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5 Best Ways to Buy Bitcoin With PayPal in 2024

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By Alice Leetham - Updated 22 February 2024
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PayPal is a fast and safe way to pay online and nowadays you can easily use PayPal to buy Bitcoin. There are different ways of doing this—using PayPal as the payment method on a crypto broker or exchange platform, paying with PayPal on a peer-to-peer (P2P) marketplace, or buying Bitcoin through PayPal directly.

There are pros and cons to all of these methods, but using an exchange or broker provides the best all-around Bitcoin purchasing experience regarding important factors like security, fees, and useful tools and features.

If you want to know how to buy Bitcoin with PayPal, this guide will take you through each method step by step and help you pick the best option for you.

How to Buy Bitcoin With PayPal

The easiest way to buy Bitcoin with PayPal is to purchase it online from a crypto exchange that accepts PayPal. Exchanges make it easy to buy and sell Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies using PayPal directly from your smartphone, tablet or computer. Follow the steps below to safely buy Bitcoin with PayPal.

1. Choose a platform

Choose a reliable platform (such as one of our recommendations below) and click the sign-up button. Fill in your details on the registration form and if necessary, verify your phone number/email address and identity with a photo ID.

2. Fund your account with PayPal

Once your account has been verified, go to the deposit page. Enter the amount you wish to deposit and select PayPal as the payment method. Type in your PayPal password when prompted and hit “Deposit” to transfer the funds.

3. Buy Bitcoin

Find the trading pair on your platform for BTC and the currency in your account. Simply type in the amount you wish to purchase and click the “Buy” or “Trade” button. Your Bitcoin will be transferred to your account immediately.

Table of Contents

5 Ways to Buy Crypto & Bitcoin With PayPal

After researching and analyzing the different ways of buying Bitcoin with PayPal, we’ve come up with our top five recommendations below. Each method includes a step-by-step guide to simplify the process and help you get started.

1. Buy Bitcoin With PayPal on eToro

eToro is a multi-asset social investing platform and a great place to purchase Bitcoin with PayPal. It takes our top spot due to its reliability, ease of use, low fees, and innovative and unique features.

How to Buy Bitcoin With PayPal on eToro

1. Create a free account

Click the “Join Now” button on the website and fill in a username, password, and email address on the registration form that pops up. Once you’ve accepted the terms and conditions, you can hit “Create Account”.

eToro step1 sign up

2. Verify your account

Verify your email address by clicking the link emailed to you and complete your profile by providing extra details such as your name, date of birth, address, phone number, and proof of identity. You will also need to answer questions about your investing experience.

eToro step2 verify account

3. Make a deposit with PayPal

Click the “Deposit Funds” button, enter the amount you want to deposit and select your local currency. Choose PayPal from the dropdown list of deposit methods and click “Continue”. You will then be redirected to PayPal where you’ll need to log into your account to confirm the transaction.

eToro step3 deposit using PayPal

4. Buy Bitcoin

Use the search bar at the top to look for Bitcoin and hit the “Trade” button. You can switch to “Order” if you want to choose a future price to buy BTC at. Otherwise, just type in how much you want to purchase and click “Open Trade”.

eToro step4 buy Bitcoin

Why Use eToro?

eToro has built a strong reputation over the many years it has been in operation. As a regulated platform, it is trusted by millions of users globally, while its cold storage and industry-leading security practices make it one of the safest places to buy Bitcoin.

The BTC charts and research available may be useful for advanced traders, but the simplicity of the Bitcoin buying process means the platform is also perfect for beginners. What’s more, you won’t be charged a deposit fee when you use PayPal or any other payment method.

There is, however, a withdrawal fee of $5, and unfortunately, PayPal isn’t available as a deposit option in every country. There is a 1% fee plus spread on Bitcoin purchases.

If you’re not quite ready to make a deposit yet, you can switch to virtual trading to practice and get familiar with the platform. You can also make use of eToro’s unique CopyTrader feature to replicate the actions of the best Bitcoin traders around the world. Read our full eToro review.

Pros

  • More accessible than many platforms

  • Buy Bitcoin anonymously

  • High liquidity

  • No fees

  • Escrow

  • Free wallet

  • Mobile app

Cons

  • Users must watch out for scammers

  • More complicated to use than other platforms

  • You may not get the best exchange rate

2. Buy Bitcoin & Crypto With PayPal on Coinbase

Coinbase is a secure online platform for buying Bitcoin and more than 150 other cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Litecoin and Tether. It prides itself on being one of the easiest platforms to use, with its clear layout, simple navigation, and low trade minimums making Coinbase the ideal place for beginners to purchase Bitcoin with PayPal.

