You can use PayPal to pay for Macy's orders online, but only through Macy's website or app — not in stores

Macy's accepts PayPal as a payment method during checkout on their website and mobile app. When you reach the payment step, PayPal appears alongside credit cards and other options. You select it, log into your PayPal account, and confirm the transaction. The payment goes directly from your PayPal balance or linked bank account to Macy's.

PayPal is not available at Macy's physical store locations. If you want to use PayPal, you must shop online. Macy's also does not accept PayPal for layaway purchases or when paying a Macy's credit card bill after the fact — only for new orders at checkout.

Key Takeaways

  • PayPal works as a checkout payment option on Macy's website and app, but not in physical stores.
  • You need an active PayPal account with either a balance or a linked bank account or card to complete the payment.
  • Macy's will send your order confirmation to your email address on file, not to your PayPal email if they differ.
  • If a PayPal payment fails at checkout, check that your PayPal account has sufficient funds or that your linked payment method is current.

How to use PayPal at Macy's checkout

Add items to your cart on Macy's website or app as you normally would. When you are ready to buy, proceed to checkout. On the payment method screen, look for the PayPal option among the available choices — it usually appears near credit card fields.

Click or tap PayPal. You will be taken to PayPal's login page. Enter your PayPal email and password. Review the transaction details PayPal shows you, then confirm the payment. You will return to Macy's to see your order confirmation. The entire process typically takes under two minutes.

What you need before you can pay with PayPal

You must have a PayPal account. If you do not have one, you can create it for free at PayPal.com before you shop. PayPal will ask for your email, a password, and basic personal information.

Your PayPal account needs a way to pay — either a balance of money already in your PayPal account, or a linked bank account, debit card, or credit card. If your PayPal account has none of these, the payment will fail at checkout. You can add a payment method to PayPal before you start shopping at Macy's, or PayPal will prompt you to add one during the transaction.

PayPal payment problems at Macy's checkout

If your PayPal payment is declined, the most common reason is insufficient funds. Check your PayPal balance and make sure your linked bank account or card has enough money. If you recently added a new payment method to PayPal, it may not be active yet — PayPal sometimes holds new methods for a day or two.

If your linked card or bank account has expired or been closed, update it in your PayPal account settings before trying again. You can also try paying with a different payment method on your PayPal account if you have more than one linked. If problems continue, contact PayPal support directly — Macy's customer service cannot fix PayPal account issues.

How Macy's order confirmation and shipping work after PayPal payment

After your payment is confirmed, Macy's sends an order confirmation email to the email address you used when creating your Macy's account — not your PayPal email. Check your email inbox and spam folder for this confirmation, which includes your order number and tracking information once the order ships.

Macy's processes and ships orders the same way regardless of which payment method you used. Standard shipping typically takes five to seven business days, though this varies by item and location. You can track your order through your Macy's account or using the tracking number in your confirmation email.

PayPal buyer protection and Macy's returns

PayPal's buyer protection covers unauthorized transactions and items that do not arrive, but Macy's return policy is what governs whether you can send back an item you changed your mind about. Macy's allows returns within 30 days for most items with a receipt or proof of purchase — your order confirmation email counts as proof.

If you return an item, Macy's refunds the original payment method, which means the money goes back to your PayPal account. The refund usually appears within three to five business days, though PayPal and Macy's processing times can vary. Keep your order confirmation email until the return is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use PayPal to pay a Macy's credit card bill?

No. PayPal works only as a checkout payment method for new purchases on Macy's website and app. To pay your Macy's credit card bill, you must use the payment methods Macy's offers directly — usually a bank account transfer, check, or credit card. You can set up automatic payments through your Macy's account.

What happens if I use PayPal but my order is cancelled?

Macy's will refund the payment to your PayPal account. The refund appears within three to five business days. You will receive a cancellation email from Macy's with details about why the order was cancelled — usually out-of-stock items or payment verification issues.

Can I use PayPal Credit at Macy's?

PayPal Credit is a separate financing product. Macy's does not currently list it as a checkout option, though this can change. Check the payment method list during checkout to see if it appears. If you want to finance a Macy's purchase, you can apply for a Macy's credit card, which offers promotional financing periods.

Is it safe to use PayPal at Macy's?

Yes. PayPal handles the payment directly, so your bank account or card details are not shared with Macy's. Both PayPal and Macy's use encryption to protect your information. PayPal also offers buyer protection for unauthorized charges and non-delivery.