Buying gift cards can seem like a straightforward process, but when it comes to PayPal gift cards, there are certain age restrictions you need to be aware of. Many people turn to PayPal My Cash cards to add funds to their accounts, especially if they prefer using cash. However, a recent experience highlights a crucial detail: age verification.
One user attempted to load a PayPal My Cash gift card with $20, after purchasing it with an activation fee. Upon trying to credit the card at paypal.com/cash, they were prompted to verify their age as being over 18. Being 17, the user was unable to complete this verification, rendering the gift card unusable for its intended purpose. This situation was surprising, as the user had previously used PayPal with a checking account and prepaid VISA gift cards without encountering age verification issues. This instance marked their first attempt to use a PayPal My Cash gift card and the first time age verification was requested.
Seeking a refund, the user returned to the store, only to be directed to PayPal support. The online support proved unhelpful, offering articles on refunding to gift cards, not from them, and information about eBay gift cards, none of which addressed the specific problem. This left the user with a useless $20 gift card and confusion about how to recover their money.
This experience underscores a critical point for anyone looking to buy a PayPal gift card, particularly PayPal My Cash: you must be 18 years or older to redeem it. While PayPal allows users 13 and older to have accounts with parental consent, the ability to load funds via My Cash gift cards is restricted to adults. If you are under 18 and purchase one of these cards, you will likely face the same verification hurdle and be unable to use the card.
For those under 18 who find themselves in a similar situation, obtaining a refund can be challenging but not impossible. While store policies may vary, and online PayPal support might be generic, persistent communication with PayPal customer service directly is key. Understanding the age restriction policy before you Buy Paypal Gift Card is crucial to avoid this frustrating scenario. Always check the terms and conditions associated with gift cards, especially those linked to financial services like PayPal, to ensure they align with your age and intended use.
