How to Use PayPal - 2024 Update

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started with PayPal to send and receive money online. We'll be focusing on using PayPal.com on a computer, though PayPal also has mobile apps, and I'll cover those in separate videos. The process is similar across platforms, so let's get started!

Signing Up for a PayPal Account
First, head over to PayPal.com and click on the Sign Up button at the top. You'll see two types of accounts:

Personal Account: Best for sending money to people you know, or paying for things online.

Business Account: Ideal for getting paid, invoicing people, and other business transactions.

Both account types offer free options, but for this demonstration, I'll set up a personal account. The process is nearly identical for business accounts, though the layout differs slightly.

Personal Account Setup
1. Choose Your Account Type: Select either a personal or business account and click Next.
2. Enter Your Details: You'll need to provide your legal first and last names, your email, and choose a password. Make sure to use your legal name as PayPal will verify your identity.
3. Add Your Address and Phone Number: Fill in your address details, agree to the terms, and then create your account.

Linking a Payment Method
After signing up, you'll be prompted to link a payment method. You can:
Add a Credit or Debit Card
Link a Bank Account

If you're here to receive money, you can skip this step and maintain a balance in your PayPal account, which you can then transfer out later.