Skip to content
Start building credit
Menu
How it worksStudentsInternationalUniversitiesEmployersPricingLog inStart building credit

Can international students change their PayPal country after moving to the US?

3 min read · PayPal FAQ for international students in the U.S.

 

Changing PayPal Country as an International Student

 

You cannot change the country of an existing PayPal account. If you move to the US, you must create a new US PayPal account. Even if you already meet every requirement, PayPal still does not allow switching an account's country.

 

Why PayPal Does Not Allow Country Changes

 

Each PayPal country has different banking rules, ID verification requirements, and tax regulations. Your original account is tied to the banking system of that country, so PayPal locks the country setting permanently.

 

What You Need to Do

 

  • Keep your old account active only for your home-country funds. You can withdraw any remaining money to a bank from that country.
  • Create a brand‑new US PayPal account using your US phone number, US address, and US bank account once you have them.
  • Use different emails for the two accounts. PayPal does not allow the same email to exist in two places.

 

Requirements for a US PayPal Account (and what they mean)

 

  • US phone number: Needed for login and verification. Google Voice usually does not work for this.
  • US residential address: Your dorm or apartment is fine.
  • US bank account: Most students use a major bank or a campus‑partnered bank.
  • SSN or ITIN: PayPal may ask for this later for identity checks. It is normal, especially after receiving larger payments.
  • Valid passport and visa: Used for identity verification when PayPal asks for it.

 

If You Already Meet All Requirements

 

You still cannot switch the country of your old account. The only option is to open a new US account and continue using both separately. Once everything is transferred out of your home‑country account, you may close it if you no longer need it.

 

Important Tips

 

  • Do not use a VPN when creating or logging in. It can trigger security reviews or temporary holds.
  • Do not link non‑US cards or banks to your US account. It often causes automatic flags.
  • If PayPal asks for documents, upload exactly what they request to avoid delays or freezes.

 

With a fresh US account set up properly, PayPal usually runs smoothly for international students and avoids the account-freeze issues many face when trying to mix countries in one profile.

Rentaba

Build U.S. credit with the rent you already pay.

Paying rent through an app is easy. Getting credit for it is what Rentaba does — on-time rent reported to major credit bureaus, no credit card, no new debt.

See plansHow it works