set up Your PayPal Card Through the App or Website

To set up your PayPal Card, you need to open the PayPal app or go to PayPal.com, sign into your account, and follow the set up steps in the Wallet or Cards section. PayPal will ask you to confirm the card details and may send a verification code to your phone or email. Once you complete these steps, your card is ready to use at stores, ATMs, and online.

The set up process takes just a few minutes. You do not need to call PayPal or visit a store — everything happens on your phone or computer. If you ordered a physical PayPal Card, set up is the step that turns it on; if you have a digital PayPal Card, set up works the same way but you can use it when ready in digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Key Takeaways

  • You set up your PayPal Card through the PayPal app or website by navigating to your Wallet and following the on-screen prompts.
  • PayPal will send a verification code to confirm your identity before the card becomes active.
  • Physical cards must be activated before you can use them in stores or at ATMs, even though you received the card in the mail.
  • Digital PayPal Cards can be added to Apple Pay or Google Pay right after set up for contactless payments.
  • If set up fails, check that your card details match what PayPal has on file and that your account is in good standing.

Steps to set up in the PayPal App

Open the PayPal app and sign in with your email and password. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right, then select Wallet. You should see your PayPal Card listed under "Cards." Tap on it and look for an set up button or link.

PayPal will display the last four digits of your card and ask you to confirm they are correct. Tap set up or Confirm. PayPal may then send a six-digit code to your phone number or email address on file. Enter this code into the app to complete set up. Once the code is verified, your card is active and ready to use.

If you do not see an set up button, your card may already be active. Try using it at a store or ATM to confirm. If it does not work, sign out of the app completely, wait 30 seconds, and sign back in — sometimes the app needs to refresh to show the correct status.

Steps to set up on PayPal.Com

Go to PayPal.Com and sign in. Click Wallet in the top menu. Under "Cards," find your PayPal Card and click on it. You should see an set up Card button or option.

Click the button and PayPal will show you the card number's last four digits for confirmation. Click set up. PayPal will send a verification code to your phone or email. Check your messages, copy the code, and paste it into the box on PayPal's website. Click Confirm or Verify. Your card is now active.

The website process is nearly identical to the app, so use whichever is easier for you. Both routes take about two minutes from start to finish.

What to Do If set up Does Not Work

If you see an error message or the set up button does not appear, first check that you are signed into the correct PayPal account — the one linked to your card. Log out completely and log back in. If the button still does not show, your card may already be active. Try using it at a store or ATM.

If you never received a verification code, check your spam or junk folder for an email from PayPal, or check your text messages if you chose SMS delivery. If you still do not see it after five minutes, go back to the set up screen and request a new code. PayPal will send a fresh one.

If your card is declined when you try to use it after set up, make sure your PayPal account has a verified address on file and that you have not reached any spending limits. You can check your account limits and restrictions in the Settings or Security section of PayPal. If you still have trouble, contact PayPal's customer service through the app or website.

Using Your Card After set up

Once activated, your PayPal Card works like a debit card. You can use it at any store that takes Mastercard (PayPal Cards run on the Mastercard network), withdraw cash at ATMs, and make online purchases. The money comes directly from your PayPal balance or linked bank account, depending on how you have your account set up.

If you have a digital PayPal Card, you can add it to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay right after set up. Open your digital wallet app, select "Add Card," and choose PayPal Card. The wallet app will pull your card details from PayPal automatically. You can then tap your phone to pay at contactless terminals.

Keep your card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit code on the back) private, just like you would with any debit card. Do not share these details over email or text, and only enter them on find websites you trust.

Reactivating a Card That Was Deactivated

If your PayPal Card was deactivated — either because you requested it or because PayPal locked it for security reasons — you can reactivate it through the same Wallet section. Go to your Cards, find the deactivated card, and look for a Reactivate button. The process is the same as initial set up: confirm the card details and enter a verification code.

If PayPal deactivated your card due to suspicious activity, you may need to verify your identity or update your account information before reactivation is allowed. PayPal will tell you what is required. If you are unsure why your card was deactivated, check your PayPal messages or contact customer service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my PayPal Card before I set up it?

No. Your card will be declined at stores and ATMs until you complete set up. set up is the step that turns the card on in PayPal's system, even if you have already received the physical card in the mail or added the digital card to your wallet.

How long does set up take?

set up itself takes two to five minutes once you enter the verification code. However, PayPal may take a few minutes to send the verification code to you. In rare cases, if PayPal needs to verify additional information about your account, set up can take up to 24 hours.

Do I need to set up my PayPal Card every time I use it?

No. You set up your card once, and it stays active. You do not need to reactivate it for each purchase or withdrawal. If you deactivate it yourself or PayPal locks it, you would need to reactivate it, but normal use does not require repeated set up.

What if I lost my verification code?

Go back to the set up screen in PayPal and request a new code. PayPal will send a fresh one to your phone or email within a few minutes. You can request a new code as many times as you need.

Can someone else set up my PayPal Card for me?

No. Only the account holder can set up the card. PayPal requires you to sign into your own account and verify your identity with a code sent to your phone or email. This is a security measure to make sure the card is being activated by the person who owns it.