If you have ever needed to send money quickly- whether to pay back a friend for dinner, buy something online, or send funds overseas- there is a good chance PayPal has crossed your mind. PayPal is one of the most trusted ways to move money around the world as it is fast, reliable, and secure.
However, if you are new to the platform, you might be asking yourself the very question that brought you here: “how do I pay someone using PayPal?” Luckily it is not complicated at all, in fact once your account is set up, paying someone is about as easy as sending a text. So, let’s begin and learn more about the different ways to pay people using PayPal—whether it is through an email address, mobile app, PayPal.Me link, or directly on a website.
How Set-Up a PayPal Account to Send Payments?
Follow these steps to set-up a PayPal account to send payments:
- First of all, head over to PayPal’s website or download the app, hit Sign Up, and choose between a personal or business account.
- A personal account is fine if you are mainly sending money to people, you know or shopping online. If you are running a business or getting paid for work, a business account makes more sense.
- Once you have filled in your details—like your name, email, and phone number—you will get a verification email. Confirm that, and your account is ready for use.
How to Link Your Bank Account, Debit, or Credit Card on PayPal?
To pay someone, PayPal needs a funding source. Think of it like giving your wallet a way to pull money out. You can link:
- A bank account for smooth transfers with low (or no) fees.
- A debit card if you want quick access to your checking account funds.
- A credit card, which works too but may cost a little extra in fees.
- Linking is simple: log into PayPal, go to Wallet, and add your bank or card details.
How to Pay Someone Using Their Email Address or Mobile Number?
When you pay someone using the PayPal, you will need details such as email address or mobile number. Here is how to pay someone on PayPal using email address or mobile number:
- Log in to your account.
- Click Send & Request.
- Enter the recipient’s email or mobile number.
- Type in the amount and select your payment type (friends/family or goods/services).
- At last, recheck all the details and hit the Send button
How to Send Money to Friends and Family vs. Goods and Services on PayPal?
When you are about to send money, PayPal will ask you what the payment is for. This matters.
- Friends and Family: The sending money to family and friends is free and you do not need to pay any charges. It is perfect when you are splitting rent with a roommate, paying back a buddy for coffee, or sending money to your parents.
- Goods and Services: Suppose you are paying for a product or service, like buying from an Etsy seller or hiring a freelancer, you need to select the Goods and Services. The seller pays a small fee, but you get buyer protection, which means PayPal will help you out if something goes wrong with your purchase.
How to Pay Someone Using the PayPal App?
If you are like most people, you will probably use the PayPal app to send money. Here is how to pay someone using the PayPal app:
- Open the PayPal app on your mobile phone.
- Tap on the Send button.
- Enter the person’s email or phone number.
- Enter the amount, select the payment type, and confirm.
- Within few section the payment is on its way.
How to Pay Through PayPal on Websites and Online Stores?
To PayPal through PayPal websites and online stores, you need to take these simple steps:
- At checkout, choose Pay with PayPal.
- Log in when prompted.
- Select your bank, card, or PayPal balance as the funding source.
- Confirm, and you are done.
- Your purchase is processed without having to type your card details into every site.
What are the PayPal Fees You Should Know About When Paying Someone?
PayPal is convenient, but it is not always free. Below mentioned are the different PayPal fees, you should know about:
- Paying friends and family with a bank account or PayPal balance: free.
- Paying friends and family with a debit or credit card: small fee applies.
- Paying for goods and services: free for you, but the seller pays a small cut.
- Sending money internationally: fees are higher and include currency conversion.
FAQ
Can I pay someone with PayPal without linking my bank?
Yes, you can pay someone with a PayPal without linking a bank account. For this you need to use a debit or credit card.
How quickly does money arrive when I pay someone?
The funds are usually instant on PayPal.
Is there a limit to how much I can pay someone?
Yes, PayPal sets limits based on whether your account is verified.
Can I send money internationally with PayPal?
Yes, you can send money internationally with PayPal.