Adding a gift card to PayPal allows you to use it for online payments, purchases, and money transfers. However, not all gift cards are directly supported. Prepaid gift cards from Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover can be linked to PayPal like a debit or credit card, but store-specific gift cards (Amazon, Walmart, Starbucks) cannot be added.
To successfully add a gift card, ensure it has a valid billing address and enough balance to cover any small authorization charge. If PayPal does not accept your card, alternative methods like buying a PayPal gift card, transferring through Venmo, or adding it to a mobile wallet can help. Follow the step-by-step guide below to link your prepaid gift card to PayPal and start using it for payments.
Can You Add a Gift Card to PayPal?
Yes, you can add a prepaid gift card to PayPal if it has a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover logo. These work the same way as debit or credit cards when linked to your PayPal account. However, store-specific gift cards like Amazon, Walmart, or Starbucks gift cards cannot be directly added to PayPal.
PayPal’s policy on gift cards:
- Accepted: Prepaid gift cards with major payment network logos (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Discover).
- Not Accepted: Store-brand gift cards that can only be used at a specific retailer.
- Billing Address Requirement: Some gift cards must have a registered billing address to work.
If your gift card is declined, it may be due to insufficient funds, an unregistered billing address, or PayPal’s system not recognizing the card type. In such cases, you can use alternative methods to access your gift card balance through PayPal.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Add a Gift Card to PayPal
Step 1: Check if Your Gift Card is Eligible
Make sure your gift card is branded with Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. If it’s a store gift card, it cannot be linked directly.
Step 2: Log Into Your PayPal Account
Visit PayPal.com or open the PayPal app. Sign in to your account using your email and password.
Step 3: Navigate to the Wallet Section
Click on “Wallet” in the top menu. On mobile, tap the three-line menu and select “Wallet.”
Step 4: Add a Debit or Credit Card
- Click “Link a Card.”
- Select “Debit or Credit Card” (this applies to prepaid gift cards too).
Step 5: Enter Gift Card Details
- Type the 16-digit card number, expiration date, and CVV.
- Use your billing address (some prepaid cards require address registration).
- Click “Link Card.”
Step 6: Confirm and Use Your Gift Card
Once linked, your gift card balance will be used for PayPal transactions until the funds run out. If your card is declined, check the balance and make sure the card is activated.
If your gift card doesn’t work, consider buying a PayPal gift card, transferring funds to a digital wallet, or using Venmo as an alternative method.
Why Can’t I Add My Gift Card to PayPal? (Common Issues & Fixes)
If PayPal is not accepting your gift card, it could be due to one of the following reasons:
1. Gift Card Not Supported
PayPal only accepts prepaid gift cards with a Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, or Discover logo. Store-specific gift cards (Amazon, Walmart, Target) cannot be linked directly. If you’re trying to add a store gift card, use an alternative method (covered in the next section).
2. Billing Address Mismatch
Some prepaid gift cards require a registered billing address before they can be added to PayPal. If your card is declined, go to the issuer’s website and register it with your name and address.
3. Insufficient Balance
PayPal may charge a temporary $1 authorization fee to verify the card. If your gift card has an exact balance of $10, $25, or another full amount, it might be rejected due to this fee. Ensure your card has at least $1 extra before adding it.
4. Already Linked to Another PayPal Account
A gift card can only be linked to one PayPal account at a time. If you see an error message saying your card is already in use:
- Log into the other PayPal account where it was added.
- Remove the card from Wallet > Linked Cards section.
- Try adding it again to your preferred PayPal account.
How to Use a Gift Card on PayPal Even If It’s Not Directly Supported
If PayPal does not accept your gift card, you can still use it for PayPal transactions through these workarounds:
1. Transfer Gift Card Balance to Venmo and Link Venmo to PayPal
- Venmo accepts store gift cards (Amazon, Walmart, etc.).
- Add your gift card to Venmo and send the balance to your PayPal-linked bank account.
- Use the transferred funds for PayPal payments.
2. Buy a PayPal Digital Gift Card
- Many retailers sell PayPal gift cards that can be redeemed directly in your PayPal account.
- Purchase a PayPal gift card using your store gift card and apply the balance to your account.
3. Add the Gift Card to a Mobile Wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay) and Link It to PayPal
- Apple Pay and Google Pay allow store gift cards.
- Add your gift card to one of these wallets and then link that wallet to PayPal as a payment method.
4. Use a Third-Party Gift Card Exchange to Convert the Balance to PayPal Cash
- Some platforms allow you to trade gift cards for PayPal balance.
- Be sure to use a trusted exchange to avoid scams.
How to Check If Your Gift Card Balance is Sufficient for PayPal
Before adding a gift card to PayPal, confirm that the card has enough balance to cover transactions. PayPal may place a temporary authorization hold of $1 to verify the card, so ensure your balance exceeds the amount you intend to use.