How to Buy Bitcoin With PayPal on Coinbase

1. Create a free account

Click the “Get started” button on the Coinbase website and fill in your name, email address, and provide a unique password. Sign in to Coinbase by clicking the verification link emailed to you, then provide your mobile phone number and enter the code you receive by text.

Coinbase step1 sign up

2. Verify your identity

Enter your name, date of birth, and address as shown on your government-issued ID and answer a few questions about your job and investing. In Settings, under Account limits, click “Verify photo ID”, select your ID type, and follow the instructions to upload it as a file or with your webcam or mobile camera.

Coinbase step2 verify account

3. Link your PayPal account

In Settings, go to Payment methods and click “Add a payment method”. Select PayPal and you will be redirected to PayPal where you will need to log in. You can now use PayPal to make a deposit (if you are a US customer).

Coinbase step3 link PayPal account

4. Buy Bitcoin

Find Bitcoin on Coinbase and hit “Buy”, or click the “Buy / Sell” button at the top and select Bitcoin. If not using already deposited funds, choose PayPal as the payment method. Simply enter the amount you wish to purchase, click “Preview Buy”, and then hit the “Buy Now” button.

Coinbase step4 buy Bitcoin

Why Use Coinbase?

Coinbase is a great platform to use if you’re just starting your crypto journey. It’s easy to navigate and the buttons are clearly laid out. What’s more, you don’t need to risk a lot of capital as you can buy as little as $2 or £2 worth of Bitcoin.

The fees are competitive at up to 0.6% plus spread and you can take advantage of the recurring buys feature if you want to automatically purchase Bitcoin with PayPal on a regular basis.

Unfortunately, only US customers can currently use PayPal to purchase Bitcoin and make deposits. There is a 3.99% fee for making purchases via PayPal on Coinbase, or a 2.5% fee when using PayPal to make a deposit. Users in the UK and Europe can use PayPal to cash out.

You can add Bitcoin to your Coinbase watchlist to keep up with the latest moves in the market, and if you want access to more advanced trading tools and indicators, you have the option to switch to the Coinbase Pro platform. Read our full Coinbase review.

Pros

  • Easy to use

  • Clear layout

  • Low minimum order size

  • Recurring buys feature

  • 150+ other cryptocurrencies to trade

  • Regulated and secure

  • Mobile app

Cons

  • Minimum deposit higher than some competitors

  • Fees for using PayPal are significant

  • PayPal purchases/deposits unavailable in UK and Europe

3. Buy Bitcoin With PayPal on Binance

Binance is a popular platform for buying crypto with PayPal, especially for more experienced traders. There are over 600 other cryptocurrencies on Binance so it’s a great place to build a diverse crypto portfolio including new and obscure coins.

How to Buy Bitcoin With PayPal on Binance

1. Create a free account

Click the “Register” button at the top of the website. You can sign up with Apple or Google, or click “Sign up with phone or email”, after which you’ll have to select your country and provide an email address or phone number and password. Enter the verification code sent to your email address or phone number.

Binance step1 sign up

2. Verify your identity

Hover over your user icon at the top right and select Identification. Click “Verify” under Identity Verification and select your country. Fill in your details and select your ID type. You will then need to upload an image of your ID or take a photo of it and let Binance access your webcam to confirm your identity through facial recognition.

Binance step2 verfiy account

3. Add PayPal as a P2P payment method

Go to your dashboard and select the Payment tab on the left. Click “Add a payment method” and then “More” to find and select PayPal. Input your Paypal account information and authenticate it with a verification code.

Binance step3 add PayPal and deposit

4. Buy Bitcoin on Binance P2P

Go to Binance P2P under Buy Crypto or Trade. Make sure to select, “Buy”, “BTC”, and your local fiat currency. You can choose PayPal as the method and also filter by amount and region. Click “Buy BTC” next to your chosen ad, enter how much you want, and follow the onscreen instructions to complete your payment through PayPal.

Binance step4 buy Bitcoin

Why Use Binance?

Binance is one of the best platforms to use if you’re interested in buying new and obscure coins as well as Bitcoin. The advanced tools, indicators, and derivatives also provide everything an experienced trader needs.

The benefit of using Binance P2P to purchase Bitcoin with PayPal is that there are no fees—once you choose an offer with an exchange rate you’re happy with, there will be no other cost added to it.

Users will need to be wary of possible scams when dealing directly with sellers through Binance P2P. However, your funds will be held securely in escrow and you should not release them until you receive your Bitcoin. Less experienced users can also switch to the Express tab for a simplified Bitcoin P2P trading process.

Once you’ve bought Bitcoin on Binance, you have the opportunity to use Binance Earn to generate interest on it through a savings account, liquidity farming, or DeFi staking. Read our full Binance review.

