Update 10/21/22: Seems many of the regular retailers no longer have the Split option. I’m still seeing it on some sites such as Wikimedia donation.
Update 3/30/22: Seems like this option is now available at most places where Paypal is accepted. I’m seeing this work now on Walmart, Target, and many more. Quite a useful new option for draining prepaid cards, finishing spend requirements, etc. (Note: I checked the tax payments site and they don’t allow splitting.)
Original Post:
Paypal now allows payments to be split between cards at select merchants. I just bumped into this by mistake, seeing a ‘Split’ toggle option to split the charge. For example, on the Wikipedia donation page – after selecting Paypal as the payment option, the Paypal system let me split it between two cards. (The split is limited to two payment methods, no more.)
In theory this would be a game-changer for optimizers who like using up prepaid cards or spending an exact amount to meet a promo, etc. There are a few retailers like Dell and Apple who will allow split payments at checkout, but it’s few and far between; we track data points on this in our Payments Workshop. If Paypal would allow it, that would change everything since most online payments accept Paypal.
My best guess right now is that it’s up to each merchant to decide whether to allow splitting payments, and charities are the prime target to swallow the additional fees and allow it, whereas most retailers will not allow it due to the additional cost. Or it could be Paypal only allows it at charities for security measures.
In all likelihood this option will continue to be a highly limited, not available for most Paypal checkouts, but it’s worth knowing that this exists and keeping in mind. Please let us know if/where you see the Paypal splitting option, especially if you notice it at any regular retailers.
Update: List of retailers that allow splitting:
- Paypal Digital Gifts
- AliExpress
- Cashstar
- Bestbuy.com
- Walmart.com
- Target.com
Data point: Able to do the Paypal split payment with 2 chase credit cards on IKEA purchase. And both cards triggered the Chase offers.
Can you split payments between two cards for a Walmart grocery delivery order if paying via Paypal?
I need to spend a stupid MasterCard gift card I received for a settlement, and haven’t been able to spend it freaking anywhere. Merchants won’t take it without a physical card, not even the pizza place would take it online. The split you describe would allow me to use it via Paypal, but it does’t exist as described. I’m shopping at Target, and the option isn’t there. Too bad.
See if you can go to the gift card website and register your name and address. When it is run, they frequently want a physical address as a way to prevent fraud.
i’m not seeing the option on target, walmart, or wikipedia pages. maybe they’re rolling it out in phases. for example, i never had the option for paypal key either.
eBay allows you to split payments with PayPal.
Not for me, it doesn’t. Or with Target, for that matter.
Not for all payment methods. For example, in order to split I can use Capital one and citi cards but cannot chase.
Doesn’t work with my PayPal credit card and another source. That makes no sense.
Makes perfect sense to me. PayPal credit cards never get any of the PayPal benefits or any other benefits…
Disappointed it doesn’t work for IRS payments.
Same 🙁
I’m disappointed the crooked IRS still exist.
dbag
Good for draining prepaid visa gift cards.
Alternatively, Amazon reload (and Amazon e gift cards) allows you to reload your amazon balance with exact price input down to cents.
omg thank you — you helped me finally use this albatross of Mastercard debit card I received as part of a settlement. I couldn’t find any merchant to take it. I have been trying to figure out how to apply it with a split, because it was impossible to have a purchase this exact amount. This was the perfect solution. Thanks!!!
I drain prepaid cards by adding the small balances to my e-z pass toll account.
I was able to do this at Blue Nile, but chose not to make the purchase at that exact time. I went back just now, to complete it and it’s gone. No split payment option. I’m confused as to why it just disappeared a day later!