Table of Contents
Introduction
PayPal is a popular online payment system that allows users to send, receive, and hold funds in their PayPal account. It’s important to regularly check your PayPal balance to keep track of money going in and out of your account. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to view and check your PayPal balance on both desktop and mobile.
Prerequisites
Before you can check your PayPal balance, you need:
- A PayPal account
- To be logged into your PayPal account
If you don’t have a PayPal account, you can easily sign up for one for free on the PayPal website or mobile app.
Check PayPal Balance on Desktop
Step 1: Log Into Your PayPal Account
Go to www.paypal.com and log into your PayPal account by entering your email address and password.
Step 2: View Account Overview Page
Once logged in, you will be directed to the Account Overview page. This page displays a summary of your account details, including your current PayPal balance shown in a blue box on the left side.
Step 3: Check Account Activity Details
To see more details on your balance and account activity, click on “Activity” below your balance. This will show you:
- Recent transactions
- Money added or withdrawn
- Accepted/incoming payments
- Automatic/recurring payments
Checking your Activity is useful for reconciling your PayPal balance with your bank statements.
Check PayPal Balance on Mobile
Step 1: Download the PayPal App
Download the PayPal app on your iOS or Android device. You can find the app in the App Store or Google Play Store.
Step 2: Log Into the App
Open the PayPal app and log in using your PayPal email address and password.
Step 3: View Main Account Screen
Your current PayPal balance will be shown on the main account screen after you log in. Tap on the balance amount to see details.
Step 4: Check Account Activity
To see more transaction history and activity details, tap the “Activity” tab on the bottom menu.
What To Do If Balance Is Negative
If your PayPal balance shows negative, it means you owe PayPal money. This can happen due to disputes, refunds, reversals, or insufficient funds. To resolve a negative balance:
- Log into PayPal and click “Resolve Negative Balance”.
- Choose an amount and payment method to add funds.
- PayPal will apply funds to cover the negative amount owed.
Leaving a negative balance unpaid for too long can result in your account being limited or suspended.
Protecting Account Security
When viewing your PayPal balance, make sure you always access your account on the official PayPal website or mobile app. Never enter your login details on unknown third-party websites as this can lead to account hacks and balance theft.
Enable two-factor authentication on your account for extra security. This requires you to enter a code from your mobile device when logging in from a new device.
Conclusion
Checking your PayPal balance regularly allows you to track funds coming in and out of your account. This article explained how to easily view your current PayPal balance on both desktop and mobile app. Monitoring your balance activity also helps reconcile transactions and catch unauthorized payments early. Keep your account secure by only logging in on official PayPal platforms and enabling two-factor authentication.
