PayPal is a money transfer site which allows an individual to send funds to others or make online purchases. PayPal is a popular site for transferring money online, but learning how to use PayPal will ease transactions.

PayPal is an online financial middleman that facilitates the transfer of money between people and businesses online. Users only need to share private financial information with PayPal, not unknown parties. PayPal can be used to buy things online, shop on eBay, or receive money from friends. There are three different types of PayPal account – Personal, Premier and Business

A PayPal account can receive money as soon as it has been created, but to use it to send money or to buy products online, the user needs to set up a means of getting funds into the account. Normally the PayPal account is linked to an existing bank account, or to a credit or debit card.

Paypal has been subject to scams and security issues which the user needs to be aware of. Paypal can also be linked to software such Quicken, Skype and Facebook.

1. Review the types of PayPal accounts: Personal, Premier, and Businesshttps://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=xpt/User/popup/ChoosingAccountTypeSignup-outside#personal
   • Remember, it costs nothing to send money via PayPal, but some accounts charge fees to receive money. The exact fees vary with the type of account.
   • Personal accounts:
     • Pros: No transaction fees on payments received via PayPal Balance, PayPal Instant Transfer, or PayPal eCheck.
     • Cons: Can only receive a limited number of credit card payments; limited customer support (no toll-free number and long wait times); $500 per month limit on receiving money.
     • Ideal User: Online shoppers who do not spend large sums of money.
   • Premier accounts:
     • Pros: Toll-free customer service number; can accept unlimited credit card payments; eligible to apply for PayPal ATM/Debit Card, which allows direct access to your PayPal account instead of waiting for funds to transfer to your bank account.
     • Cons: Transaction fees to receive payments via PayPal.
     • Ideal User: Individual online sellers.
   • Business accounts:
     • Pros: Same as Premier; ability to have multiple users access same account; can operate under business name.
     • Cons: Same as Premier.
     • Ideal User: Business owners.
2. If you have an idea about the amount of money you'll be handling on PayPal, use the PayPal Fee Calculator to see what fees you'll pay for each type of account.http://www.ppcalc.com/
3. If you're not sure what account to choose, start with a Personal account. It's free to upgrade to a new account later if you feel you made the wrong choice.
4. Some PayPal users find it useful to have two PayPal accounts: a personal one for accepting payments, without paying fees, and a separate business account.http://www.senserely.com/aahz-top_5_paypal_tips_for_online_earners.php
   • You will need a separate email address for each account.

1. Once you've chosen the right account for your needs, click on the appropriate account button.

2. Fill in the requested information. Choose a password that others won't easily guess!

3. Read the user agreement, then click to create your account.

4. You'll receive a confirmation email from PayPal. Click on the link in the email.

5. Sign into your account with the password you just set up. Now you're ready to go!

• Creating a PayPal account is very easy. You just need an email address to get started.

1. First, go to Paypal's home page and choose "Sign Up Now!"www.paypal.com
2. Select the country where you live and choose a language preference.
3. Now you need to choose a type of PayPal account. PayPal offers three account types. When choosing between them, consider what you're going to use PayPal for.

You can receive money immediately once you've created an account. You need to give PayPal a source for funds before you can shop online or send money to anyone. You can also set up PayPal so you can use it with your mobile phone, and you can verify your account if you want to spend more money than the initial PayPal spending limit.

• PayPal gets money from you to send to a recipient in one of three ways:

1. Deducting the funds from your PayPal account, if you have a large enough balance.
2. Deducting the funds from the bank account you linked to your PayPal account.
3. Charging the credit card you linked to your PayPal account.http://www.dummies.com/WileyCDA/DummiesArticle/id-2977.html

• Link a Credit Card to Your PayPal Account
  • Using a credit card may provide extra purchase protection, as your money should be protected by your credit card company as well as PayPal.http://www.ehow.com/how_2076718_add-credit-card-paypal-account.html

1. Go to PayPal and sign into your account.
2. Click on the "Add Credit Card" link.
3. Fill in the requested information.
4. Click "Add Card" at the bottom of the page.

• Link a Checking Account to Your PayPal Account
  • Given the option, do not link your PayPal account to your primary checking account. If something goes wrong, you do not want to lose your rent money!http://www.senserely.com/aahz-top_5_paypal_tips_for_online_earners.php

1. Gather your bank information, including your account and routing numbers.
2. Go to PayPal and sign into your account.
3. Click on the "Add Bank Account" link.
4. Fill in the requested information.
5. PayPal will make two small deposits to your bank account, approximately three days after you enter the information.
6. Check your bank statements for the deposits.
7. Return to your account page and click on the "Confirm Bank Account" link.
8. Enter the amount of the deposits to confirm the account.http://www.ehow.com/how_2076720_add-checking-account-paypal-account.html

• Once you've linked an account to PayPal, you can click on the "Add Funds" tab whenever you'd like to add money to your PayPal account.