Pros

  • 600+ other cryptocurrencies available

  • Technical analysis tools available in Spot trading

  • No fees for P2P trading

  • Simplified P2P process for beginners

  • All P2P sellers have been verified through KYC

  • Earn interest on your Bitcoin

  • Educational resources

  • Mobile app

Cons

  • Limited order types compared with Spot trading

  • You may not get the best exchange rate

  • Regulatory issues in some places

4. Buy Bitcoin With PayPal on Paxful

If you’re looking to acquire Bitcoin without an ID or a bank account, then Paxful is the top platform for purchasing BTC anonymously with PayPal. Paxful is a people-powered platform that aims to provide everyone with equal access to the global economy.

How to Buy Bitcoin With PayPal on Paxful

1. Create a free account

Click the “Register” button at the top of the page and provide either your phone number or email address. Create a strong, unique password and click “Create Account”.

Paxful step1 sign up

2. Verify your account

You will need to verify your email address and phone number by entering the verification codes you receive by email and text. Depending on where you live, you may have to verify your identity to access all of Paxful’s features, but you can buy BTC with PayPal from some vendors straight away without going through KYC.

Paxful step2 verify account

3. Choose a vendor

Click “Buy” and select “Buy Bitcoin”. You can find vendors that accept PayPal by selecting it under the “Pay via” filter on the left. Choose your preferred vendor and hit the Buy button.

Paxful step3 fund account

4. Buy Bitcoin

Enter how much Bitcoin you want to purchase in either BTC or your local currency. Click the “Buy now” button and follow the instructions on the next page to send the agreed amount to the vendor via PayPal. Click “Paid” when done and you should receive your Bitcoin.

Paxful step4 buy Bitcoin

Why Use Paxful?

While many people are excluded from the traditional financial system, Paxful provides somewhere for anyone to trade crypto via PayPal and over 350 other payment methods. You can even buy Bitcoin anonymously, without an ID or a bank account.

With millions of users and billions in global volume, there is always high liquidity on Paxful. There is a wide range of vendors to choose from on the platform offering different exchange rates and limits.

Paxful doesn’t charge you any fees when you purchase Bitcoin, but the seller sets the exchange rate and may choose to add more of a mark-up depending on your verification status, payment method, local currency, and order size.

As with any P2P trading, you should be cautious about users with nefarious intentions, but as long as you follow the instructions and keep trades within Paxful, your funds will be secured by escrow.

Pros

  • More accessible than many platforms

  • Buy Bitcoin anonymously

  • High liquidity

  • No fees

  • Escrow

  • Free wallet

  • Mobile app

Cons

  • Users must watch out for scammers

  • More complicated to use than other platforms

  • You may not get the best exchange rate

5. Buy Bitcoin on PayPal Directly

Since 2021, it has also been possible to buy Bitcoin and a few other cryptocurrencies (Ethereum, Litecoin and Bitcoin Cash) directly through the PayPal platform. This is an easy and accessible way of purchasing BTC for anyone with a PayPal account.

How to Buy Bitcoin on PayPal Directly

1. Create a free Paypal account on the Paypal website

If you don’t already have any PayPal accounts, click the “Sign Up” button, select “Personal Account”, and provide your name, and email address, and create a password. You’ll be asked to enter your address, phone number, and date of birth on the next screen to complete your profile. After that, you can link your credit/debit card and/or bank account to start sending money with PayPal.

Paypal direct step1 sign up

2. Confirm if you are within the USA or not

When you go to the crypto section and click “Buy”, you will be asked to confirm whether or not you are a US citizen. The next page will tell you some things to know before buying crypto and you will need to tick the box to confirm that you understand the risks.

Paypal direct step2 USA verification

3. Verify your identity

You will be prompted to confirm your identity before you can buy crypto. Click “Get Started” and complete your personal information on the next page. If asked to provide a photo ID, select your ID type and upload an image of it.

Paypal direct step3 verify account

4. Buy Bitcoin

Click “Bitcoin” and hit the “Buy” button. You will need to select or enter the amount you wish to purchase, then click “Next”. Choose your funding source and click “Next”. You will need to review the transaction and fees. If you are satisfied, click “Agree and Buy”.

Paypal direct step4 buy Bitcoin

Why Use PayPal?

PayPal users who want to gain exposure to Bitcoin but don’t yet have the knowledge or confidence to make an account on a crypto platform will find PayPal’s new crypto features a quick and convenient way to make a BTC purchase.

There are educational articles on PayPal to help beginners learn more about crypto and you can purchase as little as £1 worth of Bitcoin if you just want to dip your toe in the crypto waters. PayPal lets you track real-time Bitcoin prices and you can sell or withdraw your BTC whenever you want.

Those who aren’t complete beginners may find PayPal’s crypto features somewhat lacking, however, as there are only three other cryptocurrencies available and there are no tools for more advanced trading.

