To change the payment method PayPal generally uses for future eligible payments, open Wallet, select a linked payment source, and choose Set as preferred. For a single purchase, choose a source at checkout; for a subscription or other recurring merchant charge, update that merchant’s automatic-payment settings separately. PayPal US instructions are the basis for the paths below, and available options and labels can vary by account and transaction.
Choose the change that matches your payment
| What you want to change | Where to change it | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| The source for one purchase | Payment-method selector at checkout | Choose before completing that payment |
| Your general preferred source | Wallet | Future eligible payments |
| The source for a subscription or merchant agreement | That merchant’s automatic-payment settings | Future charges under that agreement |
These settings are not interchangeable: changing your general preference does not automatically update a recurring merchant agreement.
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Set a general preferred payment method
- If the source you want is not linked to your PayPal account, add it first.
- Open Wallet.
- Select the bank account, card, or eligible PayPal balance you want to use.
- Choose Set as preferred.
PayPal US lists bank accounts, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, and, for accounts with the balance feature, PayPal balance as possible sources. Which methods are available depends on the account and transaction. See PayPal’s list of payment methods.
Choose a method for one checkout
Before completing a purchase, review the payment-method selector and choose from the sources shown. A seller or third-party site may limit which options appear, so a source linked to your account is not necessarily available for every transaction. PayPal explains these variations in its payment-method overview.
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- This card is non-reloadable. No cash or ATM access. Funds do not expire. If available funds remain on your card after the valid thru date has passed, please call customer service for a replacement card. A one-time purchase fee applies at the time of checkout. No fees after purchase.
- Double check if the URL/website is genuine before entering card details online. Do not provide any gift card details (example: claim code) to someone you do not know or trust. There are a variety of scams in which fraudsters try to trick others into paying with gift cards.
- If you believe that your Card has been lost or stolen, notify Mastercard immediately by calling 1-833-791-7288. You will be asked to provide the Gift Card number and other identifying information.
- Use your Mastercard Gift Card in the U.S. everywhere Mastercard debit cards are accepted, including online. Your Amazon.com Balance cannot be used to purchase Mastercard gift cards.
Change the method for a subscription or automatic payment
PayPal uses “automatic payment” for a merchant arrangement that may also be called a subscription, billing agreement, or recurring payment. Manage the source for each relevant merchant separately.
On the PayPal website
- Open Settings, then Payments.
- Choose Subscriptions and saved businesses or, if that is the label shown, Automatic Payments.
- Select the merchant.
- Choose the option to change the payment method, then select or link a card or bank account and save.
In the PayPal app
- Open Accounts.
- Choose Subscriptions and saved businesses.
- Select the merchant and follow the displayed option to change its payment method.
For most automatic payments, PayPal allows a method to be assigned specifically to that merchant. It takes priority for that merchant even if your general preferred method is different. Menu names may vary; follow the labels displayed in your account. See PayPal’s automatic-payment instructions.
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- Mastercard Virtual eGift Cards are designed for online use only. Gift Cards are subject to Terms and Condition: a.co/9V5i70m
- When you access your Mastercard Virtual eGift Card for the first time, you’ll need to register your name, address, phone number, and email address via activationspot.com. These details should also be used as your billing address for online purchases, as many merchants require address verification for purchase authorization.
- This Mastercard Virtual eGift Card is non-reloadable. No cash or ATM access. - Mastercard Virtual eGift Cards are emailed active.
- Funds do not expire but your Mastercard Virtual eGift Card has a ‘valid thru’ date (9 years from date of purchase). If funds remain after this date has passed, please call Mastercard customer service for a replacement card. A one-time purchase fee applies at the time of checkout.
- This item is not eligible for refund, resale, or return. Available for sale within the United States only. Not available to residents of Puerto Rico, Hawaii, New Mexico, South Dakota, West Virginia and the US Virgin Islands.
What if the payment is already sent?
You cannot switch the payment source after sending a payment, even if its status appears pending. PayPal’s guidance is to ask the recipient for a refund, then send the payment again with the correct method. The restriction is stated in PayPal’s payment-method help.
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Check which source was actually charged
If a selected source is unavailable or does not have enough funds, PayPal may use a backup method for the full amount or the remaining balance. For automatic payments, backup funding used for the remainder is visible after payment; it may not always be displayed before you complete a transaction. Check the checkout details when available and review the transaction record afterward.
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