• You can access PayPal via your cell phones on most carriers in the US and Canada.https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=xpt/cps/popup/MobileSupportedCarriers-outside

1. To use PayPal on your cell phone, you need to log in to your Paypal account and input your cell phone number.http://lifehacker.com/software/mobile-phone/geek-to-live--send-and-receive-money-with-your-cell-phone-175883.php
2. Enter a PIN number.
3. PayPal will call your phone to verify the PIN.
4. Now you're set up for PayPal Mobile! You can either text funds, or send money via a mobile login.

• You can verify your PayPal account by applying for a PayPal credit card or entering a bank account number. Verification confirms your identity on PayPal and makes it easier to use PayPal online. You must be verified to continue using PayPal once you've reached your sending limit.[https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=xpt/cps/securitycenter/buy/VerificationFAQ-outside

• • Verification by Checking Account

1. If you want to be verified by entering a checking account number, gather your bank information, including your routing and account numbers.
2. Sign into your PayPal account.
3. Click the "Get Verified" link on the left.
4. Click the "Add Bank" option.
5. Fill in the requested information.
6. You can [enter your online banking information and have your account verified instantly.http://www.ehow.com/how_2076719_verify-paypal-account.html
7. If you do not have that information, PayPal will make two small deposits to your bank account.
8. Check your bank statements for the deposits.
9. Return to your account page and click on the "Confirm Bank Account" link.
10. Enter the amount of the deposits.

• • Verification by PayPal Credit Card

1. Sign into your PayPal account.
2. Click the "Get Verified" link on the left.
3. Click the "Apply Now" button to apply for a PayPal Credit Card.
4. Fill in the requested information.
5. If you are approved, your new credit card will also serve as verification for your account.

• PayPal lets you shop online, as well as send money to anyone with an email address.

1. To send money directly to someone, login to your PayPal account and click the Send Money tab.

2. Enter the email address or phone number of the recipient, the amount you want to send, and the currency you want to use.

3. Mark what the money is for, and then click Continue.

4. Review your payment information, and then confirm the transfer.

• You must register your phone first. Refer to the previous step for instructions on how to do so.

1. To text money, text 729725 (PAYPAL)]. Write the amount you want to send and the phone number or email of the recipient.
   • For example, 15 3105550111 will send $15 U.S. to the phone number 310 555 0111.
   • Typing 10 to blank@domain.com sends $10 to that email address.
   • The default currency is U.S. dollars, but you can send money in other currencies. Use EUR for Euros, CAD for Canadian dollars, GBP for British pounds, AUD for Australian dollars, or JPY for Yen.http://lifehacker.com/software/mobile-phone/geek-to-live--send-and-receive-money-with-your-cell-phone-175883.php
   • 15 GBP to blank@domain.com will send 15 British pounds to that email address.
2. If you have mobile Internet, you can go to www.PayPal.com on your mobile phone, log in, and then fill out a form to send money.
3. Alternately, you can call 1-800-4PAYPAL (1-800-472-9725) to send money. Just follow the automated voice prompts.
4. To cancel a payment, text cancel to PAYPAL

1. Most eBay sellers accept PayPal, although many require that you confirm your shipping address by registering a valid credit card billing address on PayPal before accepting your payment.http://www.ehow.com/how_2076724_use-paypal-ebay.html
2. Login to your PayPal account and choose the "edit profile" link next to your name.
3. Under Account Information, choose "Street Address."
4. Make sure the address listed is the same as your credit card billing address.
   • To make sure your eBay account reflects this change, log in to your account on eBay and go to the Addresses section. Click the button marked "Add PayPal Addresses," and select the PayPal-registered address as your shipping address.
5. To use PayPal on eBay, choose PayPal as your payment option when you pay after winning an auction.
   • You will be directed to the PayPal website; log in to your account.
   • After deciding how you will fund the purchase, click the Pay button.

1. Many online businesses also accept PayPal. To use PayPal on these sites, choose PayPal as your payment option when you go to check out.
2. As with eBay purchases, you will be directed to the PayPal website; log in to your account.
3. After deciding how you will fund the purchase, click the Pay button.

• PayPal also offers customers a one time credit card number that allows you to make purchases on sites that do not accept PayPal.

1. If you see "Text to Buy" on an item you want to buy, you can buy it with PayPal Mobile.

2. Text the item code to the number shown.

3. You'll receive a confirmation phone call, and then your purchase is complete!

4. Alternately, selected sites are enabled to let you visit on your mobile phone, log in, and make a purchase.

• If a charity advertises that you can "Text to Give" you can donate by text message.

1. To do so, text the donation code to the number shown.
2. You'll receive a confirmation text or call, and then your donation is processed.

• PayPal lets you accept payments from anyone with a PayPal account, bank account or credit card. Although PayPal's popularity began on eBay, many people and small businesses use PayPal to accept funds.
  • Remember that the type of account you have affects the fees you must pay for receiving money.

