PayPal is a fantastic tool when it comes to managing and using your money. It allows added protection when making online transactions, along with other uses, like requesting payments and sharing funds. However, the site requires users to link some method to upload money, like a bank account, or a credit or debit card.
But what if you either don’t have or don’t feel comfortable linking that information? Can you receive money on PayPal without linking a bank account?
Your PayPal account can still accumulate money, but you will not be able to receive or transfer money from your PayPal account without linking to a bank account. However, you can have your balance mailed to you as a check for a $1.50 fee. Once you have your check, you can either cash it or deposit it as you see fit.
If you have money that you want to remove out of PayPal without linking sensitive information to your account, having your balance mailed to you is your safest option. This allows you to liquidate your funds, and it does it securely by not sharing or storing sensitive account information online.
This is a great option if you don’t regularly use PayPal or intend on closing down your account. There are other features available to you without linking your bank account that you may want to know about before deciding to not continue with the platform.
Linking a credit card to your account will allow you to spend money through your account. Doing so essentially allows your PayPal account to operate like a debit card, so your money can be used to make online transactions or with PayPal’s other internal features.
What is Account Verification?
Verifying your PayPal ensures that your account is real and not being used for fraudulent activities. The site requests you to verify your account typically by uploading a bank account, but it is not the only option.
Uploading a credit card or a debit card are other options to verify your account. It is a lower risk to link a credit card since they are insured and have fraud protection built into them. A debit card will also work, though that is riskier than linking a credit card but less risk than linking a bank account. However, only linking a credit card still will not allow you to directly transfer money to yourself. You’ll still have to have it mailed to you.
If you either don’t want to or cannot verify your account by one of those means, you can apply for a line of credit through PayPal. If approved, you’ll have much freer access to your fund, which is a good option if you use your PayPal account regularly.
Applying For PayPal Credit
PayPal offers an internal line of credit, which will allow you to use your funds through their site with greater flexibility. However, with PayPal credit alone, you’re still limited to using it only where PayPal is accepted. Your starting line of credit is at $250 and has an APR of 23.99%.
Additionally, PayPal offers a line of credit and debit cards, which partner with MasterCard. If you’re approved, you’ll be able to use your card outside of PayPal, unlike PayPal or PayPal credit. With credit cards, you’ll have a line of credit opened on your card. However, you can apply for a PayPal debit card that uses only your PayPal account.
What Can I Do On PayPal Without Linking an Account or Card?
Even without a card, PayPal still offers a lot of features that are available to you. Money can still accumulate in your account, which you can use in various ways.
Requesting & Sending Money
The two best ways to accumulate money without uploading it by linking a card or account is by:
- Requesting money from people
- Create and send an invoice
PayPal offers a service that allows you to request money from people. This is great if you have friends or roommates who you regularly split costs with. Just like you can request money from people, they can request it from you. Furthermore, you can send money through PayPal. Keeping money in your account allows you to send and receive without hassle.
Another great feature PayPal offers is creating invoices. This is perfect if you’re a contractor or freelancer who needs to get paid. Simply go to the “Send & Request” tab and click on “More.” You’ll find it listed as an option. Then it will prompt you to fill in the necessary information, such as the amount requested, who you’re seeking payment from, and a description of the work. It even allows you to include your logo.
Money Pools
PayPal also offers a group payment option with its Money Pools. It allows you to create a page that your contacts have access to and contribute funds to. This can be used for fundraising, purchasing a specific item as a family, or even your roommates paying rent.
Making Payments Online
One of the features that PayPal is incredibly popular for is as a way to safely make payments on a myriad of websites. While sites like Amazon won’t allow the use of PayPal, it can alleviate some concern when making purchases from smaller sites that might have less security.
Conclusion
PayPal severely limits what you can do without verifying your account. You will not be able to receive or transfer money from your PayPal directly without linking your bank account. However, they are not allowed to hold onto your money indefinitely and allow other options. You can have them mail you a check for your balance at a small fee of $1.50, which will arrive in about a week.
However, it will not require you to link your bank account to get a lot out of their service. You will need to verify your account in other ways, but linking a credit card is sufficient for most purposes and takes on less risk than a bank account. However, if that is not an option for you, PayPal will allow you to apply for their credit or debit cards to have freer access to your funds.
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