You got yourself a free account on PayPal, but you can’t seem to get it verified?

But the Question is – you have no credit card, and your application for a new EON card (the debit card from Unionbank of the Philippines) is taking you more time than your patience can take?

Here’s the good news! There IS AN ALTERNATE way to get your PayPal verified even without a credit card and EON! It is also from the Unionbank (yes, from the same bank) – the eWallet ATM card! It is also a debit card BUT it is linked to your Unionbank savings or current account.

PROs:
- easier and faster to get one
- it is a VISA debit card too, so you can use it to get yourself verified with PayPal.
- it is an ATM card
- FREE to have one, no annual fee like EON

CONs:
- P10k to open a Unionbank savings
- same amount as maintaining balance
- P25k to earn interest

Some simple tips when accessing your PayPal accounts, specially if you want to send money to someone.

1. Make sure to type in the URL, instead of clicking some links, specially if from email, or some sites.

2. You are logged in, and is ready to send funds to others.  Enter the email, and the amount you intend to send.  Pause for a while and wait for PayPal to process, until you see the name of the recipient (see the RED HIGHLIGHTED PORTION)

3.  Make sure the name matches, and he/she is a registered PayPal user.

4.  Choose PERSONAL, and OTHERS, for payment to PayManila.

5.  The CODe we sent thru SMS/Personal Message is the subject to be used.

Related post – http://www.chrymo.com/paymanila/2011/01/tips-to-avoid-account-limitation-on-paypal-alertpay-and-moneybookers/

Here are the steps to open a PayPal account.

1. Go to www.paypal.com.

2. Sign up for an account by visiting the PayPal website and clicking the “Sign Up” link located at the top-right portion of the page.

3. Choose the PayPal Account Type applicable to you. First, select the Country or Region where you live.

4. Choose your country from the drop-down menu opens a page that shows three PayPal account types.

Personal Account is obviously for personal purposes while Premier Account and Business Account are merchant accounts used for online businesses.

Unless you are sure you want and need a Premier or Business Account, we suggest you choose Personal Account first. You can upgrade to Premier or Business Account anytime, but cannot revert to Personal Account once upgraded.

5. Confirm your “Language Preference” then click the “Continue” button.

6. Completely and correctly fill up the Account Sign Up Form – “PayPal Account Owner Contact Information,” “PayPal Account Login,” “Password Recovery,” and “Security Measures” then click the “Sign Up” button at the bottom.

7. You’re almost there! You are now asked to verify your account by adding a credit or debit card. You may choose to add one at this stage or skip this step and move on to the next by clicking the “Cancel” button. Remember, though, that adding a card and enrolling in the Verification Program are necessary to be eligible to withdraw PayPal funds.

8. Almost done! In order to complete the registration, confirm your email address. Do this by checking your inbox for a PayPal email then click the confirmation link there. You may also choose to confirm your email address later by clicking “Continue” in this page.

9. You’re done! You now have your own PayPal account. The Personal Account Overview page will contain your name, email address, and account status.

10. Congratulations! You now are a certified PayPal account holder.

Related post:   EON, How to Get the 4-digit EXPUSE online

Now that your PayPal account have been verified, you are now ready to make a withdrawal.

Some common questions:
1.  How long does it take for the money to be transferred to my bank after I made the withdrawal from PayPal?
Usually, it takes an average of 5-7 working days. Sometimes, a delay of 2-3 days is not unusual. Although there are several reports of successful transfer within 3 working days only.

2.  Is there any additional charge if I withdraw my money to other banks, like Metrobank, BDO or BPI?
Several Philippine banks charge different amount. You have to check this with your local banks. So far, right now, UnionBank is the only local bank that does not charge extra fees for withdrawal from PayPal.

3.  Let’s make a withdrawal now!
Here comes your first withdrawal from your PayPal account to your EON debit card.   And this is what you see:  $5 for a single withdrawal to your card?@#$%!?

Well, here comes the good tip!   Add your EON debit card as a bank account, and NOT as a card!  With that, you will get a lot of savings!  Use the EON 12-digit bank account number that starts with 109xxxxxxxxx, and not the 16-digit EON card number.

Try it, and you will realize a lot of savings!

Make sure to come back and share your experience, ok?

List of Philippine Bank Codes
Updated March 31, 2009

(for use in PayPal and AlertPay)
Source: http://pages.ebay.ph/bankwithdrawal/bank_codes_ph.html

* ALLIED BANKING CORP – 010320013
* AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND – 010700015
* ASIA UNITED BANK – 011020011
* BANGKO SENTRAL NG PILIPINAS – 010030015
* BANGKOK BANK – 010670019
* BANK OF AMERICA – 010120019
* BANK OF CHINA – 011140014
* BANK OF TOKYO – 010460012
* BANCO DE ORO (& EPCIB) – 010530667
* BANK OF COMMERCE – 010440016
* BANK OF THE PHIL ISLANDS – 010040018
* BPI FAMILY SAVINGS – 010040018
* CHINA BANKING CORP – 010100013
* CHINA TRUST COMMERCIAL BANK – 010690015
* CITIBANK N.A. – 01007001
* CITIBANK SAVINGS – 010400205
* DEVT BANK OF THE PHILS – 010590018
* DEUTSCHE BANK – 010650013
* EASTWEST BANK – 010620014
* EXPORT & INDUSTRY BANK – 010860010
* FUJI BANK – 010640010
* HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANK – 010060014
* INTL COMML BANK OF CHINA – 010560019
* JP MORGAN CHASE BANK – 010720011
* KOREA EXCHANGE BANK – 010710018
* INTL NEDERLAND BANK – 010660016
* LAND BANK OF THE PHILS – 010350025
* MAYBANK OF THE PHILS – 010220016
* METROPOLITAN BANK & TRUST CO – 010269996
* PHIL BANK OF COMMUNICATION – 010110016
* PHIL TRUST COMPANY – 010090039
* PHIL NATIONAL BANK – 010080010
* PRUDENTIAL BANK – 010150018
* PHIL VETERANS BANK – 010330016
* RIZAL COMMERCIAL BANKING CORP – 010280014
* RCBC SAVINGS – 010280014
* SECURITY BANK & TRUST CO – 010140015
* STANDARD CHARTERED BANK – 010050011
* UNITED COCONUT PLANTERS BANK – 010299995
* UNION BANK OF THE PHILS – 010419995
* UNITED OVERSEAS BANK – 010270189