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How to Setup PayPal Key and Get a Free Virtual Credit Card [Updated]

In this guide, you will know how to setup a PayPal key with link and get a free virtual credit card that you can use for your transactions.
How to Setup PayPal Key and Get a Free Virtual Credit Card

PayPal being an online payment method is the most used these days and demands on their services keep on increasing day by day. PayPal helps many in their online shopping activities by providing a secured payment method which users can use to pay online.

Virtual credit cards are really important especially when linked to PayPal, they help us keep our real credit cards info secure and safe from the reach of malicious persons out there.

It is not easy to get a virtual credit card but hopefully, we have been writing articles showing our readers how to get a virtual credit cards with both free and paid methods. Click here to checkout our virtual credit card tricks.

PayPal uses a services that permits its users to get a free generated virtual credit card that they can use online for shopping. This 16 digit virtual credit card looks exactly like a physical credit/debit card which both have the card number, expiry and cvv.

Virtual credit cards are really the best ways to shop online because websites where you will use the virtual card on won't have your real card details but they will have a randomly generated virtual card that will be used and if it happens that the site is knowing for Getting or collecting their customers payment info, then yours will be secured because they will have just the randomly generated credit/debit card details. Make sure you checkout our different methods to get virtual credit cards.

In this article, I will show you how you can get a PayPal credit/debit card which you can use online on any website for purchases. Let's look into that below.

What is a Virtual Card?

Virtual payment cards are debit or credit cards that are created entirely online. They're a randomly-generated 16-digit number, complete with a card verification number and expiry date. They act in the same way traditional credit cards do without the need for a physical card. They have been of great help especially for those who don't have a physical card, there are numerous methods of virtual payment cards are debit or credit cards that are created entirely online. They're a randomly-generated 16-digit number, complete with a card verification number and expiry date. They act in the same way traditional credit cards do—without the need for a physical card">getting a virtual card even without verification.

What is PayPal Key and Where can I use it?

As PayPal mentioned in their support page,  PayPal Key is a virtual card and a new way to use your PayPal account anywhere cards are accepted online. You can use PayPal Key like a card at any online merchant that accepts Mastercard – even those that don't have a PayPal button.

These PayPal keys have gotten a wide increase in terms of use due to effectiveness of being accepted anywhere on any website. They are generated based on the payment method available in your PayPal account.

You can also use PayPal’s virtual credit card number to earn regular credit card rewards like cash back and rewards points. You will continue earning these rewards the same way you would with a physical card. During the setup process, you will be asked to choose your reward card.

Here's how PayPal Key Works

  • Choose a payment method from your PayPal Wallet
  • Receive a secure PayPal Key with its own virtual card number, expiration date and security code
  • Save the PayPal Key to your browser for faster checkout or use it as you would any card online
  • Take PayPal Key anywhere you shop online.

Note 1: PayPal Key is not new credit card so there’s no lengthy application or credit check. Plus, you won’t pay any set-up or usage fees*. PayPal Key is your PayPal Wallet with greater flexibility.

Note 2: A foreign transaction fee applies to cross-border and cross-currency transactions. Usage fees charged by merchants or other entities besides PayPal may apply.

How to Setup my PayPal Key?

PayPal key though with its numerous advantages, it is very easy to setup a PayPal key and start using immediately. Its major advantage is that since it is created by PayPal itself, it can be used on all merchants within and outside of USA. 

To setup your PayPal Key, you will first need to have and a PayPal account, if you don't have a PayPal account, then this article on how to create a verified PayPal account will help you.

Requirements to Setup PayPal key:
The only requirement you will need to setup a PayPal key is a verified PayPal account which will show PayPal that you are a US resident and then from there, you will be able to setup your PayPal account.

Follow the steps below in order to setup your PayPal key for virtual card.

  1. Visit this link for setup. 
  2. Click Let's Go. 
  3. Choose the payment method you want to use with your PayPal Key.
  4. Click Agree & Get Your Key.

