Getting Paid Online: How South Africans Can Set Up and Use PayPal for International Payments

If you work with international platforms or clients, figuring out how to get paid can feel like a challenge—especially in South Africa, where some global payment options are limited. One of the best ways to receive money from international sources is through PayPal, a widely accepted payment platform that makes it easy to send and receive money worldwide.

However, since PayPal doesn’t allow direct withdrawals to South African bank accounts, many people are unsure about how to use it effectively. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the entire process—from opening a PayPal account to linking it with your South African bank so you can actually withdraw your money.

Let’s get started!

Step 1: Understanding How PayPal Works in South Africa

Before opening an account, it’s important to understand how PayPal functions in South Africa:

✅ You can receive payments from international clients, businesses, or platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or Redbubble.
✅ You CANNOT withdraw money directly to your bank account. Instead, you must link your PayPal account to a FNB (First National Bank) profile, even if you don’t bank with FNB.
✅ Once linked, you can withdraw your funds to any major South African bank, such as Capitec, Standard Bank, Absa, or Nedbank.

Now that you know how PayPal operates, let’s go through the setup process step by step.

Step 2: How to Open a PayPal Account in South Africa

Follow these simple steps to create your PayPal account:

1. Go to PayPal’s Website
   • Open your browser and visit www.paypal.com/za
   • Click on “Sign Up”
2. Choose the Right Account Type
   • Select Personal Account (for freelancers, side hustlers, and online sellers)
   • If you run a business, you can choose Business Account, but most people will be fine with Personal.
3. Enter Your Details
   • Fill in your name, email address, and create a strong password
   • Click “Next”
4. Provide Your Contact Information
   • Enter your South African phone number
   • Type in your physical address
5. Verify Your Email
   • PayPal will send a confirmation email to your inbox
   • Click the verification link inside the email to activate your account
6. Link a Card or Bank Account (Optional for Now)
   • You can skip this for now, but you will need to link a bank card later to withdraw funds.

Your PayPal account is now active! But before you can withdraw money, you need to link it to FNB.

Step 3: Linking PayPal to Your South African Bank (FNB Profile Setup)

Since PayPal doesn’t directly work with most SA banks, you must link it through FNB’s PayPal service—even if you bank with Capitec, Standard Bank, or others. Here’s how:

A. Register for an FNB Online Banking Profile (Even if You Don’t Bank with FNB)

1. Go to the FNB PayPal Portal: Visit www.fnb.co.za and click on “Register”
2. Choose “Non-FNB Customers” (if you don’t have an FNB account)
3. Fill in Your Details and create a login

B. Link Your PayPal to Your FNB Profile

1. Log into FNB Online Banking
2. Go to “Forex” > “PayPal Services”
3. Click “Link PayPal Account” and follow the steps
4. Authorize FNB to access your PayPal balance

Once linked, you can withdraw money from PayPal to your local SA bank account through FNB!

Step 4: How to Withdraw Money from PayPal in South Africa

Once your FNB PayPal service is active, withdrawing money is easy:

1. Login to FNB Online Banking
2. Go to “Forex” > “PayPal Services”
3. Click “Withdraw from PayPal”
4. Enter the amount you want to withdraw
5. Select your linked South African bank account
6. Confirm the transaction

The money will take 3-5 business days to reflect in your bank account!

Step 5: Common Questions About PayPal in South Africa

1. Does PayPal work with Capitec, Standard Bank, or Absa?

Yes! You just need to link PayPal to FNB, and then withdraw to your local bank.

2. How long does it take to receive PayPal withdrawals in SA?

Withdrawals usually take 3-5 business days to reflect.

3. What fees does PayPal charge?

• PayPal takes a small percentage from incoming payments
• FNB charges a conversion fee when you withdraw

4. What if I need help?

• Check YouTube for visual tutorials on setting up PayPal and FNB
• Contact FNB support if you have trouble linking accounts
• Reach out to me, and I’ll help where I can!

🎥 Watch one of these videos on YouTube to see the entire process in action:
🔗 How to Open a PayPal Account in South Africa & Link to Your Bank

Conclusion: Get Paid Easily with PayPal in South Africa!

If you’re working online, selling on platforms like Fiverr, Redbubble, or Etsy, or receiving payments from international clients, PayPal is one of the easiest ways to get paid in South Africa. While it requires linking through FNB, once set up, it’s a reliable way to access your money.

By following this guide, you should now know how to open a PayPal account, link it to your South African bank, and withdraw your money hassle-free. If you still have questions, check out YouTube or reach out to me!

Now go start earning—your online income is waiting!