PayPal is always coming up with new features to make buying and selling easier for its users, and one of the company’s newest features is PayPal Key.
If you use PayPal often, and are wondering what PayPal Key is and how to use it, keep reading to see what I learned!
What Is PayPal Key In [currentyear]?
PayPal Key is a virtual card with its own card number, expiration date, and security code. You can use it where MasterCard is accepted, even if there’s no PayPal option. Additionally, PayPal Key is not a credit or debit card company, so you don’t have to qualify. There is no credit check, regular credit application, or starting fees in [currentyear].
If you would like to learn more about how to create PayPal Key for yourself, use PayPal Key, and more, then you should continue reading for more interesting facts!
When Will PayPal Key Be Available?
PayPal Key is already available to use. However, because it’s a new feature, it is currently only available to US users, and not everyone in the US has access to it yet.
If you don’t have access to PayPal Key yet, the company is working to make it available to all its users soon.
PayPal says, “If you don’t see the PayPal Key option in your account or the app, please know we’re working hard to bring the product to customers like you.”
Is PayPal Key Free?
Thankfully, PayPal Key is free to set up, and there are little to no fees, depending on how you use it.
For example, if you use PayPal Key to purchase items “cross-border” or “cross-currency,” then a foreign transaction fee will apply.
Additionally, there may be usage fees from other entities or merchants besides PayPal. You can read more about the PayPal Key Terms and Conditions here.
Is PayPal Key Safe?
Fortunately, PayPal Key is a safe way to pay for items online or over the phone for a couple of reasons.
One reason is that the virtual card information that is generated masks your real information, so scammers can’t steal it.
Another reason it’s safe is that you get to choose which payment method is attached to your Key.
You can choose to attach your bank account, your PayPal balance, etc.; whichever method is the best for you.
Furthermore, you can request a refund or create disputes just like any other payment through PayPal by going to your Resolution Center on PayPal.com and logging in to your account.
Additionally, PayPal Key is covered by PayPal’s Purchase Protection Program.
Can You Use PayPal Key with PayPal Credit?
PayPal Key is available to use with PayPal Credit, but it’s only available for a few select PayPal Credit users.
Additionally, if you’re using PayPal Credit with your PayPal Key, you may be subject to credit approval. Here are the PayPal Credit Terms.
How Do I Qualify for PayPal Key?
Anyone can have a PayPal Key, as there is no qualification process. PayPal Key is not a credit card, so there are no applications or credit checks, and it’s free to sign up.
All you need to do to have a PayPal Key is sign up through your PayPal account!
How Do I Create a PayPal Key?
You can create a PayPal Key through your account by finding the Key option in your PayPal Wallet.
However, as stated before, PayPal Key is only available to US users, and is not yet fully available to every US state, so you may not see the option to create a PayPal Key.
If you don’t see this yet, it will be available soon!
To create a PayPal Key, consult the following method:
- Start by logging into your PayPal account (on the app or at PayPal.com)
- Second, go to your PayPal Wallet, find the Key option, and click it. As stated previously, if you don’t have this option, you will have to wait
- Third, you will be taken to another page, and at the bottom of the screen you need to click “Let’s Go”
- Next, you need to choose the payment method you are going to use with your PayPal Key
- Finally, click “Agree & Get Your Key”
When you’re finished setting up your Key, you will see your virtual card number, expiration date, and security code.
Additionally, you can now save this to your web browsers and Google Pay. Unfortunately, PayPal Key doesn’t work with Apple Pay or Samsung Pay yet.
How do I Use my PayPal Key?
You can use PayPal Key anywhere that MasterCard is accepted, even if there isn’t a PayPal option at checkout.
Unfortunately, PayPal Key is currently only available to purchase items online or over the phone, and it’s not available for “buy online, pay in-store” purchases or in-store purchases.
To use PayPal Key online or over the phone, use the following method:
- Choose your items and proceed to checkout
- If the merchant accepts MasterCard, type in or speak your virtual card number, expiration date, and security code. Additionally, if you’re purchasing online and you have already saved your payment info, just click on it, and your info will automatically be put in, just like any other payment option
- Last, check your payment info, and if all is correct, finalize your payment
Additionally, you can change the payment method that is attached to your PayPal Key at any time. To change your payment method through PayPal.com, do the following:
- Start by logging in to your account
- Then, click “Wallet” at the top of the page
- Next, click “PayPal Key”
- Following, click “Paying with”
- After, add your new payment method or select one that is already saved
- Last, click “Save”
To change your payment method through the PayPal app, do the following:
- Log-in to your account
- Next, click “PayPal Key”
- Click “Paying with”
- Following, the same as online, you need to select a payment that is already saved or add a new payment method
- Finally, click “Save”
To know more about PayPal, you can also read our posts on whether or not PayPal owns Venmo, if you can cancel a PayPal payment, and is PayPal a bank.
Conclusion
PayPal Key is a virtual card through PayPal. It has a virtual card number, expiration date, and security code just like any other card.
However, it’s not a credit or debit card and does not require an application or credit check, and there are no signup fees.
Currently, PayPal Key is only available to some US users, but PayPal is working hard to bring it to all its US and international users soon.
Additionally, it’s only available for online or over-the-phone purchases, as you cannot buy it in-store yet.
