How to set up your PayPal Card

You set up your PayPal Card through the PayPal app or website by confirming your identity and setting a PIN. The process takes a few minutes and happens in your account settings, not through a separate website or phone line. Once you complete these steps, the card is ready to use at any merchant that accepts Mastercard.

PayPal sends the physical card to your address on file. When it arrives, you will see a notification in your app. The card comes inactive — you cannot use it until you go through the set up steps yourself. This is a security measure to may support only you can turn it on.

Key Takeaways

  • set up happens in the PayPal app or website under your card settings, not through a separate process or phone number.
  • You will need to confirm your identity and set a four-digit PIN before the card becomes active.
  • The card works at any merchant that takes Mastercard once set up is complete.
  • If you lose your card or forget your PIN, you can lock it or reset the PIN from your account without ordering a replacement.

Steps to set up through the PayPal app

Open the PayPal app and go to the Wallet section. Look for your PayPal Card in the list of payment methods — it will show as inactive or pending set up. Tap on the card to open its details page.

PayPal will ask you to confirm your identity. This usually means answering a security question or verifying your phone number or email address. Once confirmed, you will be prompted to create a four-digit PIN. This PIN is what you use at ATMs and at some in-store terminals that require it. Choose a number you can remember but that is not obvious, like your birth year or a sequence of the same digit.

After you set your PIN, the app will show your card as active. You can now use it when ready — you do not need to wait for anything else to happen or for any confirmation email.

Steps to set up through the PayPal website

Log into PayPal.com and click on Wallet at the top of the page. Find your PayPal Card in the list and click on it. You will see an "set up" button or link if the card is not yet active.

Click that button and follow the same identity confirmation and PIN setup process as in the app. The website will walk you through each step. Once your PIN is set, your card is active and ready to use.

What happens if you do not set up right away

Your card will remain inactive until you complete the set up steps. You cannot use it at a store, online, or at an ATM while it is inactive. There is no time limit on set up — you can do it days or weeks after the card arrives. PayPal will not charge you or close your account if you delay.

If you lose the card before activating it, you can report it lost in your account settings and order a replacement. The replacement card will also arrive inactive and will need to be activated the same way.

Using your PIN and protecting your card

Your PIN is required at ATMs and at some point-of-sale terminals, especially for cash withdrawals or when you are using the card in person. Online purchases and contactless payments (tapping your card) do not require your PIN. If you forget your PIN, you can reset it in your card settings without ordering a new card.

If your card is lost or stolen, lock it when ready from your PayPal account. A locked card cannot be used, but you can unlock it later if you find it. If you do not want to use the card anymore, you can close it from your settings — this is permanent and you cannot reopen the same card.

Card details and how to view them

Once your card is active, you can see your card number, expiration date, and CVV in the PayPal app or website. Go to your card details page and look for "Show Card Number" or similar. PayPal may ask you to confirm your identity again before displaying the full number for security reasons.

You will need these details to use your card for online purchases. The card number is a standard Mastercard number, so it works anywhere Mastercard is accepted. Your billing address is the address on file with PayPal unless you have set a different address for the card.

Troubleshooting set up problems

If the set up button does not appear or you cannot complete the identity confirmation, check that your PayPal account information is up to date. Make sure your phone number and email address are current and verified. If PayPal cannot confirm your identity, it may ask you to update your account details before you can proceed.

If you are still having trouble, try logging out of the app completely and logging back in. Sometimes the app needs to refresh to show the set up option. If the problem continues, you can contact PayPal support through the app or website — go to Help and select "Contact Us" to reach a representative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my card before I set a PIN?

No. You must set a PIN as part of the set up process. The PIN is required for ATM withdrawals and some in-store transactions. Online purchases and contactless payments work without it, but the card cannot be used at all until set up is complete.

What if I forget my PIN after set up?

You can reset your PIN in your card settings without ordering a new card. Go to your PayPal Card details, find the PIN option, and select "Reset PIN" or "Change PIN." PayPal will confirm your identity and let you create a new one.

Do I need to set up my card in a store or at an ATM?

No. set up happens only through the PayPal app or website. You do not need to visit a bank, store, or ATM to set up your card. Once you complete the steps in your account, the card is ready to use anywhere.

Can someone else set up my card if they have it?

No. PayPal requires identity confirmation before set up, so the person who receives the card in the mail cannot set up it without access to your PayPal account, phone number, or email address. This is a security feature to protect you.

How long does set up take?

set up is when ready. Once you set your PIN and confirm your identity, your card is active and ready to use right away. You do not need to wait for any processing time or confirmation.