It’s also useful to know about fees before deciding whether to buy Bitcoin on PayPal directly. When buying or selling crypto, PayPal will charge you a spread, as well as a fee of at least 1.5%, which can be much higher for small purchases. You can withdraw your BTC to a private wallet but you will need to pay a network fee which could be high when the network is busy.

Pros

  • Very quick and easy to buy Bitcoin

  • More convenient than some crypto platforms

  • Low trade minimum

  • Some educational resources

  • Accessible to anyone with a PayPal account

Cons

  • Lack of charts and trading tools

  • No choice of order types

  • Only 3 other cryptocurrencies are available

  • Fees can be significant for small purchases

  • Withdrawal fees can be high

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Why Should I Buy Bitcoin With PayPal?

Speed

With PayPal, you can send money in a matter of seconds. There is no need to wait around for funds to clear, so you can get your Bitcoin pretty much immediately. Withdrawing funds after you sell your Bitcoin can also be much faster with PayPal than other payment methods. You can even activate One Touch if you want to stay logged in to your PayPal account to make transactions even faster.

Easy to use

PayPal is one of the simplest ways to pay. There is no need to enter card numbers or account information every time you make a Bitcoin purchase. If you already have a funding source linked to your PayPal account, all you need to do is enter your PayPal password to log into your PayPal account. After that, PayPal will complete the payment for you, and the funds will be transferred to your account immediately.

Convenience

You also avoid the hassle of currency conversion when you use PayPal, and it’s easy to set up recurring payments with PayPal, as well as one-time purchases. As well as crypto platforms, there are millions of other online stores that accept PayPal, so you can use PayPal for pretty much anything, without needing to switch between different payment methods.

Security

PayPal uses end-to-end encryption to secure your data. As PayPal processes the payment, your bank or card details are never shared with the exchange you use. You also have the option to set up a PayPal security key which means two-factor authentication is required every time you make a purchase.

Protection

PayPal constantly monitors your transactions to detect any suspicious activity and protect you from fraud. On top of protecting your account, PayPal provides Purchase Protection. If you are charged for a transaction you didn’t make, or you don’t get what you paid for, you can simply raise a claim online, and PayPal will give you a full refund if you are eligible.

Disadvantages of Buying Bitcoin With PayPal

Fees

The fees associated with using PayPal depend on the platform. Although you can make deposits for free on eToro, you will find yourself facing higher fees on Coinbase when using PayPal than when using other methods. The fees for buying Bitcoin directly on the PayPal platform can also be significant, especially for smaller purchases.

Availability

Whether or not you can use PayPal to buy Bitcoin depends on your location. US customers have quite a few choices, including all the ones listed in this guide. However, UK users are unable to make PayPal deposits on eToro, and Coinbase only allows customers in the UK and Europe to use PayPal for cashing out. So far, PayPal has only rolled out its Cryptocurrency Hub services to the US and the UK.

Account freezes

Although PayPal’s security mechanisms can be good for protecting customers from fraud, they can also be an inconvenience if PayPal deems genuine transactions to be suspicious. PayPal has been known to withhold payments and freeze users’ accounts without warning, which can be disruptive.

Buying Bitcoin on PayPal vs Crypto Exchange vs P2P

The different types of platforms where you can buy Bitcoin with PayPal all offer quite different trading experiences. There are pros and cons to each method, and to help you decide which is right for you, we’ve discussed some important factors to consider below.

Fees

Buying through PayPal directly can involve significant fees. The exchange rate will include a spread, and you will also be charged a transaction fee of at least 1.5% on each purchase. Buying just £1 of BTC on PayPal, for example, incurs a fee of £0.50—which is a hefty 50%.

You can buy Bitcoin on Paxful or Binance P2P without paying any fees, but as the seller sets the price, you could find yourself paying a significant markup on the actual market price of BTC.

Some exchanges and crypto brokers charge low fees. Coinbase, for example, charges just 0.6% or less on top of spread when you buy Bitcoin. However, depositing to Coinbase via PayPal involves a 2.5% fee and using PayPal to pay for a purchase directly on Coinbase triggers a 3.99% fee.

Depending on the size of your purchase, the cheapest option may therefore be eToro, which doesn’t charge any fees for PayPal deposits and charges just 1% plus spread for each Bitcoin purchase.

Features and Tools

Although PayPal provides market information and educational content, it is somewhat lacking in crypto trading and investing features. There is no choice of order types and no tools for technical analysis.

Peer-to-peer platforms also tend to be lacking in order types and charting tools, although if you buy through Binance P2P, you can make use of the analysis tools on the spot trading charts and take advantage of features such as savings accounts once you’ve purchased Bitcoin.

