How to Link PayPal to a Nintendo Account

Applies to:  Nintendo Switch Family, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, Nintendo Switch - OLED Model, Nintendo Account

In this article, you'll learn how to link an existing PayPal account to a Nintendo Account.

Note
  • This option is currently available to residents of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico who are 18 years and older.
  • You can create a PayPal account through PayPal, then link the account through the Nintendo Switch eShop or the online Game Store.
  • Once linked, PayPal can be used for the following types of digital purchases:
    • Nintendo Switch eShop: Add Nintendo eShop funds and purchase Nintendo Switch software.
    • My Nintendo Store: Purchase software for Nintendo Switch.

Complete these steps

Select PayPal as the payment method when adding funds or purchasing software.

  • This option is only available to Nintendo Account owners in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, aged 18 years and older.
  • When purchasing a game, this option will only appear if you do not currently have sufficient funds to complete the purchase.
  1. Are you purchasing content through the Nintendo Switch eShop or through the Online Game Store?
    1. Use a smart device to scan the QR code displayed on the "Linking a PayPal Account" screen.
    2. The Nintendo Account website will open. Sign in to your Nintendo Account or re-enter your password if you are already signed in.
    3. Select Link a PayPal account.
    4. Log in to your PayPal account or create a new PayPal account.
      • If you need help with this process, or can’t remember your PayPal login information, please visit PayPal for assistance.
    5. When prompted, choose the payment method you want to use from the accounts you have on file with PayPal (bank account, credit card, etc). Select Continue.
    6. Review the PayPal Policies and select Agree & Continue to complete the link.
    7. When your PayPal account has been linked, select Confirm on your Nintendo Switch.
      • You may receive the message "Unable to confirm the link to your PayPal account". If you completed the linking process on the Nintendo Account website, wait a while before trying to use PayPal again. If the link is incomplete, finish the linking process on the Nintendo Account website before trying again.
    8. You can now use the PayPal option in the Nintendo Switch eShop and online Game Store to complete your digital purchase.
    1. Select Link a PayPal account.
    2. Log in to your PayPal account or create a new PayPal account.
      • If you need help with this process, or can’t remember your PayPal login information, please visit PayPal for assistance.
    3. When prompted, choose the payment method you want to use from the accounts you have on file with Paypal (bank account, credit card, etc). Select Continue.
    4. Review the PayPal Policies and select Agree & Continue to complete the link.
    5. You can now use the PayPal option in the Nintendo Switch eShop and online Game Store to complete your digital purchase.

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