Can You Add PayPal to Apple Wallet?

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Digital wallets are changing how money is handled, making transactions faster, easier and more secure than ever. With platforms like Apple Pay and PayPal, it’s easy to make purchases or send money. Both payment services offer their own unique benefits, so you may wonder if it’s possible to use the two together. 

How PayPal Works With Apple Wallet: What To Know

You may be relieved to find out that Apple does indeed accept PayPal–if you have a PayPal debit or credit card.

However, you cannot directly add PayPal to your Apple Wallet, nor can it be used to make contactless payments with Apple Pay when you use it at a retailer.

You can, however, select PayPal as your preferred payment method for purchases made in the App Store, iTunes Store, Apple Books Store and Apple Music subscriptions–anywhere you use your Apple ID.

How To Add PayPal to Apple Pay: Step-by-Step Guide

PayPal has an extensive vendor network. It covers a vast number of online shopping destinations around the globe. This guarantees that you’re never far from a vendor that accepts this mode of payment.

Apple Pay is a system loved for its contactless transactions, industry-leading security and safety features and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. Whether you’re buying in-app rewards, shopping on an e-commerce site, picking up groceries or simply paying for your coffee, you have a fast and trusted payment mechanism at your ready disposal.

Setting Up PayPal as a Payment Method in Apple Wallet

You can set up your PayPal debit card in Apple Wallet on your iPhone. Here’s how:

1. Open the Apple Wallet app on your iPhone.
2. Find and tap the “+” button and select “Debit or Credit Card.”
3. You can choose to hold your iPhone near the PayPal credit or debit card or enter the information manually.
4. Follow the steps to complete authentication and link PayPal.

Adding PayPal to Apple Pay via the PayPal App

PayPal can’t be added directly to Apple Pay. However, if you have a PayPal debit card that has been added to your Apple Wallet, you can use that with Apple Pay. Proceed with these steps:

1. In the PayPal App, tap on the “Settings option.
2. Select “Apple Pay.”
3. Choose your PayPal debit or credit card and tap on “Add to Apple Wallet.”
4. Follow the prompts to complete the steps.

Remember that you aren’t able to link PayPal directly to Apple Pay. These steps are for linking your PayPal debit or credit card to Apple Wallet.

How To Use PayPal With Apple Pay for Purchases

Unfortunately, Apple does not allow direct integration of PayPal into the Apple Wallet. If you’d like to make purchases at physical retail stores that accept Apple Pay, you can add a PayPal debit or credit card to Apple Wallet. Here’s how:

1. Launch the Wallet App on your Apple device.
2. Tap on the “+” sign at the top right corner of the screen.
3. Follow the instructions to add your card.
4. You’ll need to fill in your PayPal debit card details.
5. Once you’ve finished, your PayPal debit card will be added to Apple Wallet.

This essentially allows you to access your PayPal balance through Apple Pay, widening your payment options. Of course, you’ll need to add funds to your PayPal account before using it with Apple Pay.

Where You Can Use PayPal

PayPal can be used to make purchases anywhere you’d use your Apple ID, such as the App Store, iTunes, Apple TV+ and other Apple-branded products or services.

If you’re shopping at a store, you can use Apple Wallet if it already has either a PayPal credit or debit card linked. Remember, though, that tapping to pay with PayPal alone isn’t supported.

Managing Payment Preferences

If you’d prefer to use PayPal for your Apple Purchases, you can set this up by going to your iPhone and clicking “Settings.” Next, select “Apple ID” and then “Payment & Shipping.” Finally, you can choose PayPal to be your preferred payment method.

If you’d like to have your PayPal debit or credit card be the default card, simply drag this to the top of your card stack.

Benefits of Using a PayPal Card With Apple Wallet

By adding PayPal to Apple Wallet, you can expand your payment options and embrace a more convenient digital lifestyle. Think of it as a digital super wallet.

It’s like having an all-access pass to secure and swift transactions, regardless of whether the vendor accepts Apple Pay or PayPal. Imagine breezing through checkouts with Apple Pay’s swift contactless payments or tapping into PayPal’s trusted network for your online shopping needs. This fusion doesn’t just make paying easier — it also enriches your overall buying experience.

While you’re making those online purchases, you can rest easy knowing your transactions are encrypted and come with fraud protection.

Furthermore, if your PayPal debit card or credit card has cash back or opportunities to earn bonuses or rewards, you’ll continue earning them as you’re using Apple Pay.

Alternatives If You Can’t Link PayPal to Apple Wallet

If you’d prefer not to use PayPal Cash Card and add it to your Apple Wallet, there are other options to try.

You can open a new bank account and transfer the funds you currently have in PayPal to that account. Then, you can link the debit card that comes with that new account to Apple Pay.

You might also consider other mobile payment methods, such as Samsung Pay or Google Pay, which do offer support for PayPal. This way, you won’t have to rely on a PayPal debit or credit card; you’ll be able to access your PayPal funds directly.

Final Take

While you can’t directly send money from PayPal to Apple Pay, you can add a PayPal Cash Card or a PayPal credit card to Apple Wallet. This allows you to use your PayPal funds through Apple Pay, allowing you to access that money while making payments. 

Your online purchase experience can be greatly improved by using Apple Pay and PayPal together. While there are limitations, you can still enjoy the benefits of both to make shopping convenient and secure.

To get the most out of your transactions, keep these key points in mind: 

• You can’t move funds directly from PayPal to Apple Pay, but you can add your PayPal debit card details to Apple Wallet. 
• Apple accepts PayPal for payments in the App Store, iTunes and other Apple services.
• The PayPal debit card is currently only available to permanent resident U.S.-based PayPal users with a valid Social Security number. If you use PayPal from another country, this method may not be available to you. 

Information is accurate as of March 20, 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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