Exchanges and brokers tend to be the most feature-rich types of platforms. Both Coinbase and eToro provide charts and tools for technical analysis. Coinbase also has a recurring buys feature, while eToro has a unique CopyTrader feature for replicating the actions of the world’s best Bitcoin traders.

User experience

This is a subjective factor that depends on what you want to get out of your Bitcoin buying experience. PayPal’s crypto features are very user-friendly and convenient if you want a fast way of making very simple Bitcoin transactions.

Most people find P2P platforms to be the least user-friendly as the process is less intuitive and requires some understanding of concepts such as escrow.

eToro and Coinbase both provide clear, intuitive platforms that are accessible for beginners but also provide enough advanced features to satisfy more experienced users.

Security

Peer-to-peer trading can raise security concerns as it involves dealing directly with individuals, some of whom may attempt to perpetrate scams. The use of escrow and following the recommendations of the platform ought to keep you safe, but P2P users should always be cautious.

PayPal is good as a secure payment method as it doesn’t share your bank or card details with third parties. However, if you want to buy Bitcoin directly through PayPal, you should know that PayPal stores users’ crypto in omnibus accounts and there is no information about how these are secured.

Coinbase and eToro both store the majority of their crypto holdings in cold wallets, which are the most secure form of storage. Both platforms also use industry-leading security practices to protect accounts and have crypto insurance.

Pros and Cons of Using PayPal to Buy Crypto

Pros

  • Speed: PayPal is one of the fastest payment options ,enabling you to start trading with your funds immediately.
  • Convenience: PayPal already has your card or bank details, so all you need to do is enter your PayPal password to complete the transaction.
  • Some coins can be purchased direct: If you want buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, or Bitcoin Cash, you can easily acquire them directly on PayPal.
  • Ease of use: PayPal is a very user-friendly platform that makes the process seamless.

Cons

  • Lack of acceptance: Not that many crypto platforms accept PayPal as a payment method, especially outside the US.
  • Transaction limit: Those without a verified account can only send a one-time payment of up to $4,000, while those with a verified account could be limited to $10,000 in a single transaction.
  • No protection: Cryptocurrencies are likely to be ineligible for PayPal’s Buyer Protection Program.

Buying Bitcoin Anonymously Using PayPal

As regulators and law enforcement agencies around the world wise up to Bitcoin and attempt to crack down on illicit crypto activities, it is becoming increasingly difficult to buy Bitcoin anonymously, with more and more platforms requiring identity verification as part of their Know Your Customer (KYC) process.

It is still possible to buy Bitcoin anonymously, however, through P2P platforms like Paxful. You need to complete identity verification to access all of Paxful’s features but you can purchase BTC from certain vendors with methods such as PayPal even without verifying your identity.

To ensure anonymity, you would need to create a new email address to use with Paxful. Although PayPal won’t share your details with Paxful, most PayPal users still go through identity verification on PayPal in order to connect a funding source.

The only way to avoid the need for a bank account or credit/debit card on PayPal is to pay using your PayPal balance. If you receive payments through PayPal, you can use these funds to pay for things such as Bitcoin purchases without going through PayPal’s identity verification.

Trading on unregulated P2P marketplaces can be risky, however. If you’re not doing anything illegal, then spending a few minutes verifying your identity on a regulated platform will provide a safer and easier way of buying crypto. What’s more, regulated platforms also tend to provide better features and customer service.

Global Regulations for Buying Bitcoin With PayPal

KYC or “Know Your Customer” is the identification process most exchanges and brokers deploy to verify a customer is who they say they are.

To satisfy these requirements, customers are typically required to provide a photographic ID like a passport or driver’s licence, and in some cases, they will need to prove their address with a utility bill or something similar.

As a global financial services provider, PayPal itself is bound to comply with all laws and regulations regarding Anti-Money Laundering (AML). Exchanges and brokers are also financial services providers and depending on their region, need to comply with the same laws.

When purchasing Bitcoin from a crypto exchange or broker, you will generally be subject to a verification procedure, regardless of the payment method.

United Kingdom

The Money Laundering Regulations 2017 is the law that determines KYC requirements in the UK. With oversight from the European Joint Money Laundering Steering Group, financial services providers in the UK are required by law to comply with standard KYC and AML regulations.

In the UK, Bitcoin can be purchased with PayPal at a reputable brokerage platform or OTC desk. PayPal is not available as a payment option for most cryptocurrency exchanges in the UK.

It is perfectly legal to buy Bitcoin in the UK, but all cryptocurrencies are unregulated in the UK, meaning investors won’t have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service or the Financial Services Compensation Scheme in the event that things go wrong. This is why it is important to use a regulated platform that employs strong security measures.

Retail investors are not allowed to trade Bitcoin derivatives in the UK.

USA

At the Federal level, Bitcoin is not considered a security by the SEC, meaning securities laws don’t apply, while FinCEN requires cryptocurrency platforms to register and abide by AML/CFT rules.

