To add a Visa gift card to PayPal, follow these steps:
- Activate the Visa gift card if it is not already active. Some cards are activated at purchase; others require manual activation via the issuer’s website.
- Register a billing address for the card online with the card issuer. This matches the card with a billing address and avoids verification problems with PayPal.
- Log in to your PayPal account on the website or app.
- Go to the "Wallet" section.
- Click on "Link a card" or "Add a card."
- Select "Debit or credit card" as the card type.
- Enter the Visa gift card details: card number, expiration date, CVV code, and the billing address if needed.
- Click "Link card" or "Add card."
- PayPal will charge a small authorization fee (usually $1) to verify the card, which will be refunded after verification. Follow any further prompts to complete the verification.
Once added and verified, the Visa gift card can be used as a payment method through PayPal for online transactions where PayPal is accepted. Key tips:
- Ensure the card balance is sufficient to cover the verification charge.
- Registering the billing address with the card issuer greatly reduces declined transactions.
- PayPal treats Visa gift cards like debit or credit cards but some non-reloadable cards or unregistered cards may be declined.
- PayPal does not allow direct transfer of funds from a Visa gift card to your PayPal balance, but you can use the card to fund payments.
This process works via both the PayPal website and mobile app.