United States · Debit card

How to activate your PayPal Debit Card

Activate your PayPal Debit Card online, in the app or by phone — what you need, step-by-step instructions and fixes if activation fails.

By the CreditCardCompare editorial team · Updated · Checked against paypal.com

Quick answer: Activate your PayPal Debit Card online at paypal.com, in the PayPal app or by phone at 1-800-314-8298. Have ready: PayPal login; Card details. Use only paypal.com or the official app, never a link sent by text or email.

Official activation paypal.com Methods: Online · Mobile app · Phone Phone: 1-800-314-8298 — 24-hour automated activation line published on paypal.com
Go to official activation
Good to know: The PayPal Prepaid Mastercard is a separate product (Netspend-managed). Its holders should follow the instructions that came with that card.
Only activate on paypal.com or the official app. Type the address yourself. The Bancorp Bank will never text or call asking for your full PIN or a one-time code.
A person holding a smartphone over a card reader for contactless payment — activating a new PayPal Debit Card
Photo: CardMapr.nl / Unsplash

What you need

  • PayPal login
  • Card details
  • A PIN

Activate your PayPal Debit Card online

  1. Go to paypal.com/activatecard
  2. Log in to PayPal
  3. Enter the card details requested
  4. Click Activate Card

Activate in the PayPal app

  1. Open the PayPal app
  2. Tap PayPal Balance
  3. Select your PayPal Debit Card
  4. Tap Activate Card

Activate by phone

Call 1-800-314-8298 (24-hour automated activation line published on paypal.com) and follow the automated prompts. You will usually be asked for the card number and a piece of identity information such as the last four digits of your Social Security number or your ZIP code.

After you activate

  • Choose your 5% monthly cash back category in the app
  • Add the card to your mobile wallet
  • Set up transaction alerts

If your The Bancorp Bank card won't activate

  • Reissued card: PayPal has a separate help article for reissued cards
  • Business debit card: use PayPal's business debit card activation article

PayPal Debit Card activation FAQs

How do I activate my PayPal Debit Card?

You can activate it online at paypal.com, in the PayPal app, by phone. Online or in-app activation is usually fastest: sign in, choose the new card, and confirm the details requested.

Is there a phone number to activate a The Bancorp Bank card?

Yes — The Bancorp Bank lists 1-800-314-8298 for card activation (24-hour automated activation line published on paypal.com). Only call numbers printed on your card, its sticker or paypal.com.

Can I use my The Bancorp Bank card before activating it?

Generally no. A new card is blocked until it is activated, although some issuers activate a replacement automatically the first time you use it with your PIN, and some let you use a virtual card number in the app straight away.

Does activating a PayPal Debit Card affect my credit score?

No. Activation is not a credit check. Any hard inquiry happened when you applied; activating simply switches the card on. Not activating a new account does not close it, so it can still appear on your credit report.

Why won't my The Bancorp Bank card activate?

Reissued card: PayPal has a separate help article for reissued cards Business debit card: use PayPal's business debit card activation article

Is it safe to activate my card online?

Yes, provided you are on the issuer's real website (paypal.com) or official app. Type the address yourself rather than following links in texts or emails. Your bank will never ask for your full PIN or a one-time passcode by phone or text.

Sources: www.paypal.com. Steps change; if your screen looks different, follow the official instructions.