Laws affecting cryptocurrencies can also be passed at the state level. States such as Maryland and Hawaii have issued warnings about cryptocurrency investing, while other states like Wyoming and Colorado have passed favorable crypto regulations.

You can buy Bitcoin legally in the USA and PayPal is more widely accepted as a payment method on crypto exchanges in the USA.

Is Buying With PayPal Available in My Country?

PayPal is one of the most widely accepted and preferred payment methods in the world. However, some regions still do not accept PayPal as a payment system. This is particularly the case in some developing countries where fraud has been a major problem.

You can look for your country on a list of the countries that support PayPal.

What Limitations Exist for PayPal While Buying Bitcoin?

If you want to buy Bitcoin with PayPal, you may have a limited choice of platforms that you can use. The platforms listed on this page are the best and safest options. However, eToro and Coinbase don’t currently accept PayPal deposits from UK users.

With verified PayPal accounts you can send up to $60,000, though a single transaction may be limited to $10,000.

The minimum amount of Bitcoin you can buy is the lowest when buying directly on PayPal, at just $1. Coinbase also has a low minimum of $2. On eToro, you will need to deposit a minimum of $10 and the minimum trade size is $10 when buying Bitcoin.

When it comes to upper limits, the maximum amount you can deposit to eToro via PayPal in a single transaction is $10,000, which is also the maximum trade size when purchasing Bitcoin.

On Coinbase, users can buy up to $25,000 worth of Bitcoin per day with PayPal, or make deposits to their Coinbase account through PayPal of up to $25,000 per day.

P2P marketplaces don’t tend to have minimum and maximum limits on purchases at a platform level. Instead, each individual seller will set upper and lower limits on the amount of Bitcoin they are willing to sell to you.

What Fees Are Associated With Paypal?

PayPal doesn’t charge you any fees when you use the service to pay for a purchase unless a currency conversion is required.

When buying cryptocurrency including Bitcoin directly on PayPal, the exchange rate quoted includes a spread, and there will be a transaction fee added to each purchase or sale. In the UK, these fees are as follows.

Transaction size

Fee

£1 – £24.99

£0.50

£25 – £100

2.3%

£100.01 – £200

2%

£200.01 – £1,000

1.8%

Over £1,000

1.5%

Crypto platforms may choose to charge a fee on deposits or purchases made via PayPal. These are summarised below.

Platform

PayPal deposit fee

Fee for buying with PayPal

eToro

No fee

n/a

Coinbase

2.5%

3.99%

Binance P2P

n/a

No fee

Paxful

n/a

No fee

It’s worth noting that eToro and Coinbase also charge trading fees when buying any crypto including Bitcoin, regardless of the deposit method used. These are 1% plus spread on eToro and up to 0.6% plus spread on Coinbase.

While Binance P2P and Paxful don’t charge buyers a fee, the seller sets the exchange rate, so purchasing Bitcoin this way could still work out more expensive than buying it on a platform that charges fees.

Why Is PayPal Getting Involved in Crypto?

PayPal has been around much longer than cryptocurrency, but it was well over a decade after Bitcoin’s inception that PayPal finally introduced crypto functionality. In fact, former PayPal CEO Bill Harris described Bitcoin as the “greatest scam in history” back in 2018—so what has changed since then?

PayPal has actually had a relationship with Coinbase since as early as 2016. Then in 2020, the payments giant created a Blockchain Research Group to explore how the technology could be useful to PayPal and its customers.

PayPal then announced the launch of its crypto services in late 2020, stating that the shift towards digital payments was accelerating, with PayPal CEO Dan Schulman saying that digital currencies have “clear advantages in terms of financial inclusion and access”.

The payment services provider partnered with Paxos Trust Company to roll out crypto features in the US, followed by expansion to the UK in 2021. It also received a conditional Bitlicense from the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS).

PayPal’s stated aims include building understanding and adoption of cryptocurrency, increasing the utility of crypto in digital commerce, and exploring and investing in the next generation of financial services infrastructure.

Although PayPal’s crypto features are limited, they are very easy to use, and if these services are rolled out worldwide, PayPal could make crypto more accessible for its hundreds of millions of users.

How to Use Bitcoin to Make Purchases on PayPal

The PayPal platform allows you to use the Bitcoin in your account to make purchases with retail locations and online stores that accept Bitcoin as payment.

When you make a purchase, PayPal will sell your Bitcoin and convert it into the required Fiat currency, USD for example. You will then use that Fiat currency to pay at the online or retail store.

Technically you will never conduct a transaction with Bitcoin through PayPal, instead your Bitcoin will be exchanged for cash to facilitate your transactions within your PayPal wallet.

