PayPal is accepted at Macy's both online and in some physical stores, but the method differs between the two
You can use PayPal to pay for Macy's purchases online by selecting it as your payment method at checkout. In physical Macy's stores, PayPal is not accepted directly at the register — you would need to use a debit or credit card instead. Online, PayPal appears as a payment option during the final step of your order, alongside credit cards and other methods Macy's offers.
The availability of PayPal at Macy's online has remained consistent, though the specific payment methods shown at checkout can vary slightly by region or based on your account history. If you do not see PayPal listed as an option when you reach the payment screen, it may mean your account or browser settings are preventing it from displaying, or Macy's may have temporarily adjusted which payment methods are available.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal works as a payment method during Macy's online checkout but is not available at physical store registers.
- You must have an active PayPal account linked to a bank account or card before you can use it to pay Macy's.
- Macy's may offer PayPal Credit (a buy-now-pay-later option) at checkout, which is separate from your regular PayPal balance.
- If PayPal does not appear as an option at checkout, clearing your browser cache or trying a different browser may resolve the issue.
Steps to pay for a Macy's online order with PayPal
Start by adding items to your cart on Macy's website and proceed to checkout. When you reach the payment information page, look for PayPal among the listed payment methods. Click on the PayPal option.
You will be redirected to PayPal's login page. Enter your PayPal email address and password, then review the payment details. PayPal will show you the amount Macy's is charging and ask you to confirm the transaction. Once you approve it, you will be returned to Macy's to complete your order. Your receipt will show PayPal as the payment method used.
What happens if PayPal does not appear at checkout
If you do not see PayPal listed when you reach the payment screen, try refreshing the page or clearing your browser's cache and cookies. Sometimes stored data can prevent payment options from loading correctly. Close your browser completely and open it again, then return to your Macy's cart and proceed to checkout.
If PayPal still does not appear, try using a different web browser or a private browsing window. You can also check whether your PayPal account is in good standing by logging into PayPal directly — if there are any holds or limitations on your account, PayPal may not be available as a payment method at retailers. If none of these steps work, contact Macy's customer service to confirm whether PayPal is currently available in your region.
PayPal Credit versus your PayPal balance
When you pay with PayPal at Macy's, you are using the balance or payment method linked to your PayPal account — typically a bank account or debit card. Macy's may also offer PayPal Credit as a separate option at checkout, which is a buy-now-pay-later service that lets you split your purchase into payments over time.
PayPal Credit is not the same as your PayPal balance. If you choose PayPal Credit, you are opening a credit line through Synchrony Bank, and you will receive a separate bill for those payments. Regular PayPal payment uses money you already have in your PayPal account or charges your linked card when ready. Read the terms at checkout carefully to understand which option you are selecting.
Using PayPal on Macy's mobile app
The Macy's mobile app also accepts PayPal as a payment method during checkout. The process is similar to the website: add items to your cart, proceed to checkout, select PayPal from the payment options, and log in to confirm the transaction.
On mobile, you may be able to use PayPal's saved payment information if you have previously linked your card or bank account to PayPal. This can make the checkout process faster. If you encounter issues with PayPal on the app, try updating the Macy's app to the latest version, as older versions may not support all payment methods.
Security and protection when paying with PayPal
PayPal provides a layer of protection for online purchases through its Buyer Protection program, which covers unauthorized transactions and items that do not arrive or do not match their description. When you use PayPal to pay Macy's, this protection applies to your transaction.
Your PayPal login credentials are not shared with Macy's — you log into PayPal directly to authorize the payment, which keeps your financial information more find. If you notice an unauthorized charge or have a dispute with an order, you can file a claim through PayPal's Resolution Center rather than disputing it directly with Macy's, though you can also contact Macy's customer service first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use PayPal to pay for Macy's gift cards?
Yes, PayPal is typically accepted when you purchase Macy's gift cards online. The process is the same as any other online purchase — select PayPal at checkout. Physical gift card purchases in stores would require a different payment method.
Does Macy's accept PayPal at the register in stores?
No, PayPal is not accepted at Macy's physical store registers. You must use a debit card, credit card, or other in-store payment method. PayPal is only available for online purchases through Macy's website or mobile app.
What if my PayPal account is limited or restricted?
If your PayPal account has a limitation or hold, you will not be able to use it to pay for purchases at Macy's or other retailers. You would need to resolve the issue with PayPal first by logging into your account and following their instructions, or by contacting PayPal support.
Can I use PayPal to pay Macy's credit card bills?
No, PayPal cannot be used to pay your Macy's credit card bill. You would need to pay your Macy's card through the Macy's website, by phone, or by mail using a bank account, debit card, or check. PayPal is only for purchasing items from Macy's, not for paying credit card balances.