PayPal has seamlessly integrated cryptocurrency into its widely used financial platform, allowing users to buy, sell, and hold digital assets alongside their traditional money management tools. For those wondering what crypto does PayPal support, the answer is currently limited—but purposeful. The service supports four major cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), and Bitcoin Cash (BCH).
Since launching its crypto feature in 2020, PayPal has steadily evolved its offering. Initially lagging behind competitors like Robinhood and Cash App, the platform has since caught up by introducing key features such as the ability to transfer crypto in and out of the PayPal wallet—a major upgrade that提升了 user control and flexibility.
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Supported Cryptocurrencies on PayPal
While thousands of digital currencies exist today, PayPal takes a cautious, user-friendly approach by supporting only select assets. Here's a breakdown of the four available options:
Bitcoin (BTC)
As the original cryptocurrency, Bitcoin remains the most recognized and widely adopted digital asset. Created under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto, its true creator remains unknown—a mystery that has sparked speculation involving figures like Elon Musk and Nick Szabo. Bitcoin operates on a capped supply of 21 million coins, contributing to its long-term value proposition. Users can hold BTC as an investment or use it for purchases where accepted.
Ethereum (ETH)
Launched by Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum powers much of the decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible token (NFT) ecosystems. Unlike Bitcoin, Ethereum doesn’t have a hard supply cap, but demand remains strong due to its utility in smart contracts and dApps. It’s a top choice for users interested in blockchain innovation beyond simple transactions.
Litecoin (LTC)
Often referred to as the "silver to Bitcoin’s gold," Litecoin is a direct fork of Bitcoin designed for faster and cheaper transactions. With a maximum supply of 84 million coins, it offers greater availability while maintaining similar security principles. Its efficiency makes it ideal for frequent, small-value payments.
Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
Another Bitcoin fork, Bitcoin Cash was created to address scalability issues by increasing block size, enabling quicker and lower-cost transfers. Like Bitcoin, it has a capped supply of 21 million coins, making it attractive to those who value scarcity combined with improved transaction speed.
How to Buy Cryptocurrency on PayPal
Getting started with crypto on PayPal is straightforward—even for beginners.
- Create or log in to your PayPal account
If you don’t already have one, sign up at no cost. - Link a funding source
Connect a bank account or debit card to fund your purchases. - Navigate to the “Crypto” section
Found within the app’s dashboard, this hub lets you view prices, track holdings, and execute trades. - Select your desired cryptocurrency
Choose from BTC, ETH, LTC, or BCH. - Enter purchase amount
You can invest as little as $1 or up to $100,000 per week.
PayPal does not charge explicit fees for buying or selling crypto. Instead, it earns revenue through the spread—the difference between the market price and the price at which you trade.
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Is PayPal a Good Platform for Crypto?
For many users—especially newcomers—the answer is yes.
Pros:
- Ease of use: If you're already comfortable with PayPal’s interface, adding crypto feels natural.
- Security: Funds and personal data benefit from PayPal’s robust fraud protection systems.
- Spending flexibility: You can use your crypto balance to pay participating merchants directly through PayPal.
- No trading fees: While the spread exists, there are no hidden commissions or withdrawal charges (for now).
Cons:
- Limited selection: Only four cryptocurrencies are available, far fewer than on dedicated exchanges.
- No wallet interoperability (by default): Although transfers to external wallets are now possible, not all users have immediate access.
- Higher spreads: Compared to zero-fee platforms like Coinbase or Kraken, PayPal’s pricing may be less competitive for large trades.
Financial expert Suze Orman once shared that she bought $5,000 worth of Bitcoin via PayPal, praising its simplicity and intuitive design—a testament to its appeal among mainstream audiences.
The Future of Crypto at PayPal
PayPal views digital currencies as integral to the future of global commerce. In a significant move, the company launched its own dollar-pegged stablecoin, PYUSD, backed 1:1 by U.S. dollar reserves. This development signals PayPal’s deeper commitment to blockchain technology and real-world financial integration.
Previously, PayPal was a founding member of Facebook’s Diem (formerly Libra) project but exited due to regulatory concerns. Diem was eventually shelved, but PayPal’s continued innovation suggests it aims to lead rather than follow in the evolving digital economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer crypto from PayPal to another wallet?
Yes. PayPal now allows users to transfer cryptocurrencies to external wallets or exchanges such as OKX or MetaMask—giving greater control over your assets.
Are there fees when buying crypto on PayPal?
PayPal doesn’t charge direct fees. However, it applies a spread between the buy/sell price and the real-time market rate, which effectively serves as its fee structure.
Is my crypto investment safe on PayPal?
Your holdings are protected by PayPal’s security infrastructure, including encryption and two-factor authentication. However, unlike self-custody wallets, you do not hold the private keys—meaning full ownership remains with PayPal.
Can I earn interest on crypto held in PayPal?
Currently, PayPal does not offer interest-bearing accounts or staking rewards for holding crypto—unlike some other platforms.
Why doesn’t PayPal support more cryptocurrencies?
PayPal prioritizes regulatory compliance and user safety over rapid expansion. Adding new coins requires extensive vetting for legal, technical, and market risks.
Will PayPal add more cryptos in the future?
While no official roadmap exists, executives have indicated plans to expand offerings based on customer demand and market maturity.
👉 Find out how next-gen platforms are expanding access beyond basic crypto buys.
Final Thoughts
PayPal offers a convenient entry point into the world of cryptocurrency—especially for those already using the app for everyday transactions. While its current selection of BTC, ETH, LTC, and BCH is limited compared to full-service exchanges, its ease of use, built-in spending options, and growing support for external transfers make it a solid choice for casual investors.
As digital payments evolve, expect PayPal to continue enhancing its crypto capabilities—possibly adding more coins, staking features, or even DeFi integrations down the line. For now, it remains a gateway rather than a powerhouse—but sometimes, that’s exactly what users need.