Alright, let's dive right into getting your PayPal balance to work its magic on Epic Games! Have you ever excitedly added a game to your cart, only to realize your preferred payment method isn't directly available? Well, if your preferred method is your PayPal balance, you've come to the right place. While Epic Games doesn't directly offer "Pay with PayPal Balance" as a standalone option during checkout, there's a clever workaround we can use. Let's get started!
Step 1: Linking Your PayPal Account to Epic Games (If You Haven't Already)
This is the foundational step. If you've already linked your PayPal account to your Epic Games account, feel free to skip ahead to Step 2.
1.1. Navigating to Payment Settings
First things first, you need to log in to your Epic Games account. You can do this either through the Epic Games Launcher on your computer or via the Epic Games Store website in your web browser. Once you're logged in, look for your profile icon or name, usually located in the top right corner of the screen. Click on it, and a dropdown menu should appear. From this menu, select "Account".
1.2. Accessing Payment Methods
On your Account page, you'll see a sidebar on the left. Click on "Payment Methods". This is where you can manage all the payment options associated with your Epic Games account.
1.3. Adding a New Payment Method
If you haven't linked your PayPal account before, you'll likely see an option like "Add Payment Method" or a similar button. Click on this. You'll be presented with various payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, and hopefully, "PayPal". Select the PayPal option.
1.4. Authorizing PayPal
You'll now be redirected to the PayPal website. Here, you'll need to log in to your PayPal account using your email address and password. After logging in, PayPal will ask you to authorize Epic Games to access your account for payments. Review the permissions carefully and click "Agree and Continue" or a similar button to link your PayPal account to your Epic Games account.
1.5. Confirmation
Once the linking process is complete, you'll be redirected back to the Epic Games website, and you should see PayPal listed as one of your saved payment methods. Congratulations, you've successfully linked your PayPal account!
Step 2: Utilizing Your PayPal Balance During Checkout
Now for the crucial part – actually using that PayPal balance! Remember, the key here is that when you select PayPal as your payment method, it will first attempt to use your available PayPal balance before resorting to any linked cards or bank accounts within your PayPal.
2.1. Browsing and Adding Items to Your Cart
Go ahead and browse the Epic Games Store for the games or other digital goodies you want to purchase. Once you find something you like, click the "Buy Now" or "Add to Cart" button. If you add to cart, proceed to your cart when you're ready to checkout.
2.2. Proceeding to Checkout
In your cart or on the purchase page, you'll find a "Checkout" or "Place Order" button. Click on it to begin the payment process.
2.3. Selecting PayPal as Your Payment Method
During the checkout process, you'll be asked to choose your payment method. Here, make sure you select "PayPal" from your list of saved payment methods.
2.4. Reviewing Your Order and Payment Details
Carefully review your order summary to ensure everything is correct. You should also see PayPal selected as your payment method. At this stage, Epic Games will communicate with PayPal.
2.5. Completing the Purchase on PayPal's Site (If Necessary)
In some cases, especially for first-time purchases or for security reasons, you might be redirected to the PayPal website again to confirm the payment. If this happens, log in to your PayPal account. PayPal will then display the payment details and, importantly, show you the sources of funds being used. If you have sufficient balance in your PayPal account, it will be used as the primary funding source. You might see your PayPal balance listed before any linked cards or bank accounts. Review the details and click "Pay Now" or a similar button to finalize the transaction.
2.6. Confirmation on Epic Games
Once the payment is successfully processed through PayPal (using your balance if available), you'll be redirected back to the Epic Games Store, and you should receive a confirmation message or email regarding your purchase.
Important Considerations
- Sufficient Balance: Ensure you have enough funds in your PayPal balance to cover the entire cost of your purchase, including any applicable taxes. If your balance is insufficient, PayPal will attempt to draw the remaining amount from your linked cards or bank accounts, based on your PayPal funding preferences.
- PayPal Funding Preferences: You can manage your preferred funding sources within your PayPal account settings. You can prioritize your PayPal balance to be used first for online purchases.
- Troubleshooting: If you encounter any issues during the linking or checkout process, double-check your PayPal account details, your internet connection, and ensure that your PayPal account is in good standing. You can also contact Epic Games Support or PayPal Support for assistance.
How to... Frequently Asked Questions
How to check my PayPal balance?
Quick Answer: Log in to your PayPal account on the website or through the mobile app. Your available balance will be displayed prominently on your dashboard.
How to add funds to my PayPal balance?
Quick Answer: You can add funds to your PayPal balance by linking a bank account and transferring funds, receiving payments from others, or using services that allow you to add cash to your PayPal account.
How to manage my linked payment methods on Epic Games?
Quick Answer: Go to your Epic Games account settings, navigate to "Payment Methods," and you can add, edit, or remove your linked payment options.
How to prioritize my PayPal balance for online purchases?
Quick Answer: Within your PayPal account settings, look for "Payments" or "Funding Sources." You can set your PayPal balance as your preferred way to pay online.
How to unlink my PayPal account from Epic Games?
Quick Answer: In your Epic Games account settings, go to "Payment Methods," find PayPal in your list of saved methods, and click the "Remove" or "Unlink" option next to it.
How to know if my PayPal payment was successful on Epic Games?
Quick Answer: You should receive a confirmation email from Epic Games regarding your purchase. The order will also appear in your purchase history on the Epic Games Store. Additionally, PayPal will likely send you a confirmation email for the transaction.
How to contact Epic Games support for payment issues?
Quick Answer: Visit the Epic Games Support website and look for the "Contact Us" section. You can submit a support ticket detailing your issue.
How to contact PayPal support for payment issues?
Quick Answer: Visit the PayPal Help Center on their website or through the mobile app. You can find FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and options to contact support via messaging or phone.
How to ensure my PayPal account is secure?
Quick Answer: Use a strong, unique password, enable two-factor authentication, be cautious of phishing emails, and regularly review your account activity.
How to get a refund for an Epic Games purchase made with PayPal?
Quick Answer: Refund policies vary. Check the Epic Games Store refund policy. If eligible, you can usually request a refund through your order history on the Epic Games website or by contacting Epic Games Support. The refund will typically be processed back to your original payment method (your PayPal account).
There you have it! A comprehensive guide on how to utilize your PayPal balance for purchases on the Epic Games Store. Enjoy your gaming!