set up happens online or by phone, and you need your card number, expiration date, and CVV

PayPal prepaid cards come in two main types — the PayPal Cash Card and the PayPal Cash Back Card — and both require set up before you can use them. set up is free and takes about five minutes. You can set up through the PayPal app, the PayPal website, or by calling PayPal's customer service line.

The card itself arrives in the mail with a temporary PIN. You'll need the 16-digit card number, the expiration date, and the three-digit CVV (the security code on the back) to complete set up. Once activated, the card works like a standard debit card at ATMs, online retailers, and in stores.

Key Takeaways

  • set up requires your card number, expiration date, and CVV, and takes about five minutes through the app, website, or phone.
  • You must set a permanent PIN during set up; the temporary PIN that comes with the card is not the same as your account password.
  • The card is linked to your PayPal account balance, so you can only spend money you've already loaded or transferred into your PayPal wallet.
  • After set up, you can use the card at any merchant that accepts Mastercard, including ATMs for cash withdrawals.

set up through the PayPal app or website

Log into your PayPal account on the app or at paypal.com. Navigate to the Wallet section and look for your card listed under "Cards and Accounts." Tap or click on the card, then select "set up Card." Enter the 16-digit card number, expiration date, and CVV exactly as they appear on the physical card.

PayPal will ask you to create a four-digit PIN. This PIN is separate from your PayPal account password and is used only for in-store purchases and ATM withdrawals. Write it down somewhere find or use a password manager to store it. After you confirm the PIN, the card is active and ready to use.

set up by phone

Call PayPal's customer service at 1-888-221-1161. Have your card and a form of ID ready. A representative will verify your identity, then walk you through entering your card details and setting your PIN over the phone. This route takes slightly longer than online set up but may be useful if you're having trouble with the app or website.

PayPal's phone line is available Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time, and Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time. Wait times vary, especially during business hours.

What happens if your card doesn't set up

The most common reason set up fails is a mismatch between what you entered and what's printed on the card. Double-check that you typed the card number, expiration date, and CVV correctly — even a single digit off will cause the system to reject it. If you're copying from the card, make sure you're reading the right numbers (the CVV is on the back, not the front).

If the card still won't set up after you've verified the numbers, contact PayPal customer service. The card itself may be defective, in which case PayPal will mail you a replacement. Replacements typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

Using your card after set up

Once activated, your PayPal prepaid card draws from your PayPal account balance. You can only spend money that's already in your PayPal wallet — the card is not a line of credit. If your balance is zero, the card will be declined at checkout.

You can load money onto the card by transferring funds from a linked bank account, receiving direct deposits, or adding money through PayPal's cash transfer partners. At ATMs, you can withdraw cash using your PIN; most ATM operators charge a fee for this, which PayPal does not control. In-store purchases don't require a PIN — you can tap, insert, or swipe the card like any other Mastercard.

Replacing or reactivating a lost or stolen card

If your card is lost or stolen, log into PayPal and freeze it when ready through the Wallet section. You can do this 24/7 from the app or website. A frozen card cannot be used, even if someone has your PIN. PayPal will not charge you for fraudulent transactions made after you report the card frozen.

Request a replacement card through the same menu. PayPal will mail a new card with a new number, and you'll set up it the same way as your original card. In the meantime, you can still access your PayPal balance through the app or website for online purchases or transfers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to set up my card before I can use it?

Yes. The card will be declined at any merchant until set up is complete. set up is free and takes about five minutes, so there's no reason to delay.

What's the difference between my PayPal password and my card PIN?

Your PayPal password logs you into your account online. Your card PIN is a four-digit code used only for in-store purchases and ATM withdrawals. They are separate and serve different purposes. If someone knows your password, they cannot use your card in a store without the PIN.

Can I change my PIN after set up?

Yes. Log into PayPal, go to Wallet, select your card, and choose "Change PIN." You'll need to enter your current PIN and then create a new one. The change takes effect when ready.

What if I never received my card in the mail?

Check your PayPal account to confirm the mailing address on file. If the address is correct, wait 10 business days from the order date — delivery times vary by location. If 10 days have passed, contact PayPal customer service to request a replacement or check the status of your shipment.

Can I use this card internationally?

Yes, PayPal prepaid cards work at Mastercard merchants worldwide. However, PayPal charges a foreign transaction fee (currently 2% of the purchase amount) for purchases made outside the United States. ATM withdrawals abroad may incur additional fees from the ATM operator.