I need some help with the Instant Transfer option.

[rupeeclinger]

Hi, guys. I'm no expert in this field and I've tried numerous searches on both paypal and ebay for an answer, but found none. For my paypal account, I ONLY have a bank account linked and I'm a verified user. Here's the issue:

A few months ago, I was able to use the Instant Transfer option to pay for items that I wanted to buy. I thought that was pretty cool because before then, I was only able to make payments via eCheck or if I had funds I added to the Paypal balance. Just yesterday I wanted to buy a game and I wasn't given the option of Instant Transfer.

So I'm wondering is there something I'm missing about this option? Like why is the Instant Transfer option suddenly not available, is it a glitch or actually something to do with my paypal account?

I'd really like to get some help on this.

[toby_le_pue]

Did you have a Credit Card linked to your Paypal back then.

[rupeeclinger]

No, I didn't; I never had a credit card linked to my paypal account (I don't even have a credit card, anyway). I only have my bank account linked; according to Paypal's site, that right there is enough to be allowed to use the Instant Transfer. And as I said, I was allowed to use it a few months ago. Then, I try to buy a game yesterday and that option is completely missing. I don't even know what to say.

[heidilynn0_3 · Accepted solution]

Hi rupeeclinger.. Have no idea why that option was available to you without a credit card or paying from balance.

PP has always required a back up funding source in case payment is returned by bank. They charge the card.

Can you obtain a Visa/Mastercard debit card from your bank. Can be added and allows instant payment. Have to be sure bank funds are available.

[rupeeclinger]

Hi, heidilynn. Yes, I was wondering the exact same thing a few months ago when the Instant Transfer option was available to use. It confused me because I also assumed I need a backup funding source, which i don't have (never had); I only have my bank account linked.

But I looked at Paypal's site and it says that simply linking the bank account grants me the Instant Transfer option, so I assumed it was normal.

PS: I didn't mean to select your answer as "solving the question". I chose that your answer helped (because it is helpful), but didn't realize it automatically marks your answer as the solution 😛

[femmefan1946]

If you don't have a credit card, you can move money from your bank account to your Paypal balance. This takes a few days to clear the Canadian and US banking systems (PP is a US company).

Then when you pay for something from your PP balance, the seller gets the money instantly.

Paypal is used by many online sellers, not just eBay. I am involved with a science fiction convention (CAN-CON2013) and we take Paypal for the purchase of memberships and Dealer Tables.

However, a credit card would not tie up your money.