How to Set Up a PayPal Account for Personal Use: a Step-by-Step Guide

Managing money transfers online is essential in the era of remote business. One of the most trusted industry leaders in digital payments is PayPal, which provides a highly secure network. Whether you want to pay for something or receive payments, you should explore how to create a PayPal account first. We’ve got your back with this step-by-step guide on how to start a personal PayPal account. Check our tips and tricks below!

What is PayPal?

Before you learn how to create a PayPal account online, it’s important to know what you will get with the service. PayPal is a modern payment system for sending and receiving money internationally. Its benefits include a high level of convenience, worldwide use, buyer protection measures, and more. Those who opt for a business account get an even wider range of features, including invoicing, payment processing solutions, and integration with various e-commerce platforms.

Once you link your credit card, debit card, or bank account to PayPal, it can be easily used for online shopping. The vast majority of online stores now offer a PayPal button during checkout, so if your financial information is in place, you can purchase a product in just a click.

Below, you will learn how to join PayPal the easiest way.

Step 1: Creating a personal PayPal account

#1 Choose your OS

To create a new account, jump on your favorite browser, go to PayPal’s website, and tap on the Sign Up button. You can also download the official PayPal mobile application for your iOS or Android device.

#2 Get personal

You’re reading this guide because you were curious about how to open a personal PayPal account. So, choose the Personal account type and tap Get Started. State your location honestly when PayPal asks where you’re registered as a resident to avoid problematic financial laws and transaction rejection. Then proceed with Get Started again.

State your location honestly when PayPal asks where you’re registered as a resident to avoid problematic financial laws and transaction rejection. Then proceed with Get Started again.

#3 Let them reach you

Enter your active mobile number, click Next, and insert the security code from an SMS.

#4 Create your profile

Provide PayPal with your accurate information: 

• Email address 
• First and last name
• Password (follow PayPal’s instructions on it!) 

When you confirm your password, hit Next.

#5 Tell them more

Provide your billing address and personal details as they are in your passport or National ID. You must state all this information right: 

• Nationality
• Date of birth
• Addresses 
• Postal code & locality 

Check the boxes and tap Agree and Create Account.

Step 2: Adding payment methods to a personal PayPal account 

The next stage in learning how to set up a PayPal account is connecting your cards and bank to your freshly launched profile. So, here is how to create a personal account on PayPal with linked credit and debit cards.

1. Add your card details when signing up 

After the last step from the previous block, you’ll see this screen asking you to link a card:

• Enter your card number 
• Select the card type 
• State the expiration date
• Enter a CVC code (three digits on the back of your card)
• Provide a billing address if it differs from your personal one 
• Click Link Card

The platform will redirect you to your bank’s authentication page — enter a confirmation code you receive. That’s all!

2. Link your bank account

• Go to the Wallet tab and click Link a bank in the Bank Accounts section.

• Tap on your bank on PayPal’s list and sign in to your online bank account, then hit Agree and Link.

Step 3: Verifying your account information

The final and crucial step you will need to take when creating an account is to verify your account information. To do this, you need:

1. Verify your mobile number

   1. Go to Settings, find the Phone Numbers section, and click Confirm.
   2. Enter the confirmation code from the SMS.

2. Verify your email address

   1. After you’ve added your email to the PayPal profile, check your email inbox for a message from the company. Or go to Notifications/Settings and tap Confirm Email Address.

   2. Click the link PayPal sent you via email.
   3. Enter your password on a page you’ve been redirected to and click Confirm.

Once the verification is complete, you should get access to your new account. If you have any issue, you can always contact PayPal customer support.

Handle your money easily and safely

PayPal has been the biggest player among the payment systems for a long time now, and this is not at all surprising. Shopping, saving, donating, paying bills — whatever you want to do with your income, you can accomplish with PayPal. The service supports a range of different currencies and can be used internationally, which is why so many freelancers choose it for their work. You can also upgrade your personal account to a business one, which requires additional information like EIN or SSN.

So, knowing how to create a PayPal account online is almost imperative. We hope our guide helps you to master this task quickly!

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