Can you add PayPal to Apple Pay?

Both Apple Pay and PayPal are among the most widely used payment methods for online transactions in the U.S. But can you add PayPal to Apple Pay? And are there alternative ways to access your PayPal funds through Apple Pay? In this article, we'll guide you through the available options and solutions.

Can you add PayPal to Apple Pay?

For the current technologies employed in PayPal and Apple Pay, it is not possible to add PayPal directly to Apple Pay. 

One key distinction of Apple Pay compared to other digital wallets is that, unlike Samsung Pay and Google Pay, which allow PayPal to be linked, Apple Pay does not offer this integration.

Apple Pay mainly supports credit and debit cards issued by banks and financial institutions that are compatible with Apple Wallet. As for PayPal, it functions as a separate online payment platform, meaning it does not directly integrate with Apple Pay.

However, you can link PayPal to your Apple ID for in-app purchases. This allows you to use PayPal for transactions in the App Store, Apple Books, iTunes, and for purchasing iCloud storage.

Alternative ways to use PayPal with Apple Pay

Even though you can't directly add PayPal to Apple Pay, you can still utilize PayPal funds with Apple Pay through indirect methods. Let’s look at some possible options.

Link PayPal to Apple ID

While PayPal cannot be added to Apple Pay, it can still be linked to your Apple ID. This allows you to use your PayPal account to make purchases on iTunes, the App Store, and other Apple services. If you’re an iPhone or iPad user, this method provides a convenient way to use your PayPal funds for digital purchases within the Apple ecosystem.

Check out these steps to link PayPal to your Apple ID:

• Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.

• Step 2: Tap on your name at the top, which will take you to your Apple ID settings.

• Step 3: Select "Payment & Shipping."

• Step 4: Tap "Add Payment Method" and choose PayPal.

• Step 5: Log in to your PayPal account to complete the setup.

Once linked, PayPal will be available as a payment option for app downloads, subscriptions, and in-app purchases. However, it's important to note that this doesn’t integrate PayPal with Apple Pay for use at physical stores or online retailers that support Apple Pay.

Maybe you are interested: How to send money from Cash App to PayPal?

Use PayPal Prepaid Mastercard or Cash Card 

According to PayPal, you can add your PayPal Cashback Mastercard, PayPal Debit Card, or PayPal Business Debit Mastercard to Apple Pay. This creates a seamless bridge between PayPal and Apple Pay, allowing you to use your PayPal balance for contactless payments at stores, apps, and online merchants that support Apple Pay.

The PayPal Prepaid Mastercard and the PayPal Cash Card are both payment solutions offered by PayPal. The PayPal Prepaid Mastercard is for someone who wants to access their PayPal funds directly. To load money onto the card, you can transfer funds directly from your PayPal account or add cash at participating retailers.

Moreover, it supports direct deposit, allowing users to have paychecks or government benefits deposited directly onto the card, offering a simple solution for managing finances without needing a traditional bank account.

Similarly, the PayPal Cash Card operates like a debit card and is linked to your PayPal account, allowing you to make purchases using your available balance. Although PayPal Cash Card does not directly integrate with Apple Pay, it can be added to your Apple Wallet.

The PayPal Cash Card is directly linked to your PayPal balance, ensuring that your sensitive bank details remain secure and are not exposed during transactions. If your card is lost or stolen, you can easily freeze it through your PayPal account, and you're protected from liability for any unauthorized transactions. Given these robust security features, both the PayPal Cashback Mastercard and PayPal Debit Card offer an effective and secure option for use with Apple Pay.

Here’s how you add the PayPal cards to Apple Pay:

• Step 1: Open Wallet on Apple Pay

• Step 2: Tap the “+” icon to add a new card

• Step 3: Enter the card details or scan your PayPal Cash Card

• Step 4: Verify the card. Once verified, the card will be available for purchase

Where can you use PayPal with Apple Pay?

As mentioned earlier, while you can add PayPal cards to Apple Pay, these cards are not available in every country. For example, the PayPal Prepaid Mastercard and PayPal Debit Card are only accessible to users in the United States. 

However, if you have a PayPal Business account, you can use the PayPal Business Debit Card in additional countries such as Austria, Belgium, Finland, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, the Republic of Ireland, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. If you're in one of these eligible countries, you can apply for a PayPal card through your account and then add it to Apple Pay for seamless transactions.

In summary, the answer to the question “Can you add PayPal to Apple Pay?” is that you can't directly add PayPal to Apple Pay, but you can link it to your Apple ID for in-app purchases or use PayPal cards with Apple Pay as a workaround.