1. How to Check Your Gift Card Balance
- Visit the official website of the gift card provider (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, or Discover).
- Enter the card number and security code to view the balance.
- Some prepaid cards allow balance checks through customer service or mobile apps.
2. Avoiding Transaction Declines Due to Low Balance
If your gift card has an exact amount ($10, $25, etc.), PayPal’s temporary charge may cause payment failure. To avoid this:
- Ensure there is at least $1 extra on the card.
- Use smaller transactions if your balance is near depletion.
- If the card is rejected, try using it for partial payment combined with another funding source.
3. Can You Combine Multiple Gift Cards on PayPal?
PayPal does not allow multiple gift cards to be linked at once, but you can still use them together:
- Add each prepaid gift card individually and use it until the balance runs out.
- Transfer balances to Venmo or a linked bank account, then use that money in PayPal.
- Purchase a PayPal gift card using multiple prepaid cards and redeem it in your account.
Can You Transfer PayPal Funds to a Gift Card?
PayPal does not allow direct withdrawals to store gift cards (Amazon, Walmart, etc.), but you can transfer funds to a prepaid gift card that is linked as a debit card.
1. PayPal’s Rules on Withdrawals to Prepaid Cards
- The prepaid card must be linked to PayPal as a debit card.
- It should have Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or AMEX branding.
- Some cards may not support incoming transfers—check with the issuer.
2. How to Send Money from PayPal to a Gift Card
- Step 1: Go to your PayPal Wallet and select “Transfer Money.”
- Step 2: Choose “Transfer to Your Bank” and select the linked prepaid card.
- Step 3: Enter the amount and confirm the transfer. Standard transfers take 1-3 business days, while instant transfers (for a fee) are processed in minutes.
3. What is the PayPal Cash Card, and How Does It Work?
- The PayPal Cash Card is a reloadable debit card linked to your PayPal balance.
- You can use it like a prepaid gift card for purchases anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
- It allows you to withdraw cash from ATMs and transfer funds without limits.
If PayPal does not allow direct withdrawals to your gift card, consider transferring funds to a linked bank account or another PayPal-supported card before using them.
FAQs About Adding a Gift Card to PayPal
Can I add a Visa gift card to my PayPal account?
Yes, PayPal allows Visa gift cards to be linked as a payment method. The card must have a registered billing address, sufficient balance, and be activated before adding it to PayPal.
Why is my PayPal not accepting my prepaid gift card?
If PayPal rejects your prepaid gift card, it may be due to:
- No billing address registered (some cards require activation with an address).
- Insufficient balance (PayPal may temporarily hold $1 for verification).
- Already linked to another PayPal account (remove it from the other account first).
- Not supported by PayPal (store-specific gift cards cannot be linked).
Does PayPal allow me to withdraw money to a gift card?
PayPal does not allow direct withdrawals to store gift cards like Amazon or Walmart. However, if you have a prepaid Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, or Discover gift card, you may be able to transfer funds to it if it’s linked as a debit card.
Can I use multiple gift cards for one PayPal transaction?
PayPal does not allow linking multiple gift cards at the same time. However, you can:
- Use one gift card until its balance runs out, then switch to another.
- Transfer gift card balances to a PayPal-linked bank account for a combined payment.
- Buy a PayPal gift card with multiple prepaid gift cards and use that for payments.
How do I add a store gift card (Amazon, Walmart, etc.) to PayPal?
Store-specific gift cards cannot be linked directly to PayPal. To use them:
- Buy a PayPal gift card using the store gift card.
- Use the gift card through a linked mobile wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay).
- Sell or exchange the store gift card for PayPal balance through a third-party platform.
What should I do if PayPal says my gift card is already in use?
If your gift card is already linked to another PayPal account, follow these steps:
- Log into the other PayPal account and go to Wallet > Linked Cards.
- Remove the gift card from that account.
- Wait a few minutes, then add it to your preferred PayPal account.
Can I get cash from a PayPal-linked gift card?
No, PayPal does not allow you to withdraw cash directly from a gift card. However, if the gift card is prepaid with Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, or Discover branding, you can:
- Transfer the balance to a bank account and withdraw it.
- Use the gift card through Venmo and cash out from there.
- Spend the gift card balance on PayPal purchases instead.
Conclusion
Adding a gift card to PayPal is simple if it’s a prepaid Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, or Discover card. Store-branded gift cards cannot be linked directly, but there are alternative methods to use them with PayPal.
If your gift card is not working, check for billing address registration, balance issues, or prior linkage to another account. If it’s unsupported, consider buying a PayPal gift card, transferring the balance to a mobile wallet, or using Venmo.
For a smooth experience, always ensure your gift card has enough funds, is activated, and meets PayPal’s acceptance policies. If PayPal updates its rules, check their official website for the latest information.