What is Verification?
PayPal's definition of Verification is when we perform a detailed check of the information you supply at registration.

This Verification process is our way of safeguarding the security of everyone who uses our payment network. It is a secure and easy way of ensuring that you are indeed the owner of your bank account.

When these checks have been successfully completed, you gain the status of Verified. This signifies to other PayPal users that you are a trusted member. Verification is just one of many ways by which PayPal prevents fraud and provides the most secure service possible.

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Why do I need to get Verified?

Trust
Buyers and sellers value the status of Verified as it indicates that they are dealing with a trusted PayPal member who has successfully passed our security checks.

Security
Once you gain the status of Verified, you are one step closer to qualifying for extra protection, such as PayPal Seller Protection. You need to be Verified to be able to offer your buyers PayPal Buyer Protection. Both initiatives help to protect your PayPal payments against fraud.

Convenience
Completing our verification process lifts the limits on the amount of money you can send and withdraw with PayPal. Until you gain the status of Verified, there are limits on the amount of money you can send and withdraw.

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How do I know if I am Verified?
Simply go to your PayPal account. Your Account Overview page will display Verified or Unverified.

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How do I become Verified?
The verification process varies from person to person since it is based on factors such as account type and how payments are being funded. There are four ways in which you may become Verified. Depending on your profile, you may not be required to complete all four, and you will certainly not be required to complete all four at the same time.

Set up Direct Debit with PayPal
Step 1: Log in to your PayPal account and click on Set up Direct Debit on the left hand side of your Account Overview page. When prompted, enter your bank details and review our Direct Debit agreement.

Step 2: When we have received your bank details, we will deposit two small amounts into your bank account. When you see your next bank statement, make a note of these amounts.

Step 3: Log in to your PayPal account and tell us what these two amounts are.

When you have completed all three steps, you can then start sending PayPal payments funded by your bank account.

Validate your account information
Step 1: We ask you to check that the address and home telephone number you registered with your debit or credit card are correct.

Step 2: Once you have done this we issue you with a PIN number.

Step 3: PayPal will then call your home telephone number and ask you to confirm this PIN number.

This is the second phase of verification with PayPal. It is a secure and easy way of verifying your identity and protecting the security of our payment network for everyone.

Expanded Use Programme
Step 1: Go to your PayPal account, click Status in your Account Overview and follow the instructions.

Step 2: If you have entered a Switch or Solo card, we withdraw two small amounts from your bank account (less than £1.00 GBP each). If you have entered a Mastercard, Amex or Visa card (debit or credit), we charge $1.95 USD and include a four-digit PIN in your bank or credit card statement.

Step 3: Log in to your PayPal account and tell us what the PIN or these two amounts are.

Supplemental Merchant Information (Premier and Business Accounts only)
At some point, depending on how much you use PayPal, we may ask you straightforward questions about the nature and size of your expected selling activities. This is because PayPal is required by law to know about its customers. PayPal will not share your information with any third party.

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