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How to Buy Bitcoin with Paypal?

This guide is perfect for newbies who want to dip their toes into the world of buying Bitcoin with PayPal, all while staying safe and secure.
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Written by Keti Tevzadze
Beginner
5 min
28 June 2024

Bitcoin has really taken off lately, becoming super popular among folks. It's one of those cryptocurrencies everyone's talking about, and guess what? You can actually buy it using PayPal! This guide is perfect for newbies who want to dip their toes into the world of buying Bitcoin with PayPal, all while staying safe and secure. We'll chat about how safe it is to buy Bitcoin with PayPal, how to get started, and the nitty-gritty of purchasing BTC using different crypto exchanges like Bitstamp, eToro, Coinbase, and more. Plus, we'll touch on the rules and regulations for buying BTC with PayPal in different countries. But before we jump into the buying process, let's first get to know what PayPal is all about. So here is our «buying Bitcoin with PayPal» beginner’s guide!

What is PayPal, and how does it work in Crypto?

PayPal has soared to become one of the go-to payment platforms across the globe, boasting a whopping 431 million active users. It all started back in December 1998 when Max Levchin, Peter Thiel, and Luke Nosek laid the groundwork for what would become the PayPal we know today. Since then, it's become a household name, revolutionizing the way we handle money worldwide. 

Nowadays, PayPal isn't just about transferring funds or paying for goods online. It's also dipped its toes into the world of cryptocurrencies, allowing users to buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cashdirectly through its platform. This move has sparked a trend, with other exchanges and websites following suit, enabling Bitcoin purchases via PayPal. However, it's worth noting that while PayPal's reach is vast, it does have its limitations, especially in certain countries. Similarly, not all platforms support PayPal as a payment method, and those that do may restrict its use to specific regions.

In the crypto industry, buying Bitcoin with PayPal is a straightforward process. Once you make the purchase, your Bitcoin will be stored in a digital wallet accessible through the PayPal app. This setup allows you to keep tabs on your transactions and effectively manage your funds, all within a secure environment. What's more, PayPal has collaborated with numerous crypto exchanges and wallets, streamlining the process of purchasing Bitcoin with PayPal. Now, let's delve into how you can make it happen.

Buy Bitcoin directly through PayPal

In October 2020, PayPalintroduced the option to directlypurchase Bitcoin and three other cryptocurrencies within its digital wallet, thanks to a partnership with Paxos.

This feature allows users to buy, hold, and sell Bitcoin through PayPal, as well as use it for transactions with PayPal-supported merchants. As of June 2022, PayPal also permits users to transfer their coins to third-party wallets for personal storage or broader usage within the ecosystem. Notably, this option is currently restricted to users in the United States, with plans to expand to more countries in the future.

If you want to Buy Bitcoin (BTC) with PayPal, consider that there are weekly maximum purchase limits of $100,000 with no annual limit, while weekly withdrawal limits are capped at $10,000. Transaction fees range from $0.49 to 1.80%, depending on the transaction size.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to buy Bitcoin directly on PayPal:

  1. If you're not already a PayPal user, sign up for an account.
  2. Navigate to the "Finances" section, then select "Crypto" (available only in supported locations).
  3. Choose "Bitcoin" and click on "Buy."
  4. Enter the amount of Bitcoin you wish to purchase.
  5. Select your preferred payment method and click "Next."
  6. Review the conversion rate and transaction fee.
  7. Confirm your purchase by clicking "Buy now," and your Bitcoin should be available in your PayPal digital wallet.

How to buy Bitcoin on crypto exchanges using PayPal

If buying BTC directly through PayPal isn't an option or your preferred method, you can consider acquiring it from a cryptocurrency exchange that accepts PayPal payments. One such platform that facilitates PayPal transactions and comes highly recommended is Coinbase. In addition to allowing deposits via bank account or debit card, it supports PayPal payments. 

Coinbase stands as one of the premier cryptocurrency exchanges globally, and now, it offers a convenient option for purchasing Bitcoin using PayPal. In 2022, Coinbase introduced its PayPal service, streamlining the process for customers to buy and sell cryptocurrencies with their PayPal accounts. 

Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to purchase BTC through Coinbase using PayPal:

  1. Create an account on Coinbase if you haven't already done so. 
  2. Log in to your Coinbase account and opt for "PayPal" as your preferred payment method. You'll be prompted to link your PayPal account to Coinbase. 
  3. Specify the amount of Bitcoin you wish to purchase and review transaction details, including fees and total expenses. 
  4. Confirm the purchase and await Coinbase to deposit the Bitcoin into your account. 

It's essential to note that when you buy Bitcoin using PayPal through Coinbase, the cryptocurrency you acquire will be stored in your Coinbase wallet, not your PayPal account. If you opt to make a debit card purchase via PayPal on Coinbase, expect a 4% fee per trade. However, if you prefer to deposit funds via PayPal through your bank account, the fee reduces to 2.5%. Additionally, Coinbase imposes a daily buying limit of $25,000.

