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eBay vouchers - Frequently Asked Questions


Vouchers and coupons

Using a voucher

Redeeming vouchers

Seller Information

I've received an eBay coupon. What's the difference between a coupon and a voucher?
There is no difference between an eBay coupon and a voucher, apart from the name. You can use your coupon in the same way that you use a voucher, as detailed in these FAQs.
What is a voucher?
Vouchers are discounts offered on eBay items. You need to meet the requirements of the voucher in order to redeem it. The option to use the voucher will only be available if the seller of the item accepts PayPal, and you need to pay for the item using your PayPal account.
How do I get a voucher?
If you're chosen to receive a voucher, you might receive it in one of the following ways:

  • email

  • an offer on the site

  • a catalogue or postcard posted to you

With all of these methods, the voucher will contain the redemption code you need to use to redeem the voucher.
Do I have to be an eBay member to use a voucher?
Yes. You need to register at eBay to buy an item on eBay and use your voucher. You can sign up for an eBay account when you're buying an item on eBay.
Do I need to have a PayPal account to redeem a voucher?
Yes. You need to register with PayPal to redeem your voucher. You can sign up for a PayPal account when you're buying an item on eBay.
What are my payment options when using a voucher?
You need to pay with PayPal if you want to use your voucher. PayPal lets you to pay with your credit card, debit card, bank account, or PayPal balance.
Can I give my voucher to someone else?
Most vouchers can be used only by you, but sometimes you can share vouchers. If the voucher includes an email address, that address must be registered with the PayPal account you use to pay for your item. If the voucher doesn't specify an email address, then you can share the voucher.


Can I use more than one voucher at a time?
No. Vouchers are not valid with other offers.
Can I use vouchers for items on any eBay site and in any currency?
Currently, vouchers are only valid for items listed on eBay.com, eBay.ca, and eBay.co.uk.
Who can I contact if I am having trouble using a voucher?
For enquiries about vouchers please contact PayPal Customer Support
Where can I use my vouchers?
vouchers can only be redeemed for eBay items that meet the following requirements:

  • The seller accepts PayPal as a payment method.

  • Item must be paid for using PayPal within 10 days of the item listing's completion on eBay.


My voucher states I can only use it in a particular category. Is this normal?
Some of our vouchers may restrict redemption to certain categories. This will be mentioned on the voucher and detailed in the relevant terms & conditions. For example, if your voucher says you can only redeem in Men’s Clothing, you will be able to buy a shirt in the Men’s Clothing category, but not a belt in the Men’s Accessories category.
How do I redeem a voucher?
Vouchers can only be redeemed for eBay items that meet the following requirements:

  • The seller accepts PayPal as a payment method

  • Items meet all voucher requirements

  • Item must be paid for using PayPal within ten days of the item's closing date


The email address associated with my voucher is different to the one I use for my PayPal account. What should I do?
You need to add the email address that appears on the voucher to your PayPal account.

To add an email address to your PayPal account, go to Account Information (under the Profile subtab), select Email, and then click Add to add an email address. Once you have added the email address to your PayPal account, follow the instructions to confirm the email address.

Once youve 'completed this step, you can redeem the voucher on an eBay purchase.


Can I use my voucher on any item?
You can use a voucher that you receive from eBay or PayPal on any eBay item that accepts PayPal and that meets the voucher's eligibility requirements.
What do I do with the redemption code on my voucher?
You enter the redemption code when you are paying for an eBay item using PayPal. This allows PayPal to validate the voucher and display your discount. To make sure you enter the redemption code correctly, you may want to copy and paste it from the voucher into the redemption code entry box when you're at the PayPal screen.
How do I make a payment using a redemption code?
To make a payment using a redemption code that is already associated with your PayPal account:

  1. Click the Select Code button on the Confirm Your Payment or Check Payment Details page.

  2. Select the redemption code you want to use for the payment and click Continue.

  3. Verify all the information and click Pay.

To make a payment using a voucher redemption code or a printable eBay Gift Certificate:

  1. Enter your redemption code in the text entry box on the Confirm Your Payment or Check Payment Details page.

  2. Click the Redeem button to apply your discount.

  3. Verify all the information and click Pay. The seller will receive funds in his PayPal balance in his designated currency, just as with any other payment.


If my voucher doesn't cover the whole transaction amount, how do I pay the remainder?
The remaining balance can be paid with any of your other valid funding sources from your PayPal account (i.e. PayPal balance, bank account, debit card or credit card).
Do vouchers expire?
Yes, most vouchers expire. The expiry date, if one exists, is on the voucher.
What happens if I pay for an item with a voucher, and then the payment is declined or reversed?
You will receive a refund for the entire portion of the purchase you paid for but not for the amount of the voucher.
Can I use someone else's voucher?
Some vouchers are only valid for the recipient, but others can be shared. If the voucher includes an email address that must be used to log in to PayPal, then only that PayPal account owner can use that voucher. If the voucher does not specify an email address, it may be shared with others.
How do vouchers benefit sellers?
Vouchers will increase the number of bidders and buyers on eBay, and may encourage recipients to bid more and on higher value items.
As a seller, what do I have to do to accept vouchers?
Sellers simply need to accept PayPal as a payment method. Vouchers are automatically converted to regular currency at the time of redemption, so sellers will not be aware that a voucher has been used to fund the payment.
Will I know if a buyer's used a voucher on a payment?
Vouchers are automatically converted to regular currency at the time of redemption, so you will not even be aware that a voucher was used to fund the payment.
If a buyer uses a voucher, will the payment I receive change?
No, you will still receive a single payment. You will not even be aware that the buyer used a voucher.
What happens if the buyer returns the item and, as a seller, I refund the PayPal payment?
If the refund or chargeback is processed through PayPal, then the amount of the voucher will be refunded back to the voucher issuer and the remainder of the payment will be refunded to the buyer.
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