Non-preferred payment method used for automatic payment since Oct, 2024 This is a PayPal error.

[KentPB]

I have a number of 'automatic payments' that I happily use through Paypal.

My preferred payment method is set as my credit card, call it CC1. I also have a backup credit card, call it CC2, and a bank account, BA1.

First occurrence of Paypal funding an automatic payment incorrectly was 10/29/2024. This merchant, M1, has been paid via my CC1 for quite a while, but on 10/29 my BA1 payment was used instead. I reviewed the automatic payment setting for M1 and see the payment method listed as 'Bank or card on file'. And the ordering of my payment methods when I look at them is: M1, CC2, CC1. CC1 marked as 'preferred'. It would appear that the picking of a payment method has changed; preferred method ignored; top method chosen. That's my guess. I have since altered the automatic payment for M1 by selecting the payment method link and specifically selecting my CC1. But why did this behavior change and force me to do this? And, when my CC1 gets hacked and I have to get a new card, what happens to by manual selection for M1? Won't make any difference that I will add my replacement card for CC1 and mark if preferred.

Two more auto payments have since occured, with exactly the same result on 10/30 and 11/5. Two additional merchants, M2 and M3. I have manually updated them now also.

My desired Paypal behavior is that the payment method marked as 'preferred' should be used. Worked that way prior to 10/29. Doesn't any longer for all auto payments since. 

[tialucky]

I’m having the same issue, with the added problem that mine is a bank account I don’t use often so these payment changes are sending me into unauthorised overdraft. I have removed my bank account from PayPal but would prefer a proper resolution (and/or a proper method to complain!)

[mn4nu]

This is happening to me as well.  My last 2 transactions have been paid through my linked bank account and not my linked credit card, which is my preferred method.  The 2 merchants that were paid this way are regular monthly charges and have always been paid with the credit card previously.  Very annoying.

[plinyyy]

Happened to me as well. Ever since I got the PayPal debit card, a lot of my auto pay were charged to this new debit card instead of my old preferred method. I was super annoyed and cancelled this PayPal debit card.