Crypto Exchanges That Accept PayPal: Helping Beginners Buy Crypto

Crypto exchanges that accept PayPal are helping to bridge the gap and onboard thousands of beginners to the cryptocurrency market.

PayPal is known for its fast fiat currency transactions, low fees, and, most importantly, its simplicity. It’s no secret that the crypto market can seem complicated from the outside, so integrating PayPal payments for crypto purchases is a no-brainer that makes buying Bitcoin (BTC) and altcoins like Ethereum (ETH) and Litecoin (LTC) easier than ever. 

This article will guide you through the top crypto exchanges that accept PayPal, making your entry into the crypto market smoother and more accessible.

Why Use PayPal With a Crypto Exchange?

PayPal, a well-established name in the online payment sector, offers a user-friendly interface that most of us are already comfortable with. This familiarity can be a significant advantage when venturing into the relatively new and complex world of digital assets.

What’s more, PayPal transactions are fast. Unlike traditional bank transfers that can take a few days, PayPal deposits and withdrawals are processed within minutes. This speed can be crucial in the fast-paced crypto market, where prices move suddenly, and you need to be able to buy or sell crypto quickly.

Additionally, PayPal offers a layer of security to your transactions. You can easily set up essential security functions like Two-Factor Authentication from within the PayPal app, which helps to protect your PayPal balance. 

However, it’s important to note that not all crypto exchanges accept PayPal for various reasons. Even the top PayPal crypto platforms have some slight workarounds you’ll need to know.

Fortunately, we’re here to guide you through all that and help you find a crypto exchange that accepts PayPal and meets your individual needs! 

Best Cryptocurrency Exchanges That Accept PayPal

It might surprise you, but not many crypto exchanges accept PayPal. Even within this niche group, there are still some obstacles to overcome. For example, using PayPal as a deposit method might be restricted to certain geographic locations, while other exchanges will only accept Paypal for P2P or OTC trading markets.

As we dig a little deeper, we can see that some of the top trading platforms support PayPal purchases and provide a host of extra features, like crypto credit cards and staking services. Let’s take a closer look at the best crypto exchanges that are PayPal-friendly.

1. Coinbase

Often called ‘The People’s Exchange,’ Coinbase is a cryptocurrency exchange renowned for its user-friendly interface and tight security. Founded by Brian Armstrong, Coinbase is a favorite among beginners due to its intuitive design and easy-to-understand educational resources.

For customers based in the US, Coinbase and PayPal go together like cheese and crackers. US  customers can add USD to their Coinbase account with PayPal and immediately buy and fill their crypto wallet. 

Outside the United States, things are a bit more complicated. Internationally, Coinbase doesn’t directly accept PayPal for deposits or purchases. However, it allows users in certain regions to withdraw their funds to PayPal, making it easy to exit the crypto market efficiently and safely get your funds back to your app or bank account.

Coinbase supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies, from the well-known Bitcoin and Ethereum to lesser-known altcoins. It also offers features like recurring buys and price alerts, making it easier to manage your crypto investments.

If you want to start using Coinbase, there’s one final point worth mentioning. Trading fees start from around 0.60%, while deposit fees cost over $10 USD.

Sign Up to Coinbase

Key Takeaways

• US Customers can deposit and withdraw USD using their PayPal account
• User-friendly interface and tight security

2. eToro

I admit we’re starting to blur the lines of crypto exchanges. However, I think this is justified in the case of eToro’s industry-leading PayPal support. eToro is one of the world’s most popular trading platforms, offering everything from traditional stocks to crypto altcoins. 

Known for its unique “copy trading” feature, the social trading platform is an excellent option for those looking to use PayPal in their crypto trading journey. With a strong presence in over 200 countries and millions of users worldwide, eToro has made a name in online trading.

For PayPal users, eToro offers a seamless experience. The platform allows you to deposit funds into your eToro account at a favorable exchange rate using PayPal, which you can use to buy, sell, and trade common cryptocurrencies.

One of the critical things customers like about eToro is its social trading aspect. You can follow and interact with other traders, read their insights, and even copy their trades. Social trading is helpful for beginners who are learning the ropes from more experienced traders.

Despite its perks, eToro has one glaring issue. While you can trade crypto on the platform, you don’t have access to your private keys, which might be necessary for cryptocurrency purists who believe in self-custody.

If you think eToro might be for you, check out our helpful step-by-step guide on how to buy Dogecoin on eToro.

Sign Up to eToro

Key Takeaways

• Popular exchange for both cryptocurrency and traditional financial assets
• Social trading features help beginners learn to trade
• Seamless PayPal integration

3. Binance

Binance, the largest crypto exchange by pretty much every known metric, is known for its deeply liquid markets and a vast range of extra features.

For PayPal users, Binance provides an easy way to purchase crypto assets. Although Binance doesn’t directly accept PayPal deposits, it offers a workaround through its P2P Marketplace. You can buy cryptocurrencies like Tether (USDT) and Bitcoin Cash (BCH) directly from sellers using PayPal.

Beyond having a great spread of digital currencies. Binance has plenty of great value-added features that you can explore, like its crypto launchpad, NFT marketplace, and extra financial services.

