A PayPal address is the email or phone number you use to log into your PayPal account, not a physical mailing address
When PayPal asks for your "address," it usually means the email address or phone number linked to your account — the thing you type in to sign in. This is different from your physical address, which PayPal also collects separately for tax and shipping purposes. The confusion happens because PayPal uses the word "address" in multiple ways on the same forms.
Your PayPal address (the login credential) is how the system identifies you and sends you notifications. Your physical address is where PayPal knows to send tax documents or where it verifies you actually live. Both matter, but they serve different purposes.
Key Takeaways
- Your PayPal address is the email or phone number you use to log in, not a street address.
- PayPal also requires a separate physical address for tax records and to verify your identity.
- If you change your email, you can update your login address in account settings, but PayPal may ask you to verify the change.
- Scammers sometimes ask for your "PayPal address" in messages — never share your login email or phone with anyone who contacts you first.
How PayPal uses your login address
PayPal sends all account notifications to your registered email or phone number. Password reset links, payment confirmations, security alerts, and messages from PayPal support all go to this address. If someone gains access to your email account, they can potentially reset your PayPal password and lock you out.
This is why PayPal lets you add a phone number as a backup login method. If your email is compromised, you can still sign in using your phone number instead. You can also set up two-factor authentication so that even if someone has your password, they cannot log in without a code sent to your phone or email.
Your physical address and why PayPal needs it
Separately from your login address, PayPal collects your street address, city, state, and zip code. This serves three main purposes: tax reporting (PayPal sends 1099 forms to the address on file), identity verification (PayPal checks that the address matches public records), and fraud prevention (mismatched addresses can trigger account holds).
If you move, you should update your physical address in your PayPal account settings. Leaving an old address on file can cause problems if you receive a large payment — PayPal may freeze the money while it verifies your identity, and it will send any tax documents to the wrong place.
What happens if you change your email address
You can change the email address linked to your PayPal account, but the process requires verification. PayPal will send a confirmation link to both your old email and your new email. You have to click the link in both messages to complete the change. This protects you from someone else changing your email without permission.
During the change, your account remains active and you can still use it. Once the change is confirmed, the old email no longer works as a login. If you no longer have access to your old email account, contact PayPal support — they can help you verify your identity another way, usually by asking for your phone number or the last four digits of a linked card.
Protecting your PayPal address from scams
Scammers sometimes send fake PayPal emails or texts asking you to "confirm your PayPal address" or "verify your account address." These messages often include a link that looks like PayPal but is actually a fake site designed to steal your login information. Real PayPal will never ask you to click a link in an unsolicited message and enter your password.
If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from PayPal, do not click any links. Instead, go directly to PayPal.com in your browser, log in, and check your account activity. You can also forward suspicious emails to spoof@paypal.com. PayPal's official support team will never ask for your password, full card number, or Social Security number in an email or text.
The difference between your PayPal address and your Venmo or Square address
Other payment apps use similar language but handle addresses differently. Venmo lets you send money to friends using their username or phone number, not an email address. Square Cash uses your email or phone number as your login, similar to PayPal. If you use multiple payment apps, keep track of which email or phone is registered with each one — mixing them up can cause payments to go to the wrong account.
Some apps also let you create a custom payment link or QR code that people can use to send you money without knowing your email or phone. This is useful if you want to share a payment method publicly without exposing your personal contact information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone access my PayPal account if they know my email address?
Not without your password. Knowing your email alone is not enough to log in. However, if someone has access to your email account, they can use the "forgot password" feature to reset your PayPal password and take over your account. Protect your email password as carefully as you protect your PayPal password.
What should I do if I no longer have access to the email address on my PayPal account?
Contact PayPal support and explain that you cannot access the email on file. They will ask you to verify your identity using other information — usually your phone number, the last four digits of a linked card, or answers to security questions. Once verified, they can help you change your email address to one you can access.
Is my PayPal address the same as my shipping address?
No. Your PayPal address is your login email or phone. Your shipping address is the physical location where you want packages delivered. When you buy something on PayPal, you provide a shipping address separately. You can have multiple shipping addresses on file, but only one primary login address.
Why does PayPal ask for my address when I sign up?
PayPal collects your physical address to verify your identity, comply with tax laws, and detect fraud. If your address does not match public records or if you provide conflicting information, PayPal may limit your account until you verify the details. This protects both you and PayPal from unauthorized use.
Can I use a P.O. box as my PayPal address?
PayPal generally requires a residential or business street address, not a P.O. box. If you use a P.O. box, PayPal may not accept it during verification. If you do not have a permanent address, contact PayPal support to discuss your options — some situations may allow exceptions, but this varies by account type.