Virtual Terminal

To use PayPal's virtual payment terminal, you need a PayPal business account and a web browser, with no extra hardware, software, or coding required. Applications are typically reviewed within two business days. Once approved, you can start accepting credit and debit card payments immediately from any internet-connected device.

Qualifying registered nonprofit organizations qualify for discounted transaction fees when they use Virtual Terminal. Learn how to register as a charity with PayPal.

Virtual Terminal transactions aren’t included in the PayPal Seller Protection Policy. Learn more about Seller Protection.

With Virtual Terminal you can accept payments from customers who don’t have an account with PayPal.

Yes. PayPal's virtual payment terminal is PCI compliant. Card data is processed through PayPal's secure payment gateway, which uses encryption to protect sensitive information in transit. You are responsible for securing the device and browser used to access the terminal. For additional details, review our security technology documentation.

A virtual payment terminal is a browser-based interface where a merchant manually enters card details to process a payment. A payment gateway is the underlying technology that securely transmits that payment data to the card network for authorization. PayPal's Virtual Terminal uses a built-in payment gateway, so no separate gateway setup is required.

PayPal's virtual payment terminal accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit and debit cards. You can process payments taken over the phone, for mail orders, custom orders, wholesale orders, and in-person transactions where no card reader is available. Customers do not need a PayPal account to pay.