Your PayPal username is the text handle you chose when you created your account, separate from your email address
PayPal lets you log in with either your email address or your username — most people use email and never think about their username again. But if you need it for a payment link, a business profile, or to share with someone else, you can find it in your account settings in under a minute. The username is not the same as your display name, and it cannot be changed once you set it.
If you have forgotten your username entirely, PayPal can show it to you through your account. You do not need to contact support — the information is in a place you can reach yourself.
Key Takeaways
- Your PayPal username is a separate handle from your email address and display name, chosen when you first opened your account.
- You can find your username by logging into PayPal, going to Settings, and looking under Account Information or Profile.
- Your username cannot be changed after creation, so if you see one you do not recognize, it belongs to a different account.
- If you cannot remember your email address for the account, you will need to contact PayPal support with proof of identity.
Finding your username through PayPal Settings
Log into your PayPal account using your email address and password. Once you are on your account dashboard, look for the gear icon or a menu labeled Settings — the exact location depends on whether you are using the website or the mobile app, but it is always in the top right corner or in a menu at the bottom.
Click Settings, then look for a section called Account Information, Profile, or Personal Information. Your username will be listed there as a single word with no spaces. Write it down or take a screenshot so you have it saved.
On the mobile app, the path is slightly different: tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), then Settings, then Account Information. The username appears in the same place.
What to do if you cannot log in to your account
If you have forgotten the password to your PayPal account, you can still recover your username — but you will need access to the email address associated with the account. Go to the PayPal login page and click "Forgot your password?" or "Having trouble logging in?" PayPal will send a reset link to your email, and once you reset your password, you can log in and find your username using the steps above.
If you have also forgotten which email address you used, or if you no longer have access to that email, you will need to contact PayPal directly. Have your full name, phone number, and any recent transaction details ready — PayPal uses these to verify your identity before showing you account information.
The difference between username, email, and display name
PayPal accounts have three separate identifiers, and mixing them up is the most common source of confusion. Your email address is what you use to log in (and what you can change in settings). Your username is a handle you created once, cannot change, and is used mainly for payment links or when someone wants to send you money directly. Your display name is what other people see when you send them money or they view your profile.
If someone asks for your PayPal username, they do not want your email address or your display name — they want the specific handle. If you give them the wrong one, the payment link or transfer will not work.
Why you might need your username
Most PayPal transactions work fine with just an email address, so many people never use their username. But some situations require it: creating a payment button for a website, setting up a custom payment link to share on social media, or receiving money from someone who prefers to send to a username rather than an email. Some third-party apps that connect to PayPal also ask for your username during setup.
If you are setting up a business profile or accepting payments through a store, PayPal may ask for your username as part of the configuration. In those cases, having it ready saves time.
What to do if you see a username you do not recognize
If you log into your account and the username shown in Settings is not what you remember creating, you are looking at the wrong account. This usually happens when someone has multiple PayPal accounts (one personal, one for a business, or one from years ago). Log out and try logging in with a different email address, or check your email inbox for PayPal account confirmation messages to see which addresses are tied to accounts.
If you are certain you are in the right account but the username looks wrong, contact PayPal support — this is rare, but account information can occasionally display incorrectly due to a technical issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my PayPal username?
No. PayPal usernames are permanent and cannot be changed after you create your account. If you dislike your username, your only option is to create a new PayPal account with a different username, though this means a new email address and a fresh account history.
Is my username the same as my display name?
No. Your display name is what appears on your profile and in transactions — you can change it anytime in Settings. Your username is a separate handle that cannot be changed. Other people see your display name, but they use your username if they are sending you money directly.
What if I forgot my username and the email to my account?
Contact PayPal support with your full name, phone number, and details of recent transactions. They will verify your identity and can tell you which email addresses are associated with your accounts, then help you reset your password so you can log in and find your username.
Do I need my username to receive money on PayPal?
Not always. Most people can send you money using just your email address. You only need to share your username if someone specifically asks for it, or if you are creating a custom payment link for a website or social media.