How To Set Up A Paypal Charity Account

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Do you need help with your PayPal problem? Connect one-on-one with a PayPal expert through JustAnswer, an Android Authority partner.

Setting yourself up with a PayPal account is simple. However, there's more to it than just entering your name and email address. You should be aware of a few steps and requirements, which we've outlined in this in-depth guide.

Read also: What is PayPal? How do you use it?

You'll need a few things to set up an account. First, you'll need to provide your personal information, such as your full name, address, phone number, and email. You'll also need to connect your account to your debit card, credit card, or bank account. In some cases, PayPal may also ask you for proof of ID.

Types of accounts

Before we get into setting up an account, you need to decide which kind of PayPal account you want to create. There are two types: personal and business, and they each have specific benefits and ideal uses.

The other type of PayPal account is specifically for businesses. Choose this option if you want to sell products online and accept debit and credit card payments for a small fee. Business accounts also allow up to 200 employees to access the account, and they offer some other unique benefits.

We'll be focusing on creating a personal PayPal account for this guide, but the process is very similar for both types of accounts.

How to set up a PayPal account

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

Let's start with the basics. To set up a PayPal account, visit Paypal's website and click the Sign-Up button in the top-right corner of the screen. Now choose the account type you want: Personal Account or Business Account. Pick Next when done.

You'll be asked to input a phone number. After that, you'll fill out the form that includes your name, email address, and password. Hit Continue and then fill out the second form by selecting your nationality and typing in your address, and any other required info. PayPal will create your account the second you hit Continue, but you're far from done just yet.

See also:How to add money to PayPal | How to receive money from others on PayPal

To start using PayPal, you need to add your debit, credit card, or bank account. This will link your account to a bank account so you can deposit or withdraw money. This is technically optional, but without it, your account will be severely limited.

The last step in this process is to verify your email address by clicking the link in the email sent to you.

Below we've listed the complete list of steps in brief for your reference.

How to set up a PayPal account:

Visit PayPal's website and click the Sign-Up button in the top-right corner.
Select the account type you want — Personal Account or Business Account — and click Next.
Input your phone number and verify your number.
Add your name, email address, and password, and then click Continue.
Add your address and other required info, and then click Continue.
Optional: Click the blue Get started button to add your debit, credit, or bank info.
Verify your email address by clicking the link in the email sent to you by PayPal.

How to verify an account

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

For safety reasons, you will need to verify your PayPal account before you start using your funds. This is done by linking a bank account or credit/debit card. To do this, go to PayPal.com and click on the Pay & Get Paid tab. Under Wallet, select Bank & Cards. Select the bank account or card you want to verify.

If you're using a credit or debit card, the next step is to check PayPal's charge on your credit card statement — it's a four-digit code — and use it to verify the card. You can also check the charges live, using your bank's app. Just go back to Banks & Cards, select the card you want to verify, enter the four-digit code, and then click Confirm. That's it: you can now use PayPal to send and receive money.

See also:Is PayPal safe? Everything you need to know

The process for bank accounts is actually more straightforward. PayPal will ask which institution you bank with, and then you can log in using your banking credentials. The system will do the rest in the background.

You can also add a bank account manually, and that process is more or less the same as with cards, with the most significant exception being that PayPal will make two deposits to your bank account in random amounts between $0.01 and $0.99. Once that happens, you have to enter these two amounts to verify your bank account, the same as you entered the four-digit code to confirm your credit card. And to answer your next question, no, you will not be able to keep the money deposited by PayPal — sorry about that.

Once again, below we've listed the step-by-step instructions in brief.

How to verify a PayPal account:

Go to PayPal.com and log into your account.
Hit the Pay & Get Paid tab.
Under Wallet, select Banks & Cards.
Select the bank account or card you want to verify.
Check your bank account or credit card activity for PayPal's deposit.
You can also use the automated system to link your bank account without looking at deposits.
Confirm your account using either the 4-digit code (for cards) or two deposit amounts (for bank accounts).

If you want to add another card or bank account to your PayPal account at a later date, you'll have to verify that as well. Another thing to note is that PayPal can request a form of identification from you at any given time. This often happens once a certain amount of money passes through your account. It varies depending on the country you live in, but it's mostly a way to avoid fraud and tax evasion.

Next: How to delete a PayPal account

Do you still need help with your PayPal problem? Connect one-on-one with an expert through JustAnswer, an Android Authority partner.