How to Get a Free PayPal Account

1. Visit PayPal's website and click on "Sign Up." This will take you to the account creation page.
2. Evaluate your online payment needs. There are three different types of PayPal accounts: personal, premier and business. Personal accounts are recommended if you just buy things online, but you should probably choose the premier account if you buy and sell online. For both personal and premier accounts, it is free to open the account, send money and withdraw money to a checking account in the United States.
3. Once you have decided on the type of account that best suits your needs, click on the "Get Started" link.
4. Enter your personal information, including name, address and phone number. This will create your basic account.
5. Log in to your account. If you will be using your PayPal account to make purchases online or to receive payment, you must add a checking account.
6. Once you enter your account, on the left side of the page under "Set Up Your Account," click on "Add a Checking Account."
7. Enter your bank name, routing number and account number in the fields provided. You can find your routing and account numbers for your checking account at the bottom of one of your personal checks.
8. After a few days, log in to your bank to view your checking account. In order to verify your checking account, PayPal will make two small deposits--typically less than $0.10 each--into your checking account.
9. Once you have determined the amount of the deposits into your checking account, return to PayPal and enter in those amounts where it says "Verify This Account." This is a safeguard to ensure you are the true owner of the checking account.
10. Start using your PayPal account. If you want to add additional services or upgrade your account, simply log in and follow the instructions under "Enhance This Account."