Why you shouldn't buy Bitcoin with PayPal

When it comes to buying cryptocurrencies, users have various options, including centralized exchanges (CEX), decentralized exchanges (DEX), or crypto wallets. However, everyday consumers may hesitate due to their lack of understanding of cryptocurrency technology. PayPal simplifies the process of purchasing digital currencies, especially for retail consumers. Buying Bitcoin with PayPal is straightforward in many eligible countries. Nevertheless, there are several important considerations users should be mindful of before opting for PayPal as their platform for crypto purchases.

PayPal crypto fees

PayPal is known for imposing high fees, and its Bitcoin fees are no exception. Similarly, cryptocurrency exchanges often charge steep spreads, which refer to the gap between bid and ask prices for a currency pair. 

Users fortunate enough to reside in countries where they can deposit fiatdirectly into exchange wallets have an advantage. Regulatory permissions allow them to purchase cryptocurrencies and retain ownership of their assets in their personal wallets. 

While purchasing cryptocurrencies through a crypto exchange and setting up digital wallets may seem complex, it offers significant benefits. Users gain complete control over their assets, empowering them to maximize potential returns. This control enables them to explore various passive-income opportunities offered by decentralized finance (DeFi), such as staking to support blockchain networks and providing liquidity or yield farming to decentralized exchanges.

Conclusion

Bitcoin remains a leading investment choice within the cryptocurrency realm. As the foremostcryptocurrency and blockchain network, Bitcoin has upheld its prominence since its inception in 2009. While US residents have the option to directly purchase Bitcoin through PayPal, several other platforms extend the facility to buy BTC using PayPal as a payment mode. However, it's crucial to verify the availability of these services in your region before formulating any investment strategies involving Bitcoin and PayPal. This precaution ensures adherence to local regulations and facilitates a smooth investment experience.

FAQ

Can I purchase Bitcoin with PayPal?

Yes, buying Bitcoin using PayPal offers a secure and convenient option for acquiring cryptocurrencies. While users should be mindful of fees and global regulations, overall, it provides a straightforward method for buying or selling Bitcoin swiftly. With the increasing demand for cryptocurrencies, many exchanges now accept PayPal as a payment method, simplifying the process of entering the market with minimal hassle.

Why can't I buy Bitcoin on my PayPal?

Buying Bitcoin with PayPal can be challenging due to several reasons:

  • Chargeback Risk: Utilizing PayPal for Bitcoin transactionsintroduces a higher level of risk due to the platform's reversible nature. Buyers can initiate chargebacks and request refunds, potentially leaving sellers vulnerable to fund loss even after delivering Bitcoin. 
  • Regulatory Compliance: Unlike the decentralized and less regulated nature of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, PayPal operates within stringent regulatory frameworks and must adhere to anti-money laundering (AML) policies. This adds complexity and obstacles to facilitating cryptocurrency transactions on the platform. 
  • Policy Restrictions: PayPal's historical caution regarding cryptocurrencies, driven by their volatility and potential misuse, may result in policy restrictions or limited availability of cryptocurrency-related services in specific regions. 
  • Limited Seller Adoption: Not all sellers or cryptocurrency exchanges support PayPal as a payment method due to concerns over security and chargeback risks. Many platforms prefer alternative payment options, such as bank transfers or credit/debit cards, which they perceive as more secure and less susceptible to chargeback issues.

Can I transfer money from PayPal to Bitcoin wallet?

Sending cryptocurrency from PayPal is designed to be user-friendly and straightforward:

  1. Log in to your PayPal account and navigate to the crypto section in the app.
  2. Choose the cryptocurrency you want to send.
  3. If sending to a different cryptocurrency address, tap the transfers icon and select "Send".
  4. Complete the required ID verification (only needed for the first use).
  5. Enter the external crypto address you're sending funds to, either by copying and pasting it or scanning the QR code.
  6. Double-check all the information for accuracy.
  7. Confirm the transfer to the external address.

Congratulations! You've completed the process.

Is PayPal crypto safe?

Using PayPal to buy Bitcoin online is considered one of the safest methods available, as it eliminates the need for investors to enter their credit card details directly into a crypto exchange. Instead of inputting credit card information, investors can simply log into their PayPal account. The login process is conducted through an encrypted pop-up box, ensuring that crypto exchanges do not have access to the user's email address or password. Once logged in, the investor's payment details are already linked to their PayPal account, streamlining the purchase process. This means investors can buy Bitcoin without exposing their sensitive financial information.

About the author
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Keti Tevzadze
Content Creator and Social Media Manager
Keti is a social media manager with over 3 years of experience in digital marketing, content strategy, and community management in the blockchain industry. Keti has partnered with companies ranging from small start-ups to large corporations, helping them reach their target audience by creating engaging content for all major social media platforms. She is passionate about fintech and believes in the power of decentralized web3 solutions that can drive positive change worldwide.
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