How To Use PayPal To Start Trading Forex

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PayPal can be used with most Forex brokers, though traders should check with their broker first:

  1. Create an account with a Forex broker

  2. Fund your account with the broker via PayPal

  3. Use the funds in your broker's account to trade on Forex

PayPal is a global online payment system with an estimated 329 million active users in 200 countries making almost 10 billion payments annually, generating $29.2 billion in revenue in 2023. PayPal’s speed, security, and simplicity, have helped it grow from a digital wallet for making email payments, into a global financial powerhouse revolutionizing online transactions.

As PayPal is so popular and widely accepted by most companies and organizations, Forex traders may wonder if they can use it for making Forex deposits and withdrawals.In this article, we will tell you how you can use PayPal for forex deposits.

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eToro is a multi-asset platform which offers both investing in stocks and cryptoassets, as well as trading CFDs.
  • How do Forex deposits work?

    Forex deposits involve transferring funds from your bank account or using an electronic payment method into your brokerage account. Methods include bank wire transfers, credit/debit cards, electronic wallets, and online payment systems.

  • How do I deposit money into Forex?

    To make a deposit, log in to your brokerage account, select the deposit option, choose a payment method such as credit/debit card or PayPal, enter the amount you’d like to deposit, and then follow the instructions to complete the transaction. Different brokerage firms will vary in what forms of payment they accept, so check whether they accept payment methods such as Google Pay, Apple Pay, or PayPal.

  • Can you trade using PayPal?

    No, you can’t trade using PayPal directly, as it’s a platform specifically for making electronic payments and transfers. However, you can usually use PayPal to fund your trading, by using it as a means of payment when making deposits into your trading account. Check with your broker if they accept PayPal for paying for deposits.

  • Can I withdraw from Forex to PayPal?

    Usually yes, though you’ll have to check with your broker. Typically, if you can make a deposit using PayPal, PayPal withdrawals will be possible too. The maximum amount limits often differ for PayPal (for example $100,000 on credit card but $20,000 on PayPal), and you may be limited to only withdrawing your total net deposit. That means if you deposited $1000 using PayPal, you could only withdraw a maximum of $1000, with any additional profits delivered by bank transfer.

Do Forex Brokers accept PayPal?

Answering the question of whether Forex brokers accept PayPal for making deposits into your trading account depends on the individual broker. Each Forex broker operates under its own rules, so if you’re hoping to use PayPal, you’ll need to check with the broker first. That being said, most reputable Forex brokers do accept PayPal. They allow you to either transfer capital from your PayPal balance into your Forex account in the form of a deposit, or to use your PayPal account and the bank or card associated with it for payments.

When using PayPal to fund your trading account, there are some differences worth taking into account compared to using a credit/debit card or bank transfer. For example, the maximum deposit size is usually smaller when using PayPal, and some brokers charge fees for making deposits using PayPal. The currencies accepted for payment are also different. Brokers will typically accept USD, EUR, CAD, JPY, CHF, AUD, and GBP when using a card, but will only accept EUR, GBP, and USD if using PayPal.The currency conversion rate in transactions between the broker and PayPal may be unfavorable to the trader. Make sure you check your broker’s policy before making a deposit, as rules vary.

Brokers that accept PayPal for making deposits usually allow withdrawals into your PayPal account too. However, they may come with limits, such as only being able to withdraw the total net deposit. So if you initially made multiple deposits using a mixture of card payments and PayPal, the maximum you can withdraw to PayPal would be the total sum of your PayPal deposits. Any additional funds or profit would need to be withdrawn via other means, such as a bank transfer. Again, check your broker’s policy as this is not a blanket rule.

One of the main benefits of using PayPal for funding your Forex trading is that it’s incredibly safe. It offers buyer protection, encryption technology, and fraud prevention measures. Furthermore, PayPal transactions are usually processed quickly, allowing for faster funding of your trading account than other payment forms. Just make sure your chosen broker supports it.

Researchers at Traders Union have looked into which Forex brokers accept PayPal, and compiled a list of the best ones. Our top 5 are:

  1. IC Markets: The best Forex broker for using PayPal, with zero withdrawal fees

  2. FxPro: FXPro is perhaps the best broker for beginners, with optimal trading conditions for Forex traders just getting started

  3. Vantage Markets: They’re one of the world’s leading CFD brokers, and allow PayPal payments to be made with ease

  4. Admirals: This broker offers users some of the most innovative trading tools out there, and accepts PayPal payments

  5. eToro: eToro is favored for its copy-trading and social trading tools. It also offers high ease-of-use, including the ability to easily make PayPal deposits

Best Forex brokers

1
9.4/10
Go to broker
eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk. Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest.
Minimum deposit:
$50, $100 (for UK clients)
Bonus for deposit:
0%
Regulation:
CySEC, FCA, ASIC
2
9.2/10
Go to broker
Your capital is at risk.
Minimum deposit:
No minimum
Bonus for deposit:
0%
Regulation:
FSC (BVI), ASIC, IIROC, FCA, CFTC, NFA

How to start trading forex using PayPal?

To begin trading using PayPal to fund your account, just follow these simple steps:

Step 1. Choose a Broker.

