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Redeem PayPal Gift Card: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Redeem PayPal Gift Card: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
WFHR EditorWFHR Editor
12 min read

Last updated: August 3, 2023

Gift cards have become an increasingly popular way to provide friends and family with flexible present options. One such option is the PayPal gift card, which allows the recipient to use gift cards to redeem their value for a range of products and services online. By purchasing a PayPal gift card, buyers can give the gift of choice to their loved ones, offering them both cash and the freedom to use it however they prefer.

Getting and redeeming a gift card bought from PayPal Gifts is straightforward and user-friendly. After receiving the gift card, the recipient can add it to their PayPal wallet and other credit or debit cards and start using it during checkout. Additionally, even users without a PayPal account can redeem the gift card by entering the card information during checkout, just as they would with a regular credit or debit card.

As we delve into this adventure, we will explore the world of PayPal gift card online codes and their convenience to the online shopping experience. We will discuss the advantages of using PayPal gift cards to shop in stores, how to obtain one, and the steps involved in redeeming them for purchases.

Understanding PayPal Gift Cards

Using PayPal and credit card for online shopping
I AM NIKOM / Shutterstock

PayPal

PayPal is a digital payment system website that allows users to send and receive money online. It has become popular for online shoppers and businesses because it provides a secure and convenient way to pay for goods and services without sharing personal information.

Gift Cards

Gift cards are preloaded with a specific amount of money and can be used as a form of payment at a range of merchants. PayPal gift cards come in different denominations and can be both physical cards or digital codes. Some of the main advantages of using gift cards include:

  • Convenience: They are easy to use in online transactions and eliminate the need to share personal financial information with the seller.
  • Control: Gift cards can help limit and control your spending since you can only spend a fixed amount on the card.
  • Flexibility: They can be used for multiple purchases until the card balance is depleted.

Discover

To redeem extra money from a PayPal gift or credit card with reward points, you need to follow the process below:

  1. You can visit the merchant’s online store where the gift card can be used.
  2. Select your items and proceed to the checkout.
  3. Look for a gift card or voucher code option during the checkout stage.
  4. Enter the 16-digit code from your gift card.
  5. The gift card balance should be applied to your purchase.

Please remember that gift cards cannot be stored in your PayPal Wallet and are automatically redeemed now. Crucial to enter the code when purchasing or shopping online to ensure your gift card is applied correctly.

By understanding the full process of using PayPal gift cards, you can maximize their benefits, get convenience and controlled spending, earn rewards, and enjoy a safer and smoother online shopping experience.

Redeeming the Gift Card

Convert gift cards into cash
Easy cash from gift cards

PayPal Account

To redeem a PayPal gift card, you must first ensure that you have a registered PayPal account. If you don’t have an account, you can sign up for one at paypal.com. Once you’ve created an account, you can link and redeem your gift card to your PayPal account using the following steps:

  1. You can log in to your PayPal account.
  2. Click on “Wallet” in the top menu.
  3. Select “Link a debit or credit card.”
  4. Choose “Link a card manually” if prompted.
  5. Could you enter the gift card information?
  6. Click “Link Card.”

After successfully linking your gift card, you can use it to make purchases through your PayPal account.

Checkout Process

You can go through the merchant’s online checkout process when you’re ready to purchase using your PayPal gift card. Choose “PayPal” as your payment method at the payment selection screen. You’ll be redirected to a PayPal login screen. You can enter your PayPal account details, and the gift card linked to your account will automatically be applied to your purchase. If the gift card balance isn’t enough to cover the entire cost, you must provide another payment method to complete the transaction.

Experience

Using a PayPal gift card for purchases is a seamless and convenient experience. The process is straightforward and streamlined, making it a breeze whether using a desktop website or a mobile app. One key advantage of a PayPal gift card is its added security layer, as your personal financial information is never shared with merchants. Additionally, PayPal’s purchase protection policies offer extra peace of mind for your transactions.

See Related: How to Make $1000 a Month in Passive Income: A Guide

Prepaid Gift Cards and PayPal

Gift card and cash graphic

This section will discuss how prepaid gift cards can be used with PayPal for transactions and the types of cards and rewards the payments platform accepts.

Acceptable Cards

PayPal accepts a range of prepaid cards that can be used for online transactions. Some of the acceptable cards include:

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Discover

These cards can be added to your PayPal account like traditional debit or credit cards.

Note: PayPal does not accept Store-specific gift cards, even if the purchase is made with that store.

PayPal Wallet

To add a third prepaid card or gift card to your PayPal Wallet, follow these steps:

  1. You can log in to your PayPal account.
  2. Click “Link a debit or credit card.”
  3. Choose “Link a card manually” if given the option to link manually or through a bank.
  4. Could you enter the gift card information?
  5. Click “Link Card.”

