Paypal has introduced a new feature which allows you to use your Paypal account to shop online even at websites that don’t accept Paypal.
The way it works is that Paypal generates for you a virtual credit card number – that is a credit card number which works (and appears) like a MasterCard number, but which really ties back to and is paid by the funds in your Paypal account. These virtual credit cards are known as Paypal Secure Cards. You can use a Paypal Secure Card just as you would a regular credit card when shopping online.
Explains Paypal:
“Secure Cards let you pay online almost anywhere MasterCard is accepted. We offer two types of Secure Cards:
Single-use cards. You generate a MasterCard debit card number for a single purchase. Once the purchase is complete, the card is closed and can’t be used again by anyone. These cards can be used for up to two months, unless you close them
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Multiple-use cards. You generate a MasterCard debit card number that you can use again and again for purchases on one website. These cards can be used for up to two years, unless you close them.”
There are two ways to generate a Paypal Secure Card number:
1. Go directly to the Paypal site, and generate a Paypal Secure Card
2. Download the nifty new new Paypal Plug-In that adds a Paypal toolbar to your browser, through which you can automatically generate a secure card on the fly, while shopping.
According to Paypal, “Once you’ve downloaded the plug-in, you’ll notice the “P” on your internet browser. Click on it for instant access to all the features the plug-in has to offer:
You can download the Paypal Secure Card plug-in here.
The Internet Patrol is completely free, and reader-supported. Your tips via CashApp, Venmo, or Paypal are appreciated! Receipts will come from ISIPP.
Out of date info in 2023… Anyone have a current way that works?
this paypal plugin wont work…..the link just goes straight to the paypal page. where else can I get access to the plugin and how to download it? thank you!
These credit cards that are known as Paypal Secure Cards are just a great idea. You can use a Paypal Secure Card just as you would a regular credit card when shopping online.
This appears to offer an extra degree
of separation between user and hacker. Thanks to paypal for offering it and to you for informing us of it.
I currently use a two checking account system: each with its own debit card. After determining how much an online purchase will be, I transfer only the necessary funds to my ‘online purchases’ account and then use that debit card for the purchase. It’s a free account at my bank and I typically keep 25 cents in it.