How do i set up my paypal account just with an American Express Pre Paid Gift Card?

Lissette
New Community Member

Okay i do not have a bank account, and i want to buy some items on ebay.

I don't own any credit cards or a bank account.

Can't i just set it up with my gift card.?

Thanks.

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4 REPLIES 4

Amanda411
Moderator
Moderator

HI Lissette,

 

PayPal does not recommend adding a gift card, prepaid card, virtual card, or one time use credit cards to your PayPal account as a funding source. Although some of these cards may be accepted, most will not function correctly with our system due to the security checks we have in place. PayPal is not an online store, where these types of cards were intended to be used, and in order to properly facilitate our service, the traditional credit card or debit card is preferred.

 

Amanda

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nambinhvu
Contributor
Contributor

I used mine, you'll have to put the 4 digit number on the front of the card as the security number like a normal american express credit card.  For some reason when I checked the balance of my card on the american express website it showed the transaction, but it also showed another $1 transaction.  I am unsure as to where this $1 charge came from and it doesn't show up in paypal although it says paypal in the american express website.  I'm trying to get an answer as to what this $1 transaction is.

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sandypurins
Advisor
Advisor

It's most likely a pre-authorization charge which will drop off after a few days. Call American Express... they should be able to provide more information about the $1.00 charge.

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surplusdealdude
Advisor
Advisor

Lissette,

 

As an alternative to using Paypal, you can message the seller using the "Ask Seller a question" button and ask if they'll accept a postal Money order instead.

 

Some sellers will allow this, some won't.

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