• You'll receive an email notifying you when money is added to your account.
• Personal accounts do not pay to receive money from other PayPal accounts, but Business and Premier accounts will incur fees.

• You can also use PayPal to request money.

1. When you're logged in to PayPal, click the "Request Money" tab. Enter the email address of the person you want to pay you, and the amount you need. PayPal will send out an email with the information and instructions on how to pay you.
2. Or you can request money via your mobile phone. Just text PAYPAL with the amount you need and the phone number of the person you want to pay.
3. For example, to request $5, your text would say 5 from 3105550111.

• PayPal is owned by eBay, and it is the preferred method of payment on the site. If you are considering selling on eBay, setting up a PayPal account is a good idea. Plus PayPal has a numerous free tools for sellers on eBay.

1. Using PayPal means you can add online tools that let you accept credit cards, as well as PayPal payments.[http://www.dummies.com/WileyCDA/DummiesArticle/id-2980.html

2. There are no set-up fees for a PayPal account, unlike most merchant accounts.

3. Visit PayPal's merchant services page to learn more about the buttons and tools PayPal offers small business users.

• PayPal users need to be aware as they use the site that it is not uncommon to encounter fraudulent emails or other scams. Be cautious, but do not let fraud deter you from using PayPal. PayPal guarantees 100% protection against unauthorized use.http://netforbeginners.about.com/od/ebay101/ss/paypal101_4.htm

1. Read PayPal's list of security tips so you don't fall victim to a fraud or scam.
2. Keep your password secure.
3. PayPal offers a security key to its users. For an additional $5 you receive a "key" which generates a different 6 digit number every 30 seconds. You enter the number into the website to prove your identity.https://www.paypal.com/securitykey
4. File an unauthorized activity claim if you see a charge to your account that you did not make.

1. PayPal emails address customers by first and last name, or by business name.
   • If you receive a suspicious email, forward it to spoof@paypal.com.
2. PayPal emails do not contain attachments. If you receive an email with an attachment that is purportedly from PayPal, do NOT download the attachment.
3. Access your account by going to www.paypal.com and logging in; do not click on links in suspicious emails.
4. Spoof emails often arrive with a false sense of urgency.https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_vdc-security-spoof-outside

1. Follow PayPal's tips to sell securely.

2. PayPal also offers a Resolution Center to mediate buyer/seller disputes.https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=xpt/cps/securitycenter/sell/ResolveIssue-outside

3. If a buyer files a chargeback with his or her credit card company, PayPal works with sellers to resolve the issue while they withhold the funds from your account.

4. If you have a verified account, you may qualify for PayPal's Seller Protection Policy, which covers up to $5,000 for sellers who are defrauded.

• Now that you're using PayPal, here's how to manage and maintain your account! Or, if PayPal isn't working out for you, you can always easily close the account.

1. When you receive money through PayPal, the company puts the money in your account, minus your processing fees (if applicable).
2. To access your money, click on the "Withdraw" tab.
3. You can transfer money to your bank account, request a check, or get cash from an ATM.
   • Be aware that there are fees for some of these options.
4. If you enroll in the PayPal preferred rewards program, you can apply for an ATM/Debit card] that lets you immediately access the money in your account.
5. If you enroll in PayPal's Money Market Fund, they offer interest on the money you leave in your account.

1. To change any of the information you have registered in your PayPal account, login to your account and click on the "Profile" tab.
2. Choose the appropriate link in the columns presented to change your address, bank account information, and any other preferences you've set up.

1. To close your account, login to your account and click on the "Profile" tab.
2. Choose the "Close Account" link under Account Information.
3. Enter a reason for closing the account and click Continue.
4. Click the "Close Account" button on the next page.

• Here are a few more ideas for making the most of your PayPal account.

1. Check the PayPal Fee Calculator to see what fees you'll pay for your transactions. You can also do a reverse fee calculation. If you want to end up with $15, you can see how much you need to request to end up with $15 after fees are taken out.http://lifehacker.com/software/paypal/calculate-your-paypal-fees-175065.php
2. Track your online spending by looking at the History page in your account. You can see what you spent and when, or search for specific transactions.
3. You can import your PayPal records into Quicken, letting you track your PayPal income and expenses.
4. PayPal has a Facebook application that lets you request money from friends.
5. You can also wire money through Skype.
6. Join eBay's PayPal forums to discuss PayPal with other eBay users.
7. To check your balance via your cell phone, text bal to PAYPAL.

• PayPal is the most used site for money transfers online, but it has its critics. Sites like PayPal Sucks accuse PayPal of infractions that include:

1. Unjustified freezing of customer accounts.
2. Exorbitant fees for non-credit card funding.
3. Poor customer service.

• PayPal is also not set up to service large businesses, who may feel PayPal limits their ability to analyze sales and keep track of customer information.http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/18/business/yourmoney/18paypal.html?ei=5088&en=973e3a4e703666f2&ex=1292562000&adxnnl=1&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&adxnnlx=1190417242-nYR1cHmiE9grmimm1Qejsw