In this article, we answer “Can I open a US PayPal account?”
The short answer is “yes” – but there are a few important nuances and hurdles you’ll have to overcome as a non-resident.
If you’re looking for a step-by-step guide on how to create a US PayPal account, you can click here to start the process of opening an account.
Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to the sections most relevant to you.
Table of Contents
- Can I Open a US PayPal Account?
- What Are the Benefits of US PayPal Accounts?
- How to Open a US PayPal Account?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ready to Explore Your Options?
Can I Open a US PayPal Account?
Yes, you can open a US PayPal account as a foreign non-resident. However, if you want to open a personal US PayPal account, you will need an SSN. Alternatively, if you want to open a US PayPal account for a business, you can do this with an ITIN and EIN for the company. US address, phone, and several supporting documents are also required.
Alternatively, if you’re searching for international banking opportunities and are curious if you can refinance with the same bank, you can click this link to get your answer immediately.
What Are the Benefits of US PayPal Accounts?
There are a number of benefits that you can unlock when you open a US PayPal account. But the following three benefits are among the most important for most people considering opening an account. We’ll take a look at each of these in more detail below.
- An efficient way to send money
- You can link your bank account directly to PayPal
- You can link your credit card directly to PayPal
Efficient Way to Send Money
One of the biggest benefits of opening a US PayPal account is the ease with which you can send money internationally. And, at face value, PayPal offers a very cost-effective way of sending international transfers. That said, depending on the currencies you intend to use when you open a US PayPal account, you may find that the foreign currency exchange rates are significantly higher than other international options.
You Can Link Your Bank Account
Another important benefit is that both individuals and businesses can directly link their US PayPal account to their US bank account. This provides multiple advantages. First, it enables greater financial security as it protects your sensitive bank account information when sending transfers to third parties. Second, directly linking your bank account to PayPal means that you can quickly (and affordably) send international transfers, even if your bank does not offer a cost-effective or efficient method for doing this directly.
You Can Link Your Credit Card
Similarly, another key benefit you can unlock when you open a US PayPal account is that you can connect your US credit card directly to your account. This provides similar benefits to connecting your bank account, including both security and efficiency.
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How to Open US PayPal Accounts?
In this section of the article, we’re going to share the step-by-step process to open a US PayPal account.
Please note: The specific documents and proofs that you provide will depend on your country of citizenship, country of residence, ties to the United States, and the availability of tax identification numbers in the United States.
Setting Up PayPal Account Step-By-Step Process
- Select Account Type: Individual or Business
- Select Your Country/Region: e.g. United States
- Insert Your Email Address
- Insert Your Phone (VOIP numbers not accepted)
- Verify Security Code: SMS or Call
- Complete Login Details
- Complete Profile Information
- Link Your Payment Card
- Verify Your Email Address
- Access Your Account
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are three of the most common questions that we receive from people asking “can I open a US PayPal account?”. If you have further questions you would like answered, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly.
Can Foreigners Open US PayPal Accounts?
Yes, foreigners can open US PayPal accounts. However, if they want to open a personal US PayPal account they will need an SSN. Alternatively, if they want to open a US PayPal account for a business they will need to provide both an ITIN and an EIN for the company.
How Do I Verify My US PayPal Account?
To verify your US PayPal account, you will need to log in to your US PayPal account navigate to the “Get Verified” menu item, and choose the type of verification you want to use. You can then provide the necessary information and complete the process.
Do You Need a US Bank Account for PayPal?
You do not need a US bank account for PayPal. In fact, you can use PayPal without connecting it to a bank account. That said, if you want to connect a bank account to a US PayPal account, you will need to use a US bank account as foreign accounts are not accepted.
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