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Unraveling the Mystery: Can You Pay With PayPal on Amazon?

Živile Šarkauskaite

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Živile Šarkauskaite

November 21, 2023

Have you ever scrolled through Amazon’s array of payment methods, pondering the question: Can you pay with PayPal on Amazon?

In this article, we embark on a journey to unravel the intricacies of this common inquiry, shedding light on the compatibility between PayPal and Amazon.

Can you use PayPal on Amazon?

Long story short, Amazon does not accept PayPal directly for purchases. Fortunately, there are a few alternatives.

According to PayPal, you can use your PayPal Business Debit Mastercard or PayPal Debit Card on Amazon. Moreover, other methods allow you to leverage your PayPal balance for Amazon purchases, providing flexibility in payment options.

Why doesn’t Amazon accept PayPal directly?

While there is no straight answer to this question, there is a long history. In the past, PayPal was linked to eBay, an Amazon competitor. It influenced Amazon’s decision not to accept PayPal as a payment method.

Despite PayPal becoming an independent brand, the competitive landscape remains. Moreover, Amazon promotes its payment system, Amazon Pay, as an alternative, strategically positioning itself against PayPal and other providers.

How to use PayPal on Amazon?

There are a few workarounds if you are a PayPal account holder and wish to use PayPal on Amazon.

PayPal Cash Card

The PayPal Cash Card, a debit card linked to your PayPal account, allows you to make purchases on Amazon and other Mastercard-accepting merchants. However, you need to ensure a balance on your PayPal account before using it on Amazon.

Applying for the PayPal Cash Card is straightforward. First, log into your PayPal account. Then, follow the prompts at the provided link and note the applicable fees.

Once approved, the PayPal Cash Card functions like any other credit or debit card, offering a convenient solution for spending your PayPal funds.

PayPal Business Debit Mastercard

Consider the PayPal Business debit card as a possible payment method on Amazon. This debit card is tailored for business users and offers a notable advantage with no annual fee.

However, be mindful of the fees associated with this card. Assess various factors to determine the card’s suitability for your business, particularly if you engage in international transactions or require cash handling.

Amazon gift cards

Several third-party services, such as eGifter, Gyft, and RewardsPay, are intermediaries between your PayPal account and Amazon. It lets you purchase Amazon gift cards with your PayPal balance and then use these gift cards for seamless transactions on Amazon.

All you need to do is buy Amazon gift cards from online platforms and check out with PayPal. Then, add the purchased Amazon gift card to your Amazon account balance, which automatically contributes to future purchases.

Finally, follow simple steps on the Amazon website to redeem the Amazon gift card and enhance your shopping experience.

Amazon

PayPal Key

PayPal Key provides a convenient workaround for online shopping without a physical card. It offers a virtual card number that functions online wherever Mastercard is accepted. PayPal Key eliminates the wait for a physical card to arrive.

This virtual card is a stand-in for your PayPal balance, enabling straightforward online shopping with just a few clicks. PayPal Key removes the necessity for a credit application.

However, it is important to note that not all PayPal account holders are eligible, and recent information indicates its discontinuation.

PayPal Credit

PayPal Credit provides a reusable credit line for purchases at millions of stores that accept PayPal, ensuring the same security and flexibility trusted with PayPal.

Upon approval, you start with a minimum credit line of at least $250. If your application succeeds, you can use PayPal Credit as a payment method within your PayPal wallet for purchases in most places where PayPal is accepted.

Funds transfer

If you are still unsure about the other payment methods, you can always transfer funds from your PayPal account to your bank account and use the money to purchase on PayPal.

To do so, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your PayPal account.
  2. Navigate to the top of the page and click on Wallet.
  3. Choose Transfer Money.
  4. Click Transfer to your bank and follow the prompts to complete the transaction.

After completing the money transfer and moving the funds to your bank account, you can use your bank account to purchase on Amazon.

swissmoney card: a PayPal-worthy alternative

The swissmoney card offers a seamless experience for in-store and online purchasing, making it a versatile choice for various transactions. Whether using the swissmoney virtual or physical card, you can easily shop anywhere contactless payments are accepted.

Importantly, the swissmoney card functions like a regular card, allowing you to purchase on popular platforms like Amazon. It is a great alternative when you can not use PayPal on Amazon.

In addition, the swissmoney mobile app enhances user convenience with its user-friendly interface. Users can easily set, adjust, and control their cards using the app.

Furthermore, the app facilitates the storage of digital assets in multiple currencies, enabling users to conduct quick and secure currency exchanges.

With global withdrawal access to any ATM across the Mastercard network, the swissmoney card ensures that users can conveniently access their funds whenever needed.

This combination of in-store and online versatility with the user-friendly app features positions the swissmoney card as a practical and efficient payment method for even Amazon purchases.

FAQ

What payments does Amazon accept?

Amazon offers a range of payment methods to provide customers with flexibility. Accepted options include:

  • Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard/EuroCard, Discover Network, American Express, and Diner’s Club, with a U.S. billing address)
  • Visa, MasterCard, or American Express prepaid credit or gift cards
  • Amazon Store Cards
  • Amazon Secured Cards
  • JCB
  • NYCE
  • STAR
  • China UnionPay (credit card only)
  • Venmo
  • Flexible spending accounts (FSA) or health care savings accounts (HSA) for FSA- or HSA-approved items
  • SNAP EBT cards from participating states

How do you transfer money from Amazon to PayPal?

There are a few ways to move money from your Amazon account to your PayPal account. Here are the steps to do so if you have an Amazon Pay account:

  1. Withdraw funds from your Amazon Pay account into your linked bank account.
  2. Ensure the same bank account is connected to your PayPal account.
  3. Transfer the amount from your bank account to your PayPal balance.

Moreover, you can only redeem Amazon Gift Cards on Amazon.com. Once you redeem them, you cannot transfer the balance between accounts or to an Amazon store in a different country.

Is Amazon Pay the same as PayPal?

No, Amazon Pay and PayPal are distinct payment services. While both allow users to make online purchases, they operate independently and are associated with different companies.

Amazon Pay is offered by Amazon, allowing users to use their Amazon credentials for transactions on external websites. E-commerce merchants can use Amazon Pay as a payment and fraud protection service, enabling shoppers to log in with their Amazon credentials for making purchases.

On the other hand, PayPal is a separate payment service that facilitates online payments and money transfers. PayPal Payments Pro offers a top-tier e-commerce payment solution, ensuring secure transaction processing to build a professional-grade e-commerce site.

However, you cannot use PayPal on Amazon due to their competitive history.

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