Can You Use PayPal on Amazon? What To Know

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Ever tried buying something on Amazon and wished you could pay directly through PayPal? You’re not alone in asking, “Can you use PayPal on Amazon?” The short answer: Amazon doesn’t officially take PayPal at checkout.

But if you have a PayPal balance you’re itching to spend, don’t worry — there are still a few clever ways around this limitation.

Below, we’ll explain why Amazon doesn’t accept PayPal, plus the best workarounds for getting your PayPal funds onto Amazon orders.

Does Amazon Accept PayPal?

No, not directly. Amazon’s accepted payment methods include credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, etc.), Amazon Gift Cards and certain Buy Now, Pay Later services like Affirm. PayPal remains off that list.

Why People Want to Use PayPal on Amazon

1. PayPal Balance: Maybe you have leftover money from eBay sales or freelance gigs.
2. Buyer Protection: PayPal often provides a sense of extra security.
3. Credit Lines: Some enjoy PayPal’s credit options, hoping to tap them for Amazon purchases.

There are several reasons why Amazon doesn’t accept PayPal for purchases. Amazon has its own payment option, Amazon Pay, which is a direct competitor of PayPal. Also, PayPal was once owned by eBay — a direct competitor of Amazon. Also, Amazon prefers direct payments because they want to keep transactions in-house.

How to Use PayPal on Amazon (Workarounds)

Using your PayPal cash card, linking PayPal to your credit or debit card, using gift cards that you’ve bought with PayPal or using your PayPal key are some ways to workaround Amazon’s no PayPal payment policy. 

Using PayPal Cash Card

The PayPal Cash Card works on Amazon like any debit card. You can link your PayPal Cash Card by logging into Amazon, clicking on “Your Account,” selecting ‘Payment Options,” and adding your PayPal Cash Card. After you enter the details of your card, then add your card.  

What are the steps to pay with a PayPal Cash Card? 

• Step 1: Add items to your Amazon cart.
• Step 2: Proceed to checkout.
• Step 3: Under “Payment Method,” select the PayPal Cash Card.
• Step 4: Confirm the payment and place your order.

Linking PayPal to a Credit or Debit Card

If you have a credit or debit card linked to PayPal, you can use it on Amazon. You can use this linked credit or debit card like any other form of payment. 

Here’s how to add this PayPal-linked credit or debit card: 

• Login: Log in to your Amazon account. 
• Go to your account: Navigate to payment options. 
• Click on payment method: Select credit or debit card. 
• Enter your linked PayPal credit/debit card: Enter details like your card number, expiration date and CVV. 
• Click to add your card: Add your linked PayPal credit/debit card. 

There are pros and cons to this approach.

Pros 

• Works like a normal card: Amazon will have no issue with payment. 
• Quick method: It is an easy payment method to use. 
• Potential to earn rewards: If you’ve linked to a PayPal Cashback or PayPal Extras card, you can earn rewards. 

Cons 

• It isn’t a direct PayPal payment: You’re using your card, not your PayPal balance. 
• No PayPal buyer protection: You are buying from Amazon. Amazon’s policies apply. 
• Not all PayPal linked cards are acceptable: Some prepaid cards won’t work. 

Buying Amazon Gift Cards with PayPal

You can use your Amazon gift card that you purchased with PayPal. These can be purchased from the following places:

• PayPal.com
• Local retailers like CVS, Walmart, grocery stores and Best Buy
• eBay.com

Use trusted retailers to buy your Amazon gift card.

How do you use your Amazon Gift card to make a purchase?

Here is the step-by-step process to use your Amazon gift card: 

Step 1: Buy an Amazon gift card from a retailer.Step 2: Receive the gift card via email or a printed receipt.Step 3: Log in to Amazon and go to “Your Account” and select “Gift Cards.”Step 4: Click “Redeem a Gift Card” and enter the claim code.Step 5: Your gift card balance will be added to your Amazon account.Step 6: At checkout, select “Amazon Gift Card Balance” as the payment method.

Final Take to GO

So, does Amazon take PayPal? Officially no, but that doesn’t have to stop you. PayPal Cash Card or Amazon gift cards purchased via PayPal are two of the best ways to harness your PayPal balance for Amazon orders. If you prefer credit rewards, you can add a PayPal-linked credit card instead.

Next Steps:

1. Pick a Workaround: Decide which method suits your spending pattern — Cash Card or gift cards.
2. Add Payment Info: Update your Amazon “Payment Options” with the new card or redeem your gift card.
3. Confirm: At checkout, pick the newly added method.
4. Track: Keep an eye on your statements to ensure charges go as intended.

Looking to make the most of your online shopping? With these steps in mind, you can still leverage your PayPal resources for Amazon purchases — no direct acceptance needed!

Information is accurate as of March 10, 2025.

Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.

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