Once the card is linked, it can be used for transactions during checkout as a payment option, just like other credit or debit cards linked to your account. So that you know, gift cards must be added to your PayPal Wallet before redeeming in-store codes.

Dealing with Issues

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BigTunaOnline / Shutterstock

Error Messages

When encountering error messages while redeeming PayPal gift cards, it’s crucial to understand the cause of the issue. Common issues include:

  • Invalid card information
  • Exceeding redemption limits
  • Technical glitches

To resolve the issue:

  1. Could you double-check the gift card information is entered correctly?
  2. Ensure that you have stayed within all redemption limits.
  3. If the issue persists, contact PayPal customer service at 1-877-569-1148 (within the US) or 1-402-935-2177 (outside the US) for assistance.

Card Registration

During the registration process for a PayPal gift card, you may face issues like:

  • Difficulty in selecting the gift card value or merchant.
  • Inability to load gift card balance.

To overcome these issues:

  1. Please make sure you are visiting the right digital gift card store.
  2. You can choose the merchant and gift card value carefully.
  3. Please get in touch with PayPal’s customer support for more help if registration issues persist.

Transactions

When using a PayPal gift card for transactions, you may come across different issues, such as:

  • The gift card balance needs to reflect during checkout.
  • Disputes or chargebacks with the merchant.
  • Issues with the merchant’s online store.

If you face transaction issues:

  1. Could you verify that the gift card balance is reflected in your email receipt from PayPal and your PayPal account?
  2. In case of disputes or chargebacks with the merchant, please respond to these as soon as possible and try to resolve the issue amicably.
  3. If you have any issues with the merchant’s online store, contact the store’s customer service directly.

In summary, it is crucial to understand the common issues you may come across when dealing with PayPal gift cards. Please follow the recommended steps to resolve these issues and use PayPal’s customer support when needed.

Fees and PayPal Balance

PayPal app

PayPal offers a convenient way to manage your finances and make online transactions. When using cash or a PayPal gift card, it’s crucial to understand the associated fees and how they affect your PayPal balance.

Transaction Fees

You may incur fees when sending or receiving money with a PayPal account. These fees vary depending on the type of transaction and the payment method used. Here’s a breakdown of the standard costs associated with PayPal dealings:

  • PayPal balance or a bank account: No fee
  • Cards (includes gift cards): Fees may apply depending on the transaction and card issuer’s terms

International Transactions

For international cash-only transactions, there are additional fees to be aware of:

  • PayPal balance or a bank account: 5.00%, with a minimum international fee of 0.99 USD and a maximum international fee of 4.99 USD
  • Cards (includes gift cards): Fees may apply depending on the country, transaction, and card issuer’s terms

Redeeming PayPal Gift Cards

When it comes to redeeming funds from a PayPal gift card, you can link it as a payment method by following these steps:

  1. You can log in to your PayPal account.
  2. Click “Link a debit or credit card.”
  3. Select “Link a card manually.”
  4. Could you enter the gift card information?
  5. Choose “Link Card”

As you know, free gift cards with card codes and balances cannot be stored in the PayPal Wallet and redeemed automatically. You’ll need to enter the gift card code when you purchase to make sure the gift card’s balance is applied to the transaction.

When using a PayPal gift card to pay something, please always check the associated fees and make sure you have enough balance to cover paying them. This will help you manage your funds efficiently and avoid any unexpected charges.

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Improving User Experience

Survey sites that pay via PayPal
get paid in cash

Improving user experience while redeeming PayPal gift cards involves several factors, including cookies and personalized ads. This section will discuss how these elements can enhance the overall user experience.

Using Cookies

Cookies are used to improve and customize the user experience when browsing and redeeming PayPal gift cards. These small text files stored on your device help you remember preferences, facilitate your search and navigation, and tailor content to your interests.

To make the most of cookies:

  • You can enable them on your browser for a smoother redemption process.
  • Manage cookie preferences to find the most accurate balance between security and convenience.
  • Clear cookies regularly to protect your privacy

Personalized Ads

Personalized ads can make the site and the gift card redemption process more enjoyable and relevant to each user. By displaying ads related to users’ preferences and browsing history, they are more likely to find the site with the offers and services they need.

To leverage personalized search ads:

  • Opt into personalized ads in your account settings.
  • Please update your interests and ad preferences regularly.
  • You can engage with ads that interest you to help improve targeting.

Manage Preferences

Managing user preferences allows them to tailor the digital gift cards and credit card rewards redemption process to their needs. There are a few ways users can manage their preferences:

  • Could you update personal information for accurate and efficient communication?
  • Please make sure to customize notifications for relevant updates and offers.
  • Set transaction preferences to ensure a secure and efficient checkout process.

The entire experience of redeeming the free PayPal gift cards will be much more user-friendly, secure, and enjoyable through these adjustments.

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