore, you have to keep a keen credit check to avoid any inconvenience.
Another drawback is that it falls under member benefits. So, if you are not a PayPal member, you won’t be able to apply for a PayPal card.
Amazon Gift Cards
Amazon gift cards can be physically purchased from different stores. You can even purchase a gift card with your PayPal account.
How do you buy Amazon Gift Cards with PayPal Balance?
Well, it is just like buying an Amazon card with your regular credit/debit card. You just have to pay with your PayPal cash card.
But you have to keep in mind that the merchant must accept a MasterCard otherwise you won’t be able to purchase it.
Which method is the best to use PayPal on Amazon?
We have mentioned all the workarounds you can use to pay from PayPal instead of your regular bank account.
But you might be thinking, which one is the most efficient?
Each of these payment methods has its own utility with regard to Amazon. Let’s take a quick look at them.
PayPal Cash Card
What We Liked
- Easy to use on Amazon
- Uses direct PayPal balance
- Can be used with any MasterCard affiliate
What We Didn’t Like
- Need to wait for the physical card
PayPal Key
What We Liked
- Easy to use on Amazon
- UsActs as a Virtual card for Amazon
- Can be obtained instantly
- Can be used with any MasterCard affiliate
What We Didn’t Like
- Unlike a card, this option isn’t available for all members
PayPal Credit Card
What We Liked
- Easy to use on Amazon
- UWorks just like an actual credit card
- Doesn’t use your PayPal balance
- Can be used with any MasterCard affiliate
What We Didn’t Like
- Need to keep the credit balance in check
Amazon Gift Cards
What We Liked
- Can be purchased physically
- You can use PayPal for it
- Doesn’t have the credit factor
What We Didn’t Like
- You need to have a PayPal Cash/Credit card in order to make a purchase
Now that you know how to use PayPal on Amazon, let’s see why Amazon doesn’t allow a PayPal payment method directly.
Why doesn’t Amazon allow PayPal payments directly?
As of now, there is no official statement from either business on why they don’t work directly. But one can assume that they are both big market shareholders.
In order to keep their business and users intact, they don’t work directly with each other. There is a possibility that with the growing demand, Amazon and PayPal will figure out a proper way.
Until then, you just have to use either of the aforementioned methods.
Why should you use PayPal on Amazon instead of a credit card?
Amazon scams are a widely known thing and can affect even the most experienced users. This is where PayPal shines as a payment method.
PayPal not only has a secure network but also an encrypted money transfer mechanism. Every purchase you make is verified beforehand and encrypted for safekeeping.
On the other hand, let’s suppose your Amazon account gets hacked. The hacker can then use your debit/credit card information to make further purchases.
Furthermore, this bank debit card information can be used for other sites as well. It can cause you a lot of unwanted trouble.
PayPal counters this problem with a verification process. Since your PayPal account is linked to your email, every purchase requires a verification process before it is finalized.
It is also faster compared to the conventional Amazon pay procedure.
Even if your account gets hacked, your PayPal information cannot be used to make further purchases of any sort.
The encryption mechanism that PayPal uses is a state-of-the-art tech available in the market.
Let’s check some Frequently Asked Questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to purchase Amazon gift cards with PayPal?
Yes, you can buy Amazon gift cards. You can do purchases from any store that sells Amazon gift cards as long as it will accept PayPal payments through a MasterCard.
Can I use Amazon Pay with PayPal balance?
Yes, it is possible to use Amazon Pay with PayPal balance. But the process requires you to use the same account for Amazon Pay and PayPal. You can link them and your Amazon purchases will use your PayPal balance.
Can I link my normal debit card to use PayPal?
You can link a normal bank card with your PayPal account. All you have to do is open your wallet and select the Link Card option. You will then have to add the necessary information and it will be linked.
Wrapping Things Up
We think that this article will help you to use PayPal for your Amazon purchases as well as any other website.
The different methods can be used based on your personal preference. PayPal cash card allows you to use PayPal on Amazon like any other card. The PayPal key is for people that don’t like to carry physical cards. Furthermore, Amazon gift cards can be used to fill your Amazon gift card balance from a physical purchase.
With this, we come to the end of our article on How to use PayPal on Amazon.
Do let us know what you think about PayPal as a payment method.
