Can international students use PayPal for rent or utilities in the US?

International students can use PayPal to pay rent or utilities in the US, but it only works if two things are true:
their account is fully verified and the landlord or company actually accepts PayPal. If the user already meets all requirements, it works the same way: payments usually go through normally, but fees and verification rules still apply.

When PayPal works for rent or utilities

• The landlord or utility accepts PayPal: Many do not. Students often assume PayPal is universal, but housing companies usually prefer checks, bank transfers, or online portals.
• Your PayPal account is verified: This usually means adding a real US bank account, confirming your identity, and sometimes providing visa or passport copies. If PayPal asks for “Tax ID,” an SSN or ITIN may be required; not every student gets this request, but if it appears, the payment won’t work until it is submitted.
• Your country of origin is supported: PayPal restricts some countries or limits how much money can be sent before identity review.
• You are not using a VPN: Logging in from random locations can trigger automatic holds or freezes.

How money actually moves

A rent payment through PayPal comes from your linked bank account, debit card, or PayPal balance. If you use a card, the landlord may treat it as a “business transaction,” which creates a fee. Some landlords refuse PayPal specifically because they do not want to pay these fees.

Typical problems students face

• Large payments trigger review: Rent is high, and PayPal often flags first-time large transfers from new international accounts.
• Name mismatch: Your bank account name must match your PayPal name exactly or withdrawals fail.
• Frozen funds: If PayPal cannot verify your identity fast enough, the money stays locked until documents are approved.

What to do if you already meet all requirements

• You can pay rent or utilities normally through the Send Money option.
• Confirm with the landlord how they want the payment labeled (friends-and-family or goods-and-services). Many only accept goods-and-services for recordkeeping.
• Keep screenshots of the payment in case accounting needs proof.

Safer alternatives if PayPal is not accepted

• US bank transfer through Zelle
• Online rent portal from the housing company
• Personal check from your US bank account

If PayPal works for both sides and your account is verified, it is okay for rent or utilities. The key is confirming acceptance and making sure your account is properly set up to avoid freezes or delays.