What mistake should users avoid when attempting to buy cryptocurrency?

"Avoid following somebody else’s advice from YouTube, Reddit, online articles, etc. Always do your own research and have in mind that many people are paid to promote assets and projects online and it isn’t always immediately obvious when this is the case. This will help you build critical thinking in an industry where this is crucial to your success and “survival”. You’ll learn a lot, and knowing you can rely on your own “crypto smarts” is incredibly empowering in long run."
Hristiyan Hristov
Account Management Team Lead at Nexo

Is Buying Bitcoin With PayPal the Best Method?

The best method of buying any crypto including Bitcoin is subjective and will depend on your priorities. Credit cards are a useful way to buy Bitcoin if you want the freedom to pay later or in installments. Debit cards, meanwhile, provide a fast payment solution without the fees or interest charges of credit cards.

Bank transfers provide the cheapest deposit method on many platforms, but you will generally be told to allow up to three days for a bank transfer to be processed. More of the cheapest ways to buy Bitcoin can be found on the in-depth page

PayPal doesn’t charge you any fees for making payments, so if you can find a platform such as eToro that allows free deposits, PayPal can also be a cheap option. You may find PayPal the best way to buy Bitcoin if you want instantaneous speed, the convenience of only needing to enter a password, or anonymity when buying on a P2P marketplace.

Further Tips for Buying Bitcoin With PayPal

Stay secure

If you decide to buy Bitcoin with PayPal, you want to make sure you do so securely to avoid any risk of losing your funds. You should make sure that your PayPal account has a strong, unique password that you change from time to time.

You should always enable two-factor authentication if you have the option—you can do this on PayPal as well as most crypto exchanges and brokers. Finally, make sure to select a regulated and reputable platform that follows industry-best practices when it comes to security.

Find the best deal

It’s natural to want to go to as little expense as possible in the process of acquiring Bitcoin. There are a few things to consider in this respect. If you look at the price of Bitcoin on different platforms, you should be able to see which is offering the best exchange rate. This rate will include a mark-up in the case of P2P marketplaces and a spread in the case of some brokers and exchanges.

Before you can tell which option is the cheapest, however, you will need to take fees into account. Any deposit or transaction fees should be factored into the cost of acquiring Bitcoin, but you may also want to consider any other fees, such as withdrawal or inactivity fees. Once you have found the cheapest platform, you should decide whether it meets your other needs or whether it’s worth spending a little more on fees for a platform with better security and features.

Store your Bitcoin safely

Once you’ve bought some BTC, you’ll want to make sure you keep it somewhere secure, and there is a range of crypto wallets available to suit different needs. The most secure option is to transfer Bitcoin to a hardware wallet. Software wallets that can be downloaded to your smartphone or desktop also provide a fairly secure storage solution, with your private keys being stored on your device.

Those who buy a small amount of BTC and/or intend to make regular trades may find it more convenient to keep their coins in the free web wallet provided by the platform they use. Platforms can be a target for hackers, however, so you should select one that employs security practices such as using cold storage and insuring the crypto it holds. Frequent traders can also opt to transfer Bitcoin to a secure hardware wallet while keeping some available in a web Bitcoin wallet, the best of both worlds.

Selling Your Bitcoin

When you decide to sell your Bitcoin, the process will be pretty similar to buying it. On eToro, for example, you can go to your portfolio, select Bitcoin, and click the close button. As long as you used PayPal for your deposit, you can withdraw your funds to PayPal.

If you bought your Bitcoin on the PayPal platform, you can go to Financials, select Bitcoin, and tap “Sell”. As long as you’ve confirmed your tax information, all you need to do is enter the amount, click “Next”, and “Sell Now”.

Final Thoughts

PayPal is a fast and secure way of making payments worldwide, offering the convenience of a credit card but with lower fees. If you find the right platform, you can use PayPal to purchase crypto including Bitcoin quickly, easily, and even anonymously.