Research and select a reputable Forex broker that offers a user-friendly trading platform, competitive spreads, and regulatory compliance. Make sure that they offer a mobile app for trading and that they’re a broker that accepts PayPal as a means to make deposits. Download their mobile app to your phone.

For a more detailed guide on choosing a Forex broker, click here: How to choose a Forex broker wisely.

Step 2. Open & Fund Account.

Download the PayPal app to your phone for ease-of-use, as some websites or apps require you to verify payments through the Paypal app. Open your brokerage app and navigate to the “Funds” or “Deposit” section. When prompted to choose your funding method select PayPal, as seen in the screenshot below.

Funding an account with a broker using PayPal

Funding an account with a broker using PayPal

Input the amount you’d like to deposit, go through the payment process, and voila! You have a funded account ready for trading Forex.

Step 3. Install Trading App.

Download the trading app that your broker uses, and install it on your phone. Connect your broker account to the trading app. You now have trading set up on your mobile device with simple PayPal funding functionality, ready to trade when you are.

Step 4. Research & Strategize.

Learn everything there is to know about Forex trading, including terminology, market dynamics, and trading strategies through online courses, books, or educational resources. Define your trading goals, risk tolerance, and strategy. Consider factors such as your preferred trading style (e.g., day trading, swing trading), time commitment, and financial objectives.

Step 5. Begin Trading.

Begin trading with a small amount of capital that you can afford to lose. As a beginner, focus on preserving your capital and gaining experience rather than chasing profits. Always be thorough with your risk management. Stay informed about economic news, geopolitical events, and market trends. Continuously learn and adapt your strategy. To further educate yourself, read: A Basic Guide to Trading On Forex

Note:

One email address supports only one PayPal account. If you work with several brokers, it is more advantageous to use different PayPal accounts.
You cannot register a bank card in several PayPal accounts. If the card is already linked to one PayPal account, log in and delete the card before registering it in a new account.

Can I start Forex trading with $100?

Yes, it's possible to start Forex trading with $100, but it's important to understand that trading with such a small amount of capital comes with limitations and risks. With a $100 account, you'll have to trade with smaller position sizes, which may limit your potential profits. For example, if you’re opening positions that only risk the advised 1-2% of your total capital, those positions will only be worth $1 or $2. Additionally, you'll need to be mindful of transaction costs and the potential for losses, as even a small percentage decline can significantly impact a small account.

Although there are limitations, there are steps you can undertake to improve your experience trading with only $100.

  • Start with a Demo Account: Practice trading with a demo account first to familiarize yourself with the platform and develop your trading strategy without risking real money. Demo accounts let you use virtual currency in realistic trading environments, so that you can determine whether your strategies will work effectively

  • Focus on Major Pairs: Stick to trading major currency pairs like EUR/USD, GBP/USD, or USD/JPY, as they typically have lower spreads and more liquidity, making them more suitable for small accounts

  • Trade Micro Lots: With a $100 account, consider trading micro lots, which are 0.01 lots or smaller, to minimize risk and preserve capital. Your overall realized profits may be small, but any profit is still profit

  • Use Leverage Wisely: Consider using leverage, which allows you to multiply the capital you’re using, while also multiplying the risk incurred. While leverage can amplify your gains, it can also magnify your losses, so be cautious and use leverage conservatively, especially with an account size as small as $100. Avoid over-leveraging by keeping your position sizes small relative to your account balance

  • Stick to Your Trading Plan: Develop a trading plan with clear entry and exit strategies, and stick to it. Avoid impulsive trading decisions driven by emotions

One last tip comes straight from one of our Traders Union experts, Glory Faleke. He says that:

“No matter how you fund your account - by PayPal, bank transfer or any other method - the main thing is to have a clear plan and understanding of what your trading advantage is based on. Treat Forex trading as a business, not a game for quick and easy gain.”

Summary

PayPal is one of the safest payment methods available to Forex traders, with its multi-layer security and buyer protection. On top of that, it’s also instant and facilitates the transferring of funds around the world instantly. If you need PayPal to fund your Forex account, make sure that whichever broker you choose allows PayPal payments. Not all brokers accept PayPal (though most do), so check beforehand. Be aware of differences in maximum deposits or withdrawals, and any additional fees you might incur.

Be sure to understand the risks of trading Forex before using PayPal to deposit your own capital into a trading account.

Team that worked on the article

Jason Law
Contributor

Jason Law is a freelance writer and journalist and a Traders Union website contributor. While his main areas of expertise are currently finance and investing, he’s also a generalist writer covering news, current events, and travel.

Jason’s experience includes being an editor for South24 News and writing for the Vietnam Times newspaper. He is also an avid investor and an active stock and cryptocurrency trader with several years of experience.

Dr. BJ Johnson
Dr. BJ Johnson
Developmental English Editor

Dr. BJ Johnson is a PhD in English Language and an editor with over 15 years of experience. He earned his degree in English Language in the U.S and the UK. In 2020, Dr. Johnson joined the Traders Union team. Since then, he has created over 100 exclusive articles and edited over 300 articles of other authors.

Mirjan Hipolito
Cryptocurrency and stock expert

Mirjan Hipolito is a journalist and news editor at Traders Union. She is an expert crypto writer with five years of experience in the financial markets. Her specialties are daily market news, price predictions, and Initial Coin Offerings (ICO).