PayPal Key was a virtual Mastercard debit card linked to your PayPal account that provided a secure way to make online purchases without revealing your actual card details. The service used to allow you to generate PayPal virtual card numbers. Unfortunately, PayPal Key has been discontinued as of April 20, 2022, and is no longer available.
PayPal Key Alternatives
Since PayPal Key is no longer available, there are alternative options to obtain a virtual card for your online purchases. Some alternatives include:
You can also explore our review of more virtual cards as well as disposable virtual cards for additional options.
PayPal Virtual Card
The PayPal virtual card is a secure way to shop online, since it hides your real credit or debit card information by generating a unique virtual card number. You provide retailers the generated virtual card number. As such, you provide an extra layer of protection against theft. This article will show you how to get PayPal Key and PayPal Key setup.
PayPal Virtual Credit Card Number
PayPal VCC card number is a 16-digit number that comes with a CVV number and expiration number. The process of applying for one is simple and straightforward. You can also use it to buy over the phone. To do so, give the retailer the PayPal virtual card number, expiration date and security code. When you shop with it, you will be earning points just like you do with a physical card. PayPal Key is the new way to use virtual credit cards. This is what you need to know about PayPal Key.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal Key is a way to use your PayPal account anywhere MasterCard is accepted online. It is a solution for when you want to buy from an online merchant who doesn’t have a PayPal button.
- The PayPal Key card cannot be used in-store, at an ATM, or for person-to-person payments. The virtual card is a safe way to make purchases online. Transactions are covered by PayPal Purchase Protection.
What is PayPal Key?
PayPal Key is a virtual credit card that enables PayPal users to shop online where the cards are accepted. PayPal Key can be linked to Google Pay and Venmo. The virtual card generates random credit card number online for transaction purposes. You can shop using it even where merchants do not have a PayPal button. It is because PayPal Key can be used anywhere MasterCard is accepted.
PayPal Key is useful in a number of ways. Among them, is to protect your debit or credit card information with online retailers. You do not need to provide your credit card or debit card to the retailers. You can use the services with digital wallet transactions or where MasterCard is accepted online or via a phone.
Not only that, but you can also use PayPal’s virtual credit card number to earn regular credit card rewards like cash back and rewards points. Furthermore, 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.
How to Set Up PayPal Key
How does PayPal Key work? PayPal Key set up is simple and straightforward. You first need to have a PayPal account. You can fund your virtual card with PayPal balance, bank account, credit or debit card. If you don’t have a PayPal account yet, you may be interested in these virtual cards for PayPal verification.
Follow these steps to set up a PayPal Key account:
- Log in to your PayPal account
- Select your preferred payment method
- Click agree
- You will receive a virtual credit card number with its security code number and expiration date
For easier and fast transactions, you can set up you can save the PayPal Key to your web browsers like Google Chrome. Besides, you can also use it online on Google Pay. However, you cannot use PayPal Key for Samsung Pay or Apple Pay.
How to Use PayPal Key
Once you set up your PayPal Key, you need to save it in your web browsers. If you want to shop with online Merchants, it will be easy and fast. Alternatively, you can use it to shop over the phone by providing the merchant with your PayPal key details. You can also dispute an item you purchased using PayPal through PayPal’s dispute resolution center.
PayPal Key Available Countries
Currently, PayPal is only available to U.S customers with US bank accounts and Social Security Numbers. U.S customers can use PayPal Key outside of America where MasterCard is accepted. However, PayPal is working to avail the service to non-U.S customers. You can buy goods online from U.S and non-U.S merchants using the virtual card.
PayPal Key Fees
It is free to set up PayPal Key. Also, online purchases are free. However, purchases in foreign currencies or from non-U.S merchants attract fees. A foreign transaction fee of 1.1% of the transaction amount will be applied.
Is PayPal Key Safe?
PayPal virtual card number is generated randomly, enhancing its security. PayPal’s Purchase Protection Program applies to eligible PayPal Key card purchases. If you have a dispute with a PayPal Key purchase that you cannot resolve with the merchant, you have 180 days from the date of the transaction to open a dispute in the Resolution Center.
PayPal Key Alternatives
Since PayPal Key is no longer available, there are alternative options to obtain a virtual card for your online purchases. Some alternatives include:
You can also explore our review of more virtual cards as well as disposable virtual cards for additional options.
Virtual Crypto Cards Alternatives
As Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies continue to gain mainstream adoption, virtual crypto cards are becoming popular in the crypto community. If you are a crypto holder, you may consider these virtual crypto cards.
Benefits of the PayPal Virtual Card
PayPal’s virtual card number offers an extra layer of protection by hiding your real debit or credit card information. This ensures that your funds are safe and secure. Many other virtual card providers leave cardholders in the hands of third parties, but PayPal gives you the ultimate solution. You should note that PayPal virtual card cannot be used in-store, at an ATM, or for person-to-person payments.
Is PayPal key still available?
PayPal Key has been discontinued and is no longer available as of April 20, 2022.
Does PayPal have a virtual card?
PayPal does offer virtual card options, but they are not available in the traditional sense. For example, PayPal allows the creation of temporary virtual cards in relation to their PayPal Pay in 4 feature, or new account holders of PayPal physical cards can use a virtual version until their physical card arrives. However, it's important to note that these virtual card products are currently only available within the United States and not accessible outside the country.
Does PayPal have a one time use card?
Yes, there's a PayPal single use card. The card is a temporary virtual credit card number that can be used to make a single online purchase and must be used within 24 hours of approval. Once the purchase is complete, the card is no longer valid.