Can you use PayPal to pay on Amazon?

Amazon is the world’s largest e-commerce platform, where millions of people shop every day for everything from books, fashion to electronics. Meanwhile, PayPal is a popular online payment platform with hundreds of millions of global users. Therefore, many people ask the question: Can I use PayPal to pay on Amazon?

The short answer is can not. Currently, Amazon PayPal is not supported as a direct payment method. However, this does not mean that you cannot use your PayPal balance when shopping on Amazon. There are still some indirect and clever ways to take advantage of PayPal when shopping. In this article, Hidemium will analyze why Amazon doesn't accept PayPal, and suggest effective alternatives.

1. Why doesn't Amazon accept direct payments via PayPal?

To understand better, let's look back at the history of PayPal and Amazon. Previously, PayPal was owned by eBay - a direct competitor of Amazon. Even after the split, PayPal is still considered a potential competitor because it offers its own payment service, while Amazon develops Amazon Pay to keep customers within its ecosystem.

By prioritizing Amazon Pay, the company can control the entire checkout process, collect customer data, and reduce its dependence on external platforms. If Amazon accepts PayPal, it would lose some of that control, so it has been adamant about avoiding it.

When you go to the checkout page on Amazon, you'll see options like credit cards, debit cards, Amazon gift cards, and Amazon Pay – but absolutely no PayPal. This has disappointed many users, but at the same time encouraged them to look for other, more flexible and suitable solutions.

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2. Can PayPal be used on Amazon indirectly?

Currently, Amazon does not allow you to directly link PayPal to your shopping account. However, you can spend your PayPal balance through a number of indirect methods by converting it to a form of payment that Amazon accepts. The two most common ways are:

2.1. Payment by PayPal Cash Card

PayPal Cash Card is a debit card that is directly linked to your PayPal account. The card works on the system Mastercard, so you can use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted, including Amazon. When you pay, the amount is deducted directly from your PayPal balance, making shopping convenient and secure.

The advantage of this method is that you don't have to transfer money back and forth between accounts. Just add the card number to your Amazon account like a regular debit card. However, you do need to apply for the card and wait for it to arrive, which can take some time.

2.2. Using PayPal Business Debit Mastercard

If you have PayPal Business Account, you can apply for a PayPal Business Debit Mastercard. Similar to the Cash Card, this card allows direct payments using your PayPal balance, but with a unique advantage: cashback for qualifying transactions.

This is especially useful for businesses that regularly purchase raw materials, supplies, or tools from Amazon. Signing up and using the card is quick and easy, and when it comes to payments, it works like a regular debit card. Note that you must have a PayPal Business account.

2.3 Payment via PayPal Key

PayPal Key was a virtual card feature that allowed users to create a Mastercard number that was directly linked to their PayPal balance. With this virtual card, you could pay online anywhere Mastercard was accepted, including Amazon. When making a purchase, you simply entered your virtual card information during checkout.

However, PayPal currently has this feature limited to some regions, and not all accounts have the PayPal Key option. If you find this feature available in your account, it's an extremely convenient way to shop on Amazon without having to wait for a physical card to arrive.

2.4 Buy Amazon gift cards with PayPal

Another popular choice is Buy Amazon Gift Card with PayPal through third-party retailers that accept PayPal. Platforms such as Walmart.com, eGifter or Ltd both allow you to pay with your PayPal balance and receive an Amazon gift card code. Then, you just enter the code into your Amazon account to use it like cash.

This method is very flexible because you can buy cards in many different denominations depending on your needs. The small downside is that sometimes the retailer will charge an additional fee or you have to wait a short time to receive the code. However, because of the security and convenience, many people still prefer this method when paying on Amazon with PayPal.

2.5 Withdraw money from PayPal to bank account

If the above methods do not work, the simplest solution is to transfer money from PayPal to a bank account. You can then use your linked bank account or debit card to pay on Amazon.

Processing can take a few days depending on your bank, but the payoff is complete control. Once the funds have been successfully transferred, Amazon will process the transaction as a regular card payment. While not as fast as paying directly with PayPal, this is the most secure and stable option.

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3. Advantages and disadvantages of using PayPal on Amazon indirectly

Using PayPal to pay on Amazon via indirect methods has both benefits and certain limitations.

Advantage: You can flexibly utilize your PayPal balance. Options like PayPal Cash Card or Business Debit Mastercard makes transactions quick, while Amazon gift cards can be purchased instantly. At the same time, you still enjoy outstanding security features from PayPal such as transaction protection, dispute resolution and fraud prevention.

Disadvantages: These methods are not as simple as clicking the PayPal button directly at checkout. Some options require you to register a card, transfer money, or go through additional steps. In particular, when purchasing gift cards from a third party, you may incur additional fees.

Conclude: Paying with PayPal on Amazon indirectly is still secure, safe and effective, however, it does not always bring maximum convenience.

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4. PayPal Alternatives When Shopping on Amazon

Since Amazon does not support direct payments via PayPal, you may want to consider other methods. Amazon accepts many forms of payment such as credit card, debit card, bank transfer, and especially Amazon Pay.

Amazon Pay is Amazon's own payment service that lets you use your card information stored in your account to shop on many other websites. While it's not PayPal, Amazon Pay offers similar convenience in online trading.

Additionally, you can also choose to purchase Amazon Gift Card with other e-wallets or even with Cryptocurrency through a number of supporting services. This is a flexible solution if you do not want to rely entirely on PayPal.

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5. Conclusion

So, can you use PayPal to pay on Amazon? The answer is not directly. Amazon does not support PayPal as an integration method, as the platform wants to encourage users to use Amazon Pay and ensure more comprehensive control over transactions.

However, you can still use your PayPal balance in a number of indirect ways. Some popular options include: using a PayPal Cash Card, Business Debit Mastercard, PayPal Key, buying Amazon gift cards with PayPal, or withdrawing the money to your bank account and then paying on Amazon.

Each option has its pros and cons: cards are convenient after registration, gift cards are quick for small expenses, and bank transfers are safe and secure. Which one you choose depends on your needs, urgency, and desire to limit additional fees.

In short, although Amazon and PayPal do not support direct linking yet, you can still flexibly combine the two. With a little preparation, your PayPal balance will become an effective payment tool for all Amazon orders.

6. FAQ

1. Does Amazon accept PayPal?

No. Amazon does not currently support PayPal as a direct payment method.

2. Can I buy an Amazon gift card with PayPal?

Yes. Many third-party retailers allow PayPal payments when purchasing Amazon Gift Cards, which you can then load into your Amazon account.

3. Can I use PayPal Credit on Amazon?

Not directly. But you can use PayPal Credit to buy gift cards or withdraw money to your bank account, then continue to use it for transactions on Amazon.

4. Can I link PayPal directly to Amazon?

No. Amazon does not currently support direct linking of PayPal accounts. You can only use indirect methods.

5. What is the easiest way to use PayPal on Amazon?

Typically, PayPal Cash Card is the fastest and most convenient option as it works like a regular debit card. Alternatively, buying a gift card is also an effective solution and does not require waiting for a physical card.