Do I need to link a credit card if my bank account is already linked?

[title126]

Hi. Do I need to link a credit card linked to my Paypal account if my bank account is already linked to it?  TIA

[sharpiemarker · Accepted solution]

@title126 

Its not necessary but some payment options will require you to add a card as back up to complete, such as instant bank transfer or using your PayPal balance to pay.

Bank payments are generally slow but PayPal can make it instant if you have both bank account and credit card linked, then PayPal can front the money ahead to the recipient instantly and wait for your bank payment to clear. If payment does not clear your bank, PayPal will charge your backup credit card.

Without a credit card as backup the bank payment will be a eCheck or the checkout system will ask you to add a card to make an Instant bank transfer, if you only have a bank account linked. Some merchants block eChecks because it is slow and they have to wait for the money to clear before your order processed and shipped.

If you are paying with PayPal balance, you might be asked to add a card as back up too, in case you do not have enough money in the PayPal balance.

[title126]

Thanks for such a detailed answer!!