How to use PayPal app
To use the PayPal app, download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, sign up with your email and phone number, then link a card or bank account.
The app is free to download and free to sign up for. Once you are signed in, a menu along the bottom of the screen gives access to sections such as home, accounts, send and request, activity and offers.
- Create your account: Open the app after installing it and register using your email address and mobile number, or log in if you already have a PayPal account.
- Link a card or bank: Go to the wallet or accounts area and add a debit card, credit card or bank account. The linked account funds your payments and gives you somewhere to withdraw money to.
- Send money: Tap Send on the home screen, enter the recipient's name, username, email or mobile number, type the amount, choose the currency and confirm.
- Request money: Tap Request, pick the person you want to be paid by and enter the amount you are asking for.
- Pay at checkout: Select PayPal when paying on a website so the merchant does not receive your full card or financial details.
- Check your activity: Open the activity tab in the bottom menu to review past payments, filter transactions and see your balance.
The home page of the PayPal app also shows your balance and recent activity at a glance. For a broader PayPal overview of what the account can do beyond the app, PayPal describes it as a digital wallet for sending money, shopping online and managing payments, and in the US it also offers a PayPal Debit Card for tapping to pay in stores.
If you plan to use the app for business payments rather than personal transfers, check which features apply to your account type before setting up receiving options.