Based on our research, we believe eToro is the best place to buy Bitcoin with PayPal due to its free deposits, competitive fees, strong security, regulation, and innovative features such as copy trading.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Buy Bitcoin With PayPal Anonymously?
Yes. Although most crypto platforms now require identity verification, it is still possible to buy Bitcoin anonymously on some P2P platforms such as Paxful. You will need to create a separate email address and find a vendor willing to accept PayPal from unverified users.
Is It Easy to Buy Bitcoin With PayPal on a Broker?
Yes. Using PayPal to buy Bitcoin for trading purposes on a crypto exchange is a fast and straightforward process. Just be aware, that you will be trading CFDs and not the coins themselves. This enables you exposure to the price of a digital currency without actually owning it.
How to Send Bitcoin From PayPal to Another Bitcoin Wallet?
To withdraw your Bitcoin from PayPal to an external wallet or crypto exchange, log into PayPal, click the transfers button, and hit “Send”. Complete ID verification if necessary and enter your external Bitcoin address. If you have a private wallet, this is your public key, while on a crypto exchange you can find it by clicking the receive button for Bitcoin. Make sure the address you enter is a Bitcoin address and entered correctly, otherwise you could lose your BTC.
Can You Send Bitcoin to Other PayPal Users?
Yes. If your Bitcoin is on PayPal, you can send it to other PayPal users for free. Just click the “Send” button and select which of your PayPal contacts you want to send Bitcoin to.
Does PayPal Charge Fees for when you buy Bitcoin?
PayPal has several fees associated with its financial services but purchase fees are not one of them.This means PayPal will not charge you fees when you buy Bitcoin but you may be charged by the cryptocurrency platform for selecting this payment method. You generally receive charges from PayPal when you carry out international transfers, currency conversions and payments received.
What Risks Are Associated With Buying Bitcoin With PayPal?
There are several risks you will need to consider when setting out to purchase Bitcoin with PayPal. Perhaps the greatest risk you will encounter is in choosing the crypto exchange or broker to use. If you are buying crypto including Bitcoin on an exchange, then there are risks associated with navigating the platform and safely securing your coins in a Bitcoin wallet. PayPal itself is a platform not without risk, being a target of hackers due to the amount of value transferred globally.
Can you use PayPal to withdraw money after selling Bitcoin?
Yes. If your Bitcoin is on PayPal, you can sell it through PayPal directly. On eToro, PayPal is a withdrawal option for clients who used PayPal to fund their accounts. Coinbase users in Canada can use PayPal to sell their Bitcoin, while users in the US, the EU, and the UK can use PayPal to withdraw fiat once they have sold their BTC. If you’re selling Bitcoin on a P2P marketplace, you can choose to accept PayPal as a method of payment.
Can I buy Bitcoin with PayPal with no ID or Verification?
It is possible to buy Bitcoin using PayPal and without ID, it is however a little more difficult. Exchanges use identification like a driving license to check if you are who you say you are, this makes it more difficult for criminals. Some platforms will offer means of verification with other methods, but it's likely there will be some KYC detail required. The place to buy without ID is on a Peer to Peer exchange which allows users to buy directly from one another.
Can I buy Bitcoin with PayPal instantly?
Bitcoin can be purchased pretty instantly but it's likely that a first-time purchase will go slower. With most exchanges, you will need to fund your account first, once you have your account set up and funded it only takes a couple of taps to buy instantly.
Do I need to open a PayPal account in order to Bitcoin with PayPal?
You will need to set up a PayPal account in order to buy Bitcoin directly through Paypal. You will also need a PayPal account if you wish to use it as a payment method when buying through other platforms such as crypto exchanges or brokers.
Can I buy Bitcoin through the PayPal app?
Yes, you can use the PayPal app to directly buy a number of cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin and Bitcoin Cash. In addition, PayPal app users can also read educational information about crypto.
Can you buy Bitcoin with PayPal in the UK?
Yes, you can buy Bitcoin with PayPal in the UK. PayPal recently launched its new service to UK customers, where you can purchase as little as £1 of crypto, including Bitcoin. You can also store and sell Bitcoin on PayPal.
Can I buy crypto with PayPal on Coinbase?
Coinbase users in the US can use PayPal for both deposits and direct crypto purchases on Coinbase. However, Coinbase users in the UK and Europe can only use PayPal to cash out.
What crypto can I buy with PayPal?
This depends on which platform you use. If buying directly on PayPal, you can only buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, or Bitcoin Cash, whereas if you use PayPal to buy crypto on Coinbase, you will have a choice of more than 150 cryptocurrencies.
Where can I buy crypto with PayPal?
You can buy crypto with PayPal on the platforms reviewed in this article. You can use any of these platforms in the US, but in the UK, PayPal itself is one of the few reliable options and you can use your PayPal balance.
What crypto exchanges accept PayPal?
eToro and Coinbase both accept PayPal, and Binance does on its P2P platform. eToro provides the most convenient way to buy crypto with PayPal, with free deposits.
Can I buy a PayPal gift card with crypto?
Yes, it is possible to buy PayPal gift cards using different crypto, and there are many sites that offer this service. You will however need to be careful as gift cards can often be subject to being involved with scams. Be sure to fully research any site you are considering buying from and if in any doubt it's probably safer to buy from a local retailer.
Can I buy crypto with PayPal using a credit card?
Yes, it is possible to use a credit card to buy crypto and this can also be done by attaching your credit card to your PayPal account and paying through that.
Do any crypto wallets accept PayPal?
eToro, Coinbase, and Binance all provide web wallets where users can store their crypto, and they all accept PayPal as a payment method.
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