In the world of online shopping, PayPal has become one of the most popular and most convenient payment options. But can you use PayPal to shop on Amazon? The short answer to this is no. There isn’t an option to pay for your Amazon cart directly through PayPal.
However, you can use PayPal indirectly to make Amazon purchases by using the different debit and credit cards PayPal offers. Read on to learn more about how to use your PayPal account to shop on Amazon.
PayPal Card Types
PayPal offers four different cards that connect to your balance: PayPal Cash Card, PayPal Business Debit Mastercard, PayPal Key, or PayPal Credit. Each of these come with there own benefits and drawbacks, all of which will cater to your specific needs and intentions of use. Here’s a quick overview of each card type:
PayPal Cash Card
The PayPal cash card is a debit card that can be used once you set up a PayPal Cash Plus account. The account is free to set up and essentially functions as a bank account. Once you receive your debit card, you can use it anywhere and the balance immediately gets taken from your account balance.
Because it’s a debit card, there are no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. You can also withdraw money at any ATM without being charged a withdrawal fee. When you set up a PayPal cash plus account, you also receive a routing and account number to facilitate direct deposits.
PayPal Business Debit Mastercard
This card works similarly to the PayPal cash card but gives you the opportunity to earn cashback. Unlike the cash card, you have to apply for the business MasterCard and if you’re approved, you’ll receive the card within 7-10 days.
PayPal Key
PayPal Key is a virtual debit card that functions similarly to the other two options mentioned above. When using this option to online shop, you receive a virtual card number expiration date and security code.
PayPal Key is also free to use and doesn’t require a credit check or a complicated application process.
PayPal Credit
PayPal Credit is a revolving credit line that gives you a reusable credit line to make online purchases. Because it’s connected to your PayPal account, you have the option to pay your credit balance right away or over time and it’s easy to apply for too. This option is subject to credit approval through Synchrony Bank.
How to Use PayPal to Shop on Amazon
While you can’t pay for your Amazon cart with PayPal directly, you can use the options we mentioned previously to complete your purchase. You have the ability to use a PayPal cash card, the business counterpart, or PayPal Key to purchase right away. However, Amazon doesn’t allow you to use PayPal credit to directly pay for your cart.
There is a way around this, though. If you only have PayPal Credit, you can visit any major retailer that offers Amazon gift cards and purchase one there. You’ll then be able to use the gift card to purchase your cart.
Despite the inability to directly use PayPal on Amazon, you can certainly cheat your way around the restrictions.