PayPal Privacy (2024)

FAQs

Why am I being asked to verify my PayPal account? ›

To deliver a secure service, we may ask you to confirm your identity. We do this to make sure it's you, using the PayPal account. We'll also ask if we see new or unusual activity, like a log in from a new device or different location.

To make PayPal a safer place for you and your customers, we would like some more information to better understand your business. Just like signing up for a bank account, you just need to confirm your identity to get full access to your account and send, receive and withdraw funds.

PayPal uses your SSN as part of their account verification process - to comply with local and global laws and keep customers and their money safe. If you don't have a valid SSN - or if you simply want an alternative to PayPal - other services, like Wise may be able to help.

Even though PayPal isn't a bank, we need to comply with the same government regulations as other financial institutions. If we're unable to confirm your identity, you'll only be able to send money and make PayPal purchases using your bank or debit/credit card, not your PayPal balance.

You can use a PayPal account without verifying it to receive payments. Without verification though, you'll be limited in how much money you can withdraw from the account to your bank account (how much this limit is depends on the policy applicable to your country).

Facial Biometric identity verification is a secure way of confirming your identity by scanning your driver's license or Government-issued photo id (front and back) and matching it with a selfie you take of your face.

To protect your PayPal account from being hacked, you should: Use a strong password for your PayPal account and never share it with anyone. Enable two-factor authentication for your PayPal account. Be careful about clicking on links in emails or opening attachments.

The process is simple: you link your bank details, and PayPal sends tiny deposits (bank) or charges a small amount (credit card) that they refund. Once you confirm these amounts with PayPal, your account will be verified.

We require personal information from anyone who creates a PayPal account. However, we offer exemptions to government agencies when needed. If your agency doesn't allow it, please contact us at GovernmentSolutions@paypal.com to discuss alternatives to set up the account.

Does PayPal ever ask for a photo ID? ›

Usually we'll need a copy of your government-issued ID, and a proof of address issued within the past 12 months. You can take photos of them with your phone and upload them to us.

Your SSN is for identification and more, so if you remove yoru SSN you could no longer maintain PayPal identification, so you would need to close your account. Close your account like PayPal indiciates if you want to remove your SSN from the site.

To deliver a secure service, we may ask you to confirm your identity. We do this to make sure it's you, using the PayPal account. We'll also ask if we see new or unusual activity, like a log in from a new device or different location.

Enable Privacy Settings: PayPal provides privacy settings that allow you to hide your name and address from customers. To enable this option, log in to your PayPal account, go to your account settings, and look for the "Hide your name and address from customers" option.

Using strong, unique passwords for each important account is the simplest and most powerful way to avoid to identity theft. Mix upper and lowercase letters with symbols, and create unique passwords for each of your accounts.

Verification ensures that your business or personal account has access to all PayPal functions and your data is secure. So, for marketplace sellers and business owners, it's a must.

Similar to financial institutions screen their account holders, PayPal's Verification process increases security when you pay parties you do not know. You can get your account verified by help us confirming your credit card or bank account. Once verified, your initial sending and withdrawal limits will be removed.

It is possible to use PayPal without linking a bank account. You could choose to fully verify your PayPal account by linking a credit card instead of a bank - or you could leave your account unverified. Unverified accounts have lower transaction limits, and you may find you can't access all services.

If you don't have a bank account or debit card, you can verify your account by providing proof of identity via a government-issued ID. This is typically in the form of your passport or driver's license. To link a bank account, click your bank in the list.