If you're a regular online shopper then the chances are you've already heard of and used PayPal. If you haven't, it's a quick and hassle-free way to send and receive money using an email address and your credit or bank card.
Accepted around the world, you can use it to pay for goods in various currencies (you will be charged conversion if it's not your native currency) and provides security options like buyers protection.
PayPal is also the preferred payment method for eBay transactions, enabling buyers and sellers to send and receive funds instantaneously while giving each party piece of mind that their goods and funds are protected if anything goes awry. (eBay purchased PayPal in 2002, but spun it out as a separate company in 2015.)
PayPal is an online payment system that was first created to serve as an electronic alternative to cheques and money orders. Today it has expanded to over 100 million members, is available in 190 countries, and is accepted by millions of businesses around the world.
How does PayPal work?
PayPal acts as a middleman for payments, between two parties with registered accounts. It is quick and easy and money can be sent to a person without needing to share personal details or banking information. All you need is the email address of the person you're sending money to.
Is PayPal safe?
PayPal is generally a safe place to send and receive money. PayPal will automatically encrypt any confidential information sent to or from your computer using the Secure Sockets Layer protocol (SSL) with an encryption key length of 128-bits, this is the highest level available. Despite this strength, you should take the usual checks when protecting your financial information, including not writing down important numbers or passwords and ensuring that your passwords are strong.
Scammers may try to hack into your PayPal account by sending you emails stating you've made a purchase you haven't. If you notice anything strange, don't click the internal links but log into PayPal normally to check your account hasn't been compromised.
Is there a PayPal fee for using the service?
There is no fee for opening an account with PayPal, however, there are fees for certain types of payments. These are the fees for Australian customers:
Paying for purchased items: Free
Sending money to friends or family: Free
Receiving money (from something you've sold): 2.6% fee, plus $0.30
Receiving money (from friends or family): Free
International payments: Exchange rate fees apply if there is a currency conversion
These fees all assume you are sending money from your PayPal account. It is possible to use your account to send money from your credit or debit card – but in these cases, additional fees will be charged.
Sending money from credit or debit card: 2.6% fee, plus $0.30
How do I get PayPal?
Getting a PayPal account is easy. Head over to the website, click the 'Sign Up' button and follow the prompts to create your account.
How do you pay through PayPal using a credit card?
When creating your PayPal account, you will be given the option to link your credit or debit card to your account. This has the benefit of allowing you to transfer larger sums of money or to withdraw sent money to a nominated bank account. Once you've linked your cards to your account, whenever you transfer money or make a payment you will be given the option of paying from one of your cards.
Is there a limit to how much I can buy using PayPal?
If your account has been verified, there is no limit on the total amount of money you can send, although there is a single transaction limit, which is set at $10,000. You'll be given the option to verify your PayPal account during setup.
What is the processing time for PayPal?
Once sent, PayPal funds are typically received within two to three days, although this will be much quicker for Verified accounts. If you use PayPal to sell or purchase items the transaction will appear immediately on your account. For international transfers or large amounts, expect to wait up to 21 days for the funds to become available.
What are PayPal coupons?
Like other online stores, PayPal occasionally offers extra savings through coupons. At the moment, these typically come in the form of savings on eBay. Coupons will be emailed whenever available, so ensure to check your mail regularly. You can also sign up to PayPal or eBay newsletter which might help you get access to the latest savings.
PayPal Review | Pros and cons
Pros
Highly secure
Free to set up new account
Millions of users and stores around the world
Cons
Transaction fees can be high, particularly when transferring large amounts
Disputes can be protracted and complex
Aside from online shops, what else can I use PayPal for?
Its primary use may be paying for goods and services, but PayPal has other uses, including transferring money to friends and family or transferring money internationally.
Stephanie Yip was the travel editor at Finder and has been writing about travel and lifestyle for over a decade. She has written for a range of travel publications including Thomas Cook Magazine and Showpo. Stephanie has a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Technology Sydney, Australia, and has visited over 50 countries (and counting). She has a passion for sharing her experiences and knowledge of travel and helping consumers stretch their travel cash while on holiday.
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