Paypal Help

[PghMiller]

I never used paypal before, but I need to now to purchase something from a prime member. It seems like there are a few options to "pay" or "add money" or "transfer money" or "send money"...

It won't let me "add money" to my Paypal account balance unless I give my SSN and DOB... and I don't want to do that.

So I set up my debit card. And I tried to also link my bank account but that will take 3 business days (and I NEED to make this purchase tomorrow).

So as I proceed to make this purchase (send money), I typed in the seller's email address and then it gives me 2 options: "I'm paying for goods" or "sending money to friends/family"...

If I select "paying for goods", it says the seller will pay the fees (he doesn't want to do that)

If I select "sending money to friends/family", it says it will be free IF I use my Paypal account balance (which like I said above I can't load with funds because I don't want to give my SSN and DOB)... or IF I use my debit card info it will cost me $26 (which seems to be my only way of making this purchase).

How do you guys do it "as gift" like I always hear you talking about??
What WOULD the fee be to the seller if I chose that option? (the same fee as it was trying to charge me??)
Am I missing something?

 

[angus]

I think they removed the gift option once they saw everyone abusing it. The friends and family is the same thing, they are basically charging you the credit card fee.

If you do the transaction by the friends and family option - REMEMBER, you will NOT have any buyer protection.

Now - if you know and trust the seller, you are just as well off to deposit to their bank acct. because either way, you have no protection if they do not come through.

So, if you are at all unsure - then you are best off paying the fee and just look at it as insurance.

 

[passline]

Why do you not want to give them your SS# ?