PayPal is one of the most commonly used and most highly trusted payment service providers out there. But it can be difficult to know how to create a US PayPal account. Especially as a non-resident individual.
In this article, we cover the most frequent questions and challenges in the process of creating a US PayPal account.
Read on to find out if you (or your business) is eligible to create a US PayPal account, what you need to be aware of in the process, and what you can do if you don’t have a US Social Security Number.
How to Create a US PayPal Account
PayPal is one of the most commonly used payment tools for both individuals and businesses. But for non-US residents, it can be hard to know how to create a US PayPal account. Read on as we cover who is eligible, what documentation you need, and options in case you don’t have a US SSN.
Here’s a look at everything we’ll cover in this article…
Table of Contents
- Why Create a US PayPal Account?
- Benefits of Creating a US PayPal Account
- Challenges of Using a US PayPal Account
- How to Create a US PayPal Account
But, before diving in, if this is your first time visiting GlobalBanks, don’t forget to download your FREE USA Banking Starter Guide. It’s designed to help non-residents open accounts with top banks in the US.
Why Create a US PayPal Account?
Let’s start by discussing why individuals and businesses are interested in creating US PayPal accounts, to begin with. Then, we’ll dive into the specific benefits you can unlock by creating one.
PayPal is an online payment platform that is linked to an external bank account that allows individuals (or businesses) to purchase, transfer, and receive money. It also offers an extra level of security and protection from fraud.
PayPal is one of the largest and safest financial service companies in the world. Making it an attractive platform for many individuals and businesses looking for easy, safe, and quick transactions.
But, if you’re not a US citizen, you can face many obstacles to creating a US PayPal. More on this below.
First, let’s look at the many benefits residents, non-residents, and businesses can unlock when creating a US PayPal account successfully.
Benefits of Creating a US PayPal Account
As mentioned, there are many benefits to opening a US PayPal account. And, whether you’re a US citizen, non-resident, or foreign business owner, you can tap into these benefits when you open an account.
Benefits of Creating a US PayPal Account:
- Security & protection
- Quick transactions
- Easy to use
- Rewards
Let’s dive into each of these in more detail…
Security & Protection
PayPal is known for being a secure, safe, and well-protected online payment platform. In fact, it’s one of the main reasons why so many individuals and businesses are interested in knowing how to create a US PayPal account.
And, compared to other online payment platforms, PayPal excels in protecting its client’s information.
With each transaction, PayPal encrypts your bank and credit card details, which works to provide security and protection from fraud.
Quick Transactions
Creating a US PayPal account, whether it’s for personal or business purposes, can provide a flexible, faster, and simpler way of making purchases.
But, that’s not all.
PayPal also provides its clients with ease when it comes to transferring funds and even paying their everyday bills.
Easy to Use
Individuals and businesses want to create US PayPal accounts because of its user-friendly platform. And, not only is PayPal mobile-friendly, but it is easy to use and manage worldwide.
In fact, account holders can use their US PayPal accounts in over 200 countries. Not to mention, PayPal supports 25 different currencies. Making receiving and sending funds easy for account holders.
So, want to get started with a US PayPal account? Here are some of the most common challenges you’ll face in the process of creating an account, for both residents and non-residents.
Challenges of Creating a US PayPal Account
Like opening accounts anywhere, there will always be challenges. This is especially the case if you’re a non-resident.
But, don’t stress, that’s why we’re here!
Because once you know the challenges and how to properly navigate them, you’ll be able to create your US PayPal account with relative ease.
So, with that said, let’s first take a look at the most common challenges individuals and businesses face when creating a US PayPal account.
Challenges of Creating a US PayPal Account:
- Applicants need an SSN to create a personal account
- Businesses need an ITIN to create an account
- Little to no customer support
Now, the most common challenge non-residents face when creating a US PayPal account is being denied because they don’t have a Social Security Number (SSN). This applies to both non-resident individuals and foreign businesses.
If you don’t have an SSN, it is possible to create a US Business PayPal account with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Another common challenge that many face when creating and using a US PayPal account is with its customer service department… or lack thereof.
PayPal is an online platform with no physical offices. Meaning, that if you have questions or concerns, it can be difficult getting the help you need. This can be very frustrating during the process of opening an account and also once you try to use your account
Here are some of the challenges you may face when using your US PayPal account.
Challenges of Using a US PayPal Account:
- Sizable chargeback fees
- Lack of customer service
- Frequent PayPal account freezes
- High transaction fees
- Strict terms of use
Keep in mind that if your US PayPal account is being used for business purposes, you will typically be charged fees for sending and receiving transactions.
So, before you create a US PayPal account for your business, it’s best to understand the fee structure and PayPal’s terms and conditions when it comes to sending and receiving funds.
Most critically you should know that if PayPal suspects any unusual or suspicious behavior, they will not hesitate to freeze your account. And, they will do so without any notice.
So, it’s important to understand the specific terms before you begin to use your US PayPal account. That way, you can avoid the possibility of having your funds and account frozen.
Now, although there are plenty of challenges you can face when creating and using your US PayPal account, knowing how to properly create an account can reduce the challenges that you’ll face.
In fact, a number of these challenges can be completely avoided if you know what you’re doing.
So, with that in mind, let’s look at what individuals and businesses need to know about how to create a US PayPal account today.
How to Create a US PayPal Account
As mentioned earlier, it is possible for non-residents to create a US PayPal account… if you have the right documentation.
To create a US PayPal account, you will first need to open a US bank account, provide supporting documents, and provide a US Social Security Number.
If you don’t have an SSN, you can still create a US PayPal account by first starting a US company, getting an ITIN, and applying for a Business US PayPal account.
Let’s break down what you need to create a US PayPal account for both personal and business purposes.
Requirements for a Personal US PayPal Account:
- US Social Security Number
- An acceptable US address
- Proof of a US phone number
Requirements for a Business US PayPal Account:
- Proof of a US company address
- US company phone number
- EIN Number
- Company certificate (LLC or corporation papers)
- US SSN or ITIN
- Proof of business operations & existence
As you can see, the requirements to create a US PayPal account are pretty straightforward. However, for many people, including non-residents, meeting these requirements can be a challenge.
This is especially true if you don’t have a US bank account or a US Social Security Number.
Fortunately, we can help – more specifically, GlobalBanks USA.
GlobalBanks USA is the number one US bank account opening service available anywhere. It helps foreign and non-resident individuals (and their businesses) open bank accounts in the United States.
This includes the direct one-on-one support you need to find and open accounts with real brick-and-mortar banks that match your client profile. And in most cases, you can even open accounts 100% remotely.
In addition, you’ll also receive direct introductions to US bankers who are ready to help you through the account opening process.
Plus, when you join Globalbanks USA, you receive access to our library of premium members-only US Banking Reports, our US Bank Database, and a dedicated account manager to help you navigate your options.