How to create a PayPal account in South Africa: step-by-step guide

How to create a PayPal account in South Africa: step-by-step guide

PayPal has transformed online payments worldwide, and South Africa is no exception. Are you wondering how to create a PayPal account in South Africa? The process is straightforward and ensures you can shop and transact globally. With PayPal’s strong reputation for security, creating a PayPal account is a smart move if you want a reliable payment method that easily links to your bank.

The PayPal logo
PayPal was introduced in South Africa in 2010. Photo: @PayPal on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PayPal was introduced in South Africa in 2010 through a partnership with FNB. The PayPal South Africa sign-up process is straightforward as long as you have the required documents. Whether you want to make international purchases or receive payments, PayPal offers the perfect blend of security and global access.

How to create a PayPal account in South Africa

Setting up a PayPal account in South Africa is simple and unlocks a world of secure online payments. It lets you shop internationally, receive payments, and easily transfer money. Follow the steps below to learn how to open a PayPal account in South Africa.

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1. Prepare the relevant documents and information

Before you start, gather the following documents and information:

  • A valid email address (this will be your PayPal login and primary method of contact).
  • A South African bank account (necessary for linking and verifying your PayPal account).

You will also need personal identification information such as your full name, date of birth, and physical address. Once you have this information, you can proceed to the next step.

2. Sign up with PayPal

Once you have gathered the necessary documents, head over to the official PayPal website for South Africa to begin the sign-up process:

  • Step 1: Click the “Sign Up” or “Sign Up for Free” button.
PayPal registration process
The PayPal registration process. Photo: paypal.com (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Step 2: Choose the account type that best suits your needs: “Personal” for individuals or “Business” for companies. Select the appropriate option and proceed by clicking “Next.”
  • Step 3: Fill out the registration form with your email address, password, and personal details. Once you submit your information, your account will be created.

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To fully activate your PayPal account and gain access to its features, you need to link it to your South African bank account. Here is how to get it done.

  • Step 1: Log in to your PayPal account.
  • Step 2: Navigate to “Wallet” or “Profile” and select “Link a bank account.”

Follow the instructions to enter your bank details, including your account number and branch code.

4. Verify your PayPal account

After linking your bank account, verification is required to access the full features of PayPal. PayPal will deposit two small amounts (typically under R10 each) into your South African bank account within several business days. This process verifies your ownership of the linked bank account:

  • Step 1: Log into your PayPal account and review your online banking or bank statement to locate the two small deposits made by PayPal.
  • Step 2: Once you've noted the deposit amounts, log back into your PayPal account.

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PayPal account verification process
PayPal account verification process. Photo: paypal.com (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Step 3: Navigate to your PayPal Wallet, select the linked bank account, and click on it.
  • Step 4: Input the two deposit amounts in the provided fields to confirm the bank account. Once done, PayPal will verify your bank account, which could take a few minutes to one day.
  • Step 5: Upon successfully verifying the deposit amounts, your bank account will be confirmed as verified, and you will be notified via email.

How to use PayPal in South Africa

Using PayPal in South Africa is straightforward and convenient for making online payments. The secure online payment platform allows you to send money to friends or family and receive funds from international clients.

Once you have created and verified your PayPal account, you can shop on global e-commerce platforms, pay for services, or accept customer payments. Simply link your PayPal account to your bank or card to transact securely.

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Does PayPal work in South Africa?

Yes, PayPal is fully operational in South Africa. The online payment platform allows users to send and receive payments internationally and locally. While PayPal is not a local bank, it partners with First National Bank (FNB) to facilitate withdrawals to South African bank accounts.

This partnership enables smooth transactions by allowing you to transfer funds from PayPal to your bank account in a few steps.

Can you set up a PayPal account in South Africa?

A smartphone with the PayPal logo displayed
To create a PayPal account in South Africa, you need a valid email address and a South African bank account. Photo: Bizoo_n
Source: Getty Images

Yes, setting up a PayPal account in South Africa is simple and available to anyone with a valid email address and a South African bank account. After signing up on the PayPal website and providing your personal information, you can link your bank account to start using PayPal for online payments.

Which bank allows PayPal in South Africa?

First National Bank (FNB) is the official partner of PayPal in South Africa. FNB facilitates the transfer of funds from your PayPal account to your local bank account. While FNB is the only bank directly supporting PayPal withdrawals, you do not need an FNB account to withdraw funds.

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If you bank with another institution, you can still use First National Bank's PayPal withdrawal service to transfer money to your existing account. Some banks that work with PayPal in South Africa include Standard Bank, Nedbank, and ABSA.

How do you withdraw money from PayPal in South Africa?

To withdraw money from PayPal in South Africa, follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Log in to your PayPal account and ensure your bank account is linked.
  • Step 2: Log in to FNB online banking and navigate the PayPal services section.
  • Step 3: Select "Withdraw from PayPal" and enter the amount you want to withdraw.

Follow the prompts to transfer the funds to your linked South African bank account. Depending on your bank's processing times, the transaction usually takes 3-5 business days.

You can easily link your South African bank account to your PayPal account. This allows you to withdraw funds and verify your account for full functionality. To do this, log in to PayPal, go to “Wallet,” and select “Link a bank account.”

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Next, enter your bank details, and PayPal will send two small deposits to your bank account for verification. Once you confirm these amounts, your bank account will be linked and ready for transactions.

What are the PayPal fees in South Africa?

Per First National Bank, South Africa PayPal charges are as highlighted below.

  • PayPal charges a transaction fee between 2.4% and 3.4%, plus USD 0.30 per transaction.
  • A currency conversion fee of 2.5% may apply to PayPal's prevailing exchange rate.
  • FNB provides a ZAR to USD exchange rate for each "Top Up" or "Withdraw" transaction.
  • FNB charges 1.5% of the quoted ZAR amount for each "Top Up" and "Withdraw" transaction.

If you are wondering how to create a PayPal account in South Africa, the process is straightforward. The PayPal account creation process takes a few minutes to get ready, and with the steps outlined above, you can start using PayPal for secure and convenient online transactions within minutes.

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DISCLAIMER: This article is not sponsored by a third party. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility.

READ ALSO: How does PayShap work in South Africa? All you need to know

Briefly.co.za published info about how PayShap works in South Africa. The payment system was developed by BankservAfrica and is expected to lower the cost of owning bank accounts.

PayShap, also called the Rapid Payments Programme (RPP), is an instant interbank digital payment service that allows South Africans to transact without a bank account number. How does PayShap work in South Africa? Read on!

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Rodah Mogeni avatar

Rodah Mogeni (Lifestyle writer) She is a content creator with more than 4 years of experience. She graduated from Chuka University with a BA degree in Journalism and Mass Communication (2023). She joined Briefly in 2019. Rodah has been working as a health/fitness writer at BetterMe (since 2020), London Brokers, The Hoth, and Ardor Content. In 2023, Rodah finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. Her email is rodahmugeni998@gmail.com

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