Setting Up PayPal

  1. 1

    Create an account at paypal.com

    Click Sign Up. Choose Personal account (for everyday use) or Business account (for selling). Enter your name, email and create a password. Verify your email address by clicking the link PayPal sends.

  2. 2

    Link a bank account or debit/credit card

    Go to Wallet → Link a bank or card. Adding a bank account (BSB and account number) allows you to transfer money in and out. Adding a card allows you to pay without needing a PayPal balance. You can add multiple payment methods and choose which to use at checkout.

  3. 3

    Verify your identity for higher limits

    Unverified PayPal accounts have sending and withdrawal limits. Verify by confirming your bank account (PayPal makes two small test deposits you confirm) or providing ID. Verified accounts have significantly higher limits and more features.

Sending Money

  1. 4

    Send → enter recipient → amount → confirm

    Click or tap Send. Enter the recipient’s email address, PayPal username or mobile number. Enter the amount and currency. Add an optional note. Choose your payment source (PayPal balance, bank account or card). Review and Send. PayPal-to-PayPal transfers are instant. Sending to a bank account takes 1–3 business days.

  2. 5

    Friends and Family vs Goods and Services

    Friends and Family: No fees for the sender when paying from PayPal balance or bank account. No buyer protection. Use for personal transfers between people you know. Goods and Services: PayPal charges the seller a fee (approximately 2.6% + $0.30). Includes PayPal Buyer Protection — you can dispute if the item does not arrive or is not as described. Use when buying from strangers online.

Shopping Online with PayPal

At checkout on thousands of websites, select PayPal as the payment method. You are redirected to PayPal to log in and confirm. Your card or bank details are never shared with the merchant — PayPal acts as an intermediary. This adds a layer of security to online shopping.

Receiving Money

Share your PayPal email address. Anyone can send to it. Received funds appear in your PayPal balance immediately. Transfer to your bank account: Wallet → Transfer Money → select your bank — takes 1–3 business days (free) or instant for a small fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — PayPal is one of the most widely used and regulated payment platforms globally. It uses encryption, fraud monitoring and two-factor authentication. Buyer Protection covers eligible purchases if items do not arrive or are significantly different from the description. Never share your PayPal login details and enable two-factor authentication in Settings → Security for extra protection.
In Australia, sending money to friends and family from your PayPal balance or a linked bank account is free. Sending from a credit card incurs a fee (typically around 2%). Receiving money for goods and services incurs a seller fee of approximately 2.6% + $0.30 per transaction. Currency conversion also carries a fee if sending internationally.