Alright, let's dive into the world of PayPal and get you sending money like a pro! Have you ever needed to quickly chip in for a friend's birthday gift, pay a freelancer for their amazing work, or send a little something to a family member across the miles? PayPal makes it super convenient.
Ready to get started? Let's jump right in!
Step 1: Getting Ready to Send - Are You Logged In?
First things first, you'll need to have your PayPal account up and running. If you're already logged in, fantastic! You can skip right to the next step. But if not, let's quickly get you there:
Logging In on Your Computer:
- Open your web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.).
- Go to the PayPal website:
www.paypal.com - Look for the "Log In" button, usually located in the top right corner of the page, and click on it.
- You'll be prompted to enter your email address or mobile number associated with your PayPal account. Type it in carefully.
- Next, enter your PayPal account password. Double-check that Caps Lock isn't on!
- Click the "Log In" button.
Logging In on the PayPal Mobile App:
- Open the PayPal app on your smartphone or tablet. If you don't have it yet, you can download it from your device's app store (Google Play Store for Android, App Store for iOS).
- Enter your email address or mobile number.
- Enter your password.
- Tap the "Log In" button. Some devices might offer biometric login (like fingerprint or face recognition) if you've set it up previously.
Once you're successfully logged in, you'll be taken to your PayPal account overview. Now we're ready for the exciting part – sending money!
Step 2: Initiating the Payment - Let's Get Sending!
Now that you're logged in, here's how you actually start the process of sending money:
On Your Computer:
- Look for the "Send & Request" tab or button, usually located at the top of your account overview page. Click on it.
- You'll see options to either "Send" or "Request" money. Click on "Send".
On the PayPal Mobile App:
- Tap on the "Send" button. This is often located prominently on the home screen or at the bottom of the app.
Step 3: Identifying the Recipient - Who Are You Sending To?
PayPal needs to know who should receive your money. You can usually identify the recipient in a few ways:
- Email Address: This is the most common way. If you know the recipient's PayPal email address, simply type it into the designated field.
- Mobile Number: If the recipient has linked their mobile number to their PayPal account, you can use that instead. Enter their mobile number in the correct format (including country code if necessary).
- Name or Username: In some cases, you might be able to search for the recipient by their name or PayPal username. However, be extra careful to ensure you've found the correct person, especially if they have a common name. PayPal might show you potential matches, so double-check the profile picture or other identifying information if available.
Once you've entered the recipient's information, PayPal might ask you to confirm that you've found the right person.
Step 4: Specifying the Amount and Currency - How Much and What Kind?
This is where you decide how much money you want to send and in what currency:
- In the designated field, carefully enter the amount you wish to send. Double-check the numbers to avoid any errors!
- You'll usually see a dropdown menu or a selection of currencies. Make sure the currency displayed is the one you intend to send. If you need to send in a different currency, select it from the options. PayPal will often show you the exchange rate if applicable.
Step 5: Choosing the Payment Type - Friends & Family or Goods & Services?
This is a crucial step as it affects potential fees and buyer/seller protection:
- Friends and Family: This option is generally used when sending money to people you know personally, like for a gift, splitting a bill, or a personal transfer. It often has lower or no fees for the sender, but the recipient typically doesn't have buyer protection.
- Goods and Services: This option is used when you're paying for something you're buying from someone (even an individual). This option usually involves a fee for the recipient but offers buyer protection for the sender in case of issues with the transaction (e.g., not receiving the item).
Carefully consider the nature of your payment and choose the appropriate option.
Step 6: Adding a Note (Optional but Recommended) - Say Hello!
PayPal usually provides a field where you can add a note to your payment. This is a great way to:
- Remind the recipient what the payment is for (e.g., "For the movie tickets," "Happy Birthday!").
- Include a personal message.
- Provide any reference numbers if applicable.
While it's optional, adding a note can be helpful for both you and the recipient.
Step 7: Reviewing and Confirming - The Final Check!
Before you hit that final "Send" button, take a moment to carefully review all the details of your payment:
- Recipient's Information: Double-check the email address, mobile number, or name to ensure it's correct.
- Amount: Verify that the amount you're sending is accurate.
- Currency: Confirm that the correct currency is selected.
- Payment Type: Make sure you've chosen the appropriate option (Friends & Family or Goods & Services).
- Funding Source: PayPal will show you the funding source it will use for the payment (e.g., your linked bank account, credit card, or PayPal balance). Ensure this is the correct source.
- Fees (if any): If there are any fees associated with the transaction, they will usually be displayed here.
Once you've reviewed everything and are confident that all the details are correct, click the "Send", "Continue", or a similar confirmation button.
Step 8: Confirmation - You Did It!
After you click the confirmation button, PayPal will process your payment. You'll usually see a confirmation message on your screen indicating that the payment has been sent successfully.
You and the recipient will typically receive an email notification from PayPal detailing the transaction. The recipient will usually see the funds in their PayPal balance shortly, although it might take a little longer depending on their account settings and the payment method.
And that's it! You've successfully sent money via PayPal.
How to... Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about sending money on PayPal:
How to add a funding source to my PayPal account?
To add a bank account or card, go to your PayPal Wallet, click "Link a bank or card," and follow the on-screen instructions.
How to change my funding source for a PayPal payment?
During the "Review your order" step before sending, you can usually click on the displayed funding source and choose a different one from your linked options.
How to cancel a PayPal payment?
You can only cancel a payment if the recipient hasn't yet accepted it (if it was sent as an eCheck) or if it hasn't been claimed. Go to your Activity, find the payment, and see if there's a "Cancel" option. Once claimed, you'll need to request a refund from the recipient.
How to find someone's PayPal email address?
You'll need to ask the person directly for their PayPal email address or mobile number. PayPal prioritizes user privacy and doesn't publicly list this information.
How to send money internationally on PayPal?
The process is similar to sending domestic payments. Just ensure you select the correct currency and be aware that international transactions might involve different fees and exchange rates. PayPal will usually display these during the review step.
How to know if a PayPal payment has been received?
You will receive a confirmation email from PayPal, and the transaction will appear in your account Activity. The recipient will also receive a notification.
How to request money from someone on PayPal?
Instead of "Send," choose the "Request" option in the "Send & Request" section. You'll enter the requester's information and the amount you're asking for.
How to deal with a failed PayPal payment?
Check your PayPal account and linked funding sources to ensure everything is in good standing. You might need to update your card details or ensure sufficient funds in your bank account or PayPal balance. You can then try sending the payment again.
How to view my PayPal payment history?
Go to your PayPal account overview and look for the "Activity" or "Transactions" section. This will show you a record of all your past PayPal transactions.
How to secure my PayPal account when sending money?
Always double-check the recipient's details, use strong and unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and be cautious of phishing emails or suspicious requests.