Sign Up to Binance

Key Takeaways

• Largest crypto exchange in the industry
• Supports Paypal P2P crypto trading
• Wide range of extra features
• Low fees

4. OKX

Enter OKX, another contender in the realm of PayPal-friendly crypto exchanges. Formerly known as OKex, OKX is known for its advanced trading features, making it a popular choice among seasoned traders.

For PayPal users, OKX offers a P2P marketplace where you can buy and sell cryptocurrencies directly with other users using PayPal. This feature provides a convenient way to use your PayPal funds to enter the crypto game.

One of the standout features of OKX is its comprehensive suite of trading options. From spot trading to futures, options, and even perpetual swaps, OKX caters to traders looking for various ways to trade crypto.

Rounding out OKX’s robust offerings is a committed emphasis on security. When safeguarding your digital assets, OKX doesn’t muck around, using strict measures like cold wallets, anti-phishing codes, and two-factor authentication to protect users’ crypto.

Sign Up to OKX

Key Takeaways

• P2P marketplace supports PayPal as a payment method
• Popular exchange with robust security and value-added features
• Low fees

5. BitStamp

BitStamp, one of the oldest cryptocurrency exchanges, has earned a reputation for its reliability and high liquidity. Established in 2011, this Luxembourg-based exchange offers many cryptocurrencies and advanced trading features.

For customers based in the US or EU who want to buy Bitcoin with PayPal, BitStamp offers one of the most seamless processes available. It’s as simple as registering and connecting your PayPal account. You can transfer your fiat currency from the PayPal app to the BitStamp platform and dive into trading.

On top of that, BitStamp is known for its transparent fee structure and high trading volume, making it a reliable platform for trading cryptocurrencies. If you’re looking for a well-established and secure platform that accepts PayPal indirectly, BitStamp could be a great choice.

Sign Up to BitStamp

Key Takeaways

• Lesser-known exchange than others on this list
• Buy and sell cryptocurrencies using PayPal
• Quality security features and transparent fees

6. Paxful

Rounding out our list of crypto exchanges that accept Paypal is none other than Paxful. A peer-to-peer (P2P) platform, Paxful offers a unique approach to buying and selling cryptocurrencies by connecting buyers and sellers directly, allowing them to negotiate their terms and payment options, including PayPal.

With over 300 payment methods available, including PayPal, Paxful offers one of the most flexible platforms for buying and selling Bitcoin and Ethereum. The platform acts as an escrow service, holding the funds until both parties confirm the transaction.

One of the advantages of Paxful is its 24/7 live chat support, assisting whenever you need it. However, it’s worth noting that due to the P2P nature of the platform, the fees can be higher due to blockchain transaction fees.

Sign Up to Paxful

Key Takeaways

• Huge range of payment methods, including PayPal, credit/debit cards, and bank account deposits
• Not as well-known as Binance, Coinbase or OKX
• 24/7 live chat support
• P2P crypto trading market

Buy Crypto with PayPal

It would be remiss not to mention that PayPal has made confident strides into the crypto world. In a bid to keep up with the changing times and provide its millions of users with cryptocurrency exposure, PayPal has made select crypto assets, like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, readily available within its own platforms.

The standard PayPal application now includes crypto functionality. While you won’t be able to buy or invest in obscure digital currencies or NFTs through the app, PayPal’s platform boasts a simplified section dedicated entirely to cryptocurrency.

PayPal users can take advantage of its simple interface and solid reputation to buy, sell, and transfer top assets safely. PayPal even offers unauthorized transfer reimbursement of up to $50,000 USD, giving crypto beginners additional peace of mind.

Beyond that, the app also introduces PayPal’s millions of worldwide users to stablecoins, a digital asset pegged to the value of fiat currency. Regardless of crypto market volatility, PayPal users can find refuge by swapping their crypto holdings to PYUSD, PayPal’s proprietary asset.
Finally, PayPal has also worked hard to ensure its platform integrates smoothly with selected crypto wallet software. Web 3 wallet providers like MetaMask, Phantom, and even hardware wallets like Ledger are compatible with PayPal.

Pros and Cons Of Using PayPal with a Crypto Exchange

Using PayPal with a crypto exchange can offer several advantages but also a few potential drawbacks. 

Pros

• Simple – PayPal is one of the world’s most widely accepted payment methods making it a convenient option for many users.
• Fast – PayPal transactions are processed quickly, helping you deposit funds and start trading in minutes.
• Secure – PayPal uses robust security measures, safeguarding your funds against hacks.

Cons

• Limited Availability – Not all crypto exchanges accept PayPal due to concerns about chargebacks and other potential issues. This limits the number of platforms you can use.
• Fees – Some crypto exchanges may charge additional fees for PayPal transactions different from their standard rates.
• Withdrawal Restrictions – Some exchanges only allow PayPal to be used for withdrawals, not deposits or purchases. This could limit your ability to buy cryptocurrencies with PayPal.

On the Flipside

• While PayPal is convenient and popular, it requires KYC to use in most cases. This might discourage crypto users who value their anonymity and privacy.

Why This Matters

Integrating PayPal into as many blockchain-based platforms and services as possible will make the crypto industry far more accessible than it currently is. On the path toward mass adoption, familiar platforms like PayPal will help bring new users to the space.

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