Once you complete the set-up process, you’ll be able to view your PayPal Key virtual card number, expiration date and security code. You’ll also be able to save the PayPal Key to your browser. 

As your PayPal key debit card will be issued, you can start using it on many sites for Payments in addition of adding this virtual key card to your browsers such as Google Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer) Google Pay (online only) but you can't use it on Samsung Pay and Apple Pay.

Is PayPal key virtual card free?

Yes, PayPal key is completely free and is issued by PayPal itself to its customers. Do not fall into scams of people claiming to sell PayPal key. If you are eligible for the key, then you will be get the setup link to get your free PayPal key virtual card.

How Many PayPal Keys Can I Have?

PayPal users are entitled to have only 1 key per account. However, if you have many PayPal accounts, you can have as many PayPal keys as the number of accounts you have.

How can I use my PayPal key?

PayPal key cards can have a variety of uses online of which are listed below;

  • Shop at any U.S. and non-U.S. merchant that accepts Mastercard
  • Buy over the phone (just give the merchant your virtual card number, expiration date and security code)
  • Earn points in the same way you would with any card in your account

Is PayPal Key Fees Free?

Yes PayPal key is completely free of charge. Plus, you won't have to pay monthly fees for using a PayPal key. But you should know that this key uses the preferred payment method on your account online. So when using this PayPal key, bear in mind that you are somehow using your real account balance.

Can I Use PayPal key outside the US?

PayPal Key is available to only US consumers at this time. US consumers can use it at all online merchants in the US or internationally if a merchant accepts MasterCard. 

PayPal equally mentioned they are bringing this key card features to all their customers so if you don't see this option in your account, then know that it is coming soon.

Can I get a Refund for PayPal Key Purchases?

Yes, you will get your refund back to your original payment method. If they are unable to send the money back to the original payment method, PayPal will send it to your PayPal balance. If you made the purchase using your balance with PayPal and another payment method, PayPal apply the appropriate amount back to each payment method.

Important Things to Know About PayPal Key Virtual Card

  • Your PayPal Key represents your PayPal Wallet, so you won’t be able to add it as a separate payment method on your account.
  • PayPal Key is not available for “buy online, pay in store” purchases.
  • PayPal Key is powered by Mastercard and works wherever Mastercard is accepted. You'll see PayPal Key purchases appear as Mastercard purchases on your receipts and you may also see the Mastercard logo when you’re shopping online with PayPal Key.
  • If you need to open a dispute for an item purchased with your PayPal Key, then you will have to visit the Resolution Center. Read More Here.
  • The PayPal key will no longer be available for new users as from April 22, 2022.

PayPal Key UK:
For the moment PayPal key is not yet available in the UK. So, UK residents won't be able to setup your PayPal key if you are located in the UK. However, if you want the PayPal key virtual card for free in any other country other than the US, you will need to create a verified USA PayPal account with this guide.

PayPal Key Not Available:

If PayPal Key isn't available in your country, obviously, you will see the message PayPal key coming soon. For the moment, the PayPal key is available only to residents of the US. How can I bypass this PayPal key coming soon to get a virtual card? The only way you can use to bypass this and get your PayPal key virtual card is by creating a verified US PayPal Account. When you got your verified US PayPal account, you can then setup your PayPal key card using the link above.

Conclusion on PayPal Key Virtual Card

PayPal keys are one of the best ways to shop online due to its security. You should give this a try and see how it works. PayPal will keep on bringing new features on this and make it available for most of their customers whoes account nationality isn't USA. It is also good to know that this PayPal key represents your account but doesn't display any information concerning your account.

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About the Author

Tebid Kelly is a Graphic Designer, Web Developer, Ethical Hacker, Programmer, and Content Creator who showcases his skills and experience on his blogs. He also has much love for finance apps such as Cash App, Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, etc on which he ha…

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