Paypal - how do I use it?

[Overseasmom100]

So I need to pay a bill via PayPal using friends/family they've told me. Ive got an account that I have never used but set up a while back.

Ive gone in and Im not sure how to do this. Do I have to link my ban account details so payment comes out of it?

Ah I think Ive just found a way - you add your bank details then pay off that

It's now asking me to set up a direct debit to paypal - I dont get this!

Be very wary of paying for goods and services through friends and family, there's no protection if anything goes wrong. People will ask you to pay that way to avoid fees but it really is just for sending money to friends and family to chip in for presents and such like.

Ah the person Im sending to is legit all ok.
So how does it work - Ive added my bank account details now it's asking me to set up a direct debit

It's very convenient. I even pay the window cleaner out of PayPal! You don't need any money in there to use It. It takes it straight out of your bank account; and if someone uses it to pay you, you can transfer it into your bank. And it's free to use.

The direct debit is so pay pal can money out of your bank account when you use it to buy something.

I think I've seen something about paying bills via friends/family on PayPal and it's a bit dodgy. You certainly don't need to set up a direct debit. Please google payment via friends/ family PayPal

Ah cross posted, ignore me

This is a one off I prob wont use it again as I like to pay cash Im old fashioned!

Ive just done it made the payment without setting up a direct debit etc...

Thanks everyone

No problems using it to buy stuff. You just link your card.

To sell stuff and get paid, you need to set up a full account.

If the account is connected to your bank account, I'd enable two factor authentication as an extra layer of protection ...