At CEX.IO, we continue working to extend the list of supported payment methods to provide our users with more convenient ways to purchase cryptocurrency. We are happy to announce that we have added PayPal as a funding method.
Currently, PayPal funding is available only to U.S. residents. Eligible customers can use it for crypto purchases via the Buy option in the CEX.IO App and the Instant Buy service on the CEX.IO Exchange.
Keep in mind that you need to complete the identity verification on CEX.IO to initiate a transaction via PayPal. More details can be found on our Limits and Commissions page.
Important:
You need to link your PayPal account to CEX.IO Wallet before purchasing crypto. Only one account can be linked at a time. If you need to unlink your current account, please contact our support team via the live chat button at the bottom right.
How to link a PayPal account
You can link your PayPal account using both the CEX.IO App and/or the CEX.IO Wallet webpage.
If you use the CEX.IO App, proceed with the following steps:
Tap the profile icon in the top left corner of your screen to find the Payment methods menu.
Tap Link a new account at the bottom.
Click on PayPal and proceed with account linking.
Allow CEX.IO Wallet to share the information, and tap Continue.
Log in to your PayPal account to complete the account linking.
If you want to use a web experience to link your PayPal account using the web version of CEX.IO Wallet, then:
1. Open the Wallet dashboard on the CEX.IO website, and switch to Account Manager tab.
2. Select PayPal as a payment method.
3. Log in to your PayPal account to complete the account linking.
After linking your PayPal account, you may go back to the CEX.IO Wallet and proceed with the purchase.
How to purchase crypto using PayPal via the CEX.IO App
Once your PayPal account is linked, you are ready to purchase crypto via CEX.IO Wallet.
1. Tap the Buy button on the home screen or in the Wallet section.
2. Select the currency you want to buy from the list. You can use a search bar for faster access.
3. Choose PayPal as your payment method.
4. Enter the amount of crypto you wish to buy and tap Buy now.
5. Click Confirm on the bottom to finalize your transaction.
Once the transaction is processed, you will be able to see the updated balance with the purchased cryptocurrency in the Wallet menu.
How to buy crypto using PayPal via the Instant Buy web service
1. Choose the currency and amount to purchase and click Buy. You can also use one of the ready-to-buy packs.
2. Next, click Select payment method.
3. Choose PayPal as a payment option.
4. Сlick Log in with PayPal below to link your PayPal account. You will be returned to the Instant Buy page after account linking.
5. Select PayPal as a payment method once again, and click Buy with PayPal.
6. Choose what payment option to use in your PayPal account, and confirm the transaction to purchase cryptocurrency.
Once the transaction is processed, you will be able to see the updated balance with the purchased cryptocurrency in your CEX.IO account.
What if my transaction is declined?
If your PayPal deposit or crypto purchase was declined on CEX.IO, follow the steps below to identify and resolve the issue.
Quick fixes
Try the transaction again. Temporary network or processing errors can cause one-off failures. Wait a few minutes and retry your deposit or purchase.
Switch device. If you used the CEX.IO website, try the mobile app (or vice versa). Sometimes, different interfaces can bypass browser-specific glitches.
Try a different payment method. You can also use a debit or credit card, Google/Apple Pay, or ACH to deposit funds. When adding a new card, ensure you enter the information exactly as it appears on the card or your official bank statement to avoid further declines.
Pro Tip: For a more consistent deposit experience, you may want to try a debit card, as they statistically see 25% fewer declines than other methods.
Mostly, PayPal payments are rejected due to a mismatch in account details, insufficient limits, or a security check from PayPal’s side. Most of these issues can be resolved by following the simple troubleshooting steps below.
Reached account limits
PayPal may have its own internal spending limits or "sending limits" based on your account's verification level. Check your PayPal account status to see if you need to provide further documentation to increase your limits.
Insufficient PayPal balance or funding source
PayPal acts as a bridge between your bank/card and CEX.IO. A failure often happens at the source.
Insufficient PayPal Balance: Check your PayPal app to ensure you have enough "PayPal Balance" for the transaction.
Linked Card/Bank Issues: If PayPal is drawing funds from a linked card, ensure that the specific card has a sufficient balance and is not expired or blocked for online payments.
Switch the Source: If a specific card linked to your PayPal is failing, try selecting a different card or your bank account as the primary funding source within the PayPal checkout window.
Mismatch in email addresses
Ensure you are using a PayPal account that is registered under the same email address as your CEX.IO account. If they don't match, the transaction will be automatically declined.
We know that payment declines are frustrating. To support our community, CEX.IO occasionally issues limited-time promotional offers to users who have encountered transaction issues. If you received a notification regarding a special promotional offer, you can read the Official Promotion Rules here.
The web content provided by CEX.IO is for educational purposes only. The information and tools provided neither are, nor should be construed as, an offer, or a solicitation of an offer, or a recommendation, to buy, sell or hold any digital asset or to open a particular account or engage in any specific investment strategy. Digital asset markets are highly volatile and can lead to loss of funds.
The availability of the products, features, and services on the CEX.IO platform is subject to jurisdictional limitations. To understand what products and services are available in your region, please see our list of supported countries and territories. This page includes additional links to information about individual products, and their accessibility.
CEX.IO Corp. is not a registered broker-dealer or FINRA member. Crypto is not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC).
Taxes may be payable on any return and/or on any increase in the value of your digital assets and you should seek independent advice on your tax obligations.