FAQ
TL;DR: If PayPal asks for a card despite balance, the flow likely needs a backup source. "Your balance is used first" [PayPal Help Center — Payment methods; Elektroda, Zdzisław1980, #17298716], but currency conversion adds approx. 3–4% [PayPal Consumer Fees]. Use Change funding source or ask the seller.
Why it matters: This FAQ helps buyers who want to pay with PayPal balance (no card) understand limits, settings, and workarounds.
Quick-Facts
- Balance is used first; any shortfall is charged to your card or bank [PayPal Help Center — Payment methods].
- Currency conversion spread is approx. 3–4% above the base rate [PayPal Consumer Fees].
- Subscriptions/automatic payments often require a backup funding source (card or bank) [PayPal Help Center — Automatic payments].
- At checkout, you can switch funding via “Change”/“Change funding source” when available [PayPal Help Center — Payment methods].
- PayPal supports approx. 25 currencies; you can hold multiple currency balances [PayPal Help Center — Manage currencies].
Quick Facts
- Balance is used first; any shortfall is charged to your card or bank [PayPal Help Center — Payment methods].
- Currency conversion spread is approx. 3–4% above the base rate [PayPal Consumer Fees].
- Subscriptions/automatic payments often require a backup funding source (card or bank) [PayPal Help Center — Automatic payments].
- At checkout, you can switch funding via “Change”/“Change funding source” when available [PayPal Help Center — Payment methods].
- PayPal supports approx. 25 currencies; you can hold multiple currency balances [PayPal Help Center — Manage currencies].
Why does PayPal ask me to add a card even when I have enough balance?
Common causes: the merchant uses an automatic payment/billing agreement that requires a backup funding source; the checkout flow restricts balance; or your balance is insufficient after conversion and fees [PayPal Help Center — Automatic payments; PayPal Help Center — Payment methods; PayPal Consumer Fees]. In the thread, the payment was a temporary software license, which often uses automatic billing rules [Elektroda, Doominus, post #17298665] If the “Change funding source” link is missing, the seller limited payment methods [PayPal Help Center — Payment methods].
Can I pay on PayPal without a card if my balance covers the amount?
Yes—when the merchant allows it. PayPal states, “Your balance is used first,” then any remainder is taken from your card/bank [PayPal Help Center — Payment methods; Elektroda, Zdzisław1980, #17298716]. Some merchants disable balance for certain flows or require a backup instrument [PayPal Help Center — Automatic payments]. If you see a prompt to add a card, that specific checkout likely needs a card even with funds [PayPal Help Center — Automatic payments].
How do I force PayPal to use my balance at checkout?
Try this: 1. On the PayPal login/confirm page, click “Change” or “Change funding source.” 2. Select “PayPal Balance.” 3. Confirm payment [PayPal Help Center — Payment methods]. If you cannot see “Change,” the seller restricted funding choices, and you cannot force balance for that transaction [PayPal Help Center — Payment methods].
I can’t find “Manage payment funding sources.” Where is it now?
Use two places: 1) Wallet > Set your Preferred way to pay for online purchases (choose Balance if available) [PayPal Help Center — Preferred payment method]. 2) Settings > Payments > Manage automatic payments (set or edit backup funding sources per merchant) [PayPal Help Center — Automatic payments]. The OP also noted this menu moved in newer interfaces [Elektroda, Doominus, post #17299895]
Does currency mismatch (PLN balance, USD charge) block using my balance?
No. PayPal can convert your balance automatically at its exchange rate (includes approx. 3–4% spread) [PayPal Consumer Fees]. Ensure your balance covers the item price plus conversion spread [PayPal Consumer Fees]. You can also hold multiple currency balances and convert beforehand if supported for your account [PayPal Help Center — Manage currencies].
Why did earlier purchases work without a card, but now I’m being asked for one?
Merchants can change integrations (e.g., subscriptions, reference transactions, or risk controls) that require a backup funding source even when you have balance [PayPal Help Center — Automatic payments]. Different sellers can allow different funding choices, which explains past success with other merchants [Elektroda, Doominus, #17298665; PayPal Help Center — Payment methods].
Do subscriptions, trials, or license renewals require a card even if I have balance?
Often yes. Automatic payments and billing agreements typically require a backup card or bank to ensure future charges succeed [PayPal Help Center — Automatic payments]. As PayPal emphasizes, “A backup funding source ensures your automatic payment goes through” [PayPal Help Center — Automatic payments].
Will linking a bank account remove the need for a card?
Linking a bank helps with verification and can serve as a funding source, but some merchant flows still require a card backup [PayPal Help Center — Payment methods; PayPal Help Center — Automatic payments]. The OP had a bank linked yet still hit a card prompt, confirming this scenario [Elektroda, Doominus, post #17298665]
Is using a virtual or prepaid card a safe workaround?
Use caution. Prepaid/virtual cards may work for one‑time payments but are often rejected for automatic payments and risk checks [PayPal Help Center — Prepaid cards; PayPal Help Center — Automatic payments]. A forum user suggested VCC, but acceptance is inconsistent and may fail in subscription flows [Elektroda, Ordine, post #17321369]
What if I can’t change the funding source during checkout?
If the “Change” option isn’t present, you cannot choose balance for that transaction due to merchant restrictions [PayPal Help Center — Payment methods]. Ask the seller to send a PayPal invoice or enable standard PayPal Checkout, which usually permits balance funding [PayPal Help Center — Payment methods]. Alternatively, add a temporary card/bank as backup, then remove it afterward if desired [PayPal Help Center — Automatic payments].
How do I check and convert my balance before paying?
- Go to Wallet and open “Manage currencies.” 2. Convert enough PLN to the charge currency to cover price plus the approx. 3–4% spread. 3. Pay with the matching currency balance [PayPal Help Center — Manage currencies; PayPal Consumer Fees]. This reduces mid‑checkout conversion surprises [PayPal Consumer Fees].
What edge cases can block balance payments?
- Account limitations or KYC reviews can restrict sending, regardless of balance [PayPal Help Center — Limitations].
- Some countries cannot hold a balance; they must link a card/bank [PayPal Help Center — Can’t hold a balance].
- Merchant billing agreements require a backup instrument [PayPal Help Center — Automatic payments].
- Missing “Change funding source” means the seller locked methods [PayPal Help Center — Payment methods].
Could I just pay by card and then top up PayPal afterward?
Yes, that’s a practical path: complete the purchase by card, then replenish your PayPal balance later if you wish [Elektroda, gabik001, post #17305873] Note that card payments won’t use your balance for that transaction, and any currency or card issuer fees may apply [PayPal Help Center — Payment methods; PayPal Consumer Fees].
What’s a quick checklist when PayPal demands a card but I have funds?
- Try “Change funding source” and select Balance [PayPal Help Center — Payment methods]. 2. If absent, ask the seller for an invoice or non‑automatic checkout [PayPal Help Center — Payment methods]. 3. For subscriptions/licenses, add a temporary backup card/bank, then manage it under Settings > Payments > Automatic payments [PayPal Help Center — Automatic payments; Elektroda, Doominus, #17298665].
