How To Make Purchases Online Without a Credit Card

To make online purchases, you must have a payment method that’s accepted over the Internet. This typically means a credit card, but there are ways to shop online even without a credit card. They include debit cards, prepaid cards, gift cards, PayPal, Amazon Cash, your checking account, or even borrowing someone else’s card.

Use a Debit Card for Online Shopping

To shop online using your debit card, you’ll need to input the 16-digit card number along with the expiration date, security code, and billing address.

The funds for the transaction will be deducted from the checking account linked to the debit card. If you don’t have a debit card, contact your bank about adding one to your existing checking account, or visit a local bank to open a new checking account and request a debit card.

Shop With Prepaid Cards

Prepaid cards are similar to debit cards, except funds are loaded into an account associated with the card rather than a checking account. Make sure the prepaid card has a major credit card network logo, such as Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express.2

Prepaid cards are a great option for those who can’t—or don’t want to—get a checking account or credit card. You can apply for a prepaid card online or visit a retailer like CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart.

Pay With Gift Cards or Store Credit

Gift cards with a major credit card network, such as Visa or MasterCard, can be used at any online store that accepts payment from that network. You can also use a retail-specific gift card to shop online, but typically only on that retailer’s website. For example, a Macy’s gift card can only be used at Macy’s.

You can purchase gift cards in the same places as prepaid cards. Many of these locations also sell retailer-specific gift cards, but of course, you can also purchase these directly from the retailer.

Store credit usually works similarly to gift cards. If you returned something to that retailer, they may have offered you store credit rather than a refund. Store credit may be given in the form of a physical or digital “card,” or it may be pre-loaded into the customer’s account.

Redeem Amazon Cash

Amazon Cash allows you to shop on Amazon.com without a credit or debit card. You just add cash to your Amazon Balance at participating locations. You can scan a unique barcode or use your mobile phone number to identify your account and add from $5 to $500 to use for shopping on Amazon.4

Check Out With PayPal or Other Merchant Accounts

You can link a PayPal account to your checking account, and any purchases you make through PayPal will be deducted from that checking account.

If you have a PayPal balance, purchases will typically deduct from that balance first and then from your checking account. PayPal’s website has a list of online retailers that accept PayPal as a payment method.5

Other companies that are similar to PayPal, such as Venmo, also offer options to make online purchases. Paying through Venmo provides buyers with some protection through their Venmo Purchase Program.6

Carry a Digital Wallet

A digital wallet is just what it sounds like: a way to virtually store your payment information. While PayPal and Venmo are two types of digital wallets, there are many others, including Apple Pay and Google Pay.

When using a digital wallet for online purchases, you’ll have to use a device (such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer) that is equipped with your digital wallet. At checkout, participating retailers will give you the option to pay with your wallet.

Digital wallets use a technology called “tokenization,” which creates a unique code each time you make a purchase. The retailer never sees your card number—and even if the code were stolen, a thief wouldn’t be able to make purchases with it.7

Buy With Cryptocurrencies

Some retailers—such as Microsoft and AT&T—are now accepting payment in cryptocurrencies.8 Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum are digital currencies that can be exchanged online for goods or services. In order to use cryptocurrencies for online purchases, you’ll first have to set up a special digital wallet. Then, you’ll be able to make cryptocurrency exchanges.

Not only can users make purchases without having a traditional bank account, but no personal information is required, which can be a security benefit. Many cryptocurrency users appreciate the feeling of having more autonomy over their purchases.

On the other hand, cryptocurrencies are still relatively new. That means they face high levels of volatility—and the lack of regulation may be concerning for some people.

Use Your Checking Account

Though it may be less common, some online retailers let you use your checking account and routing information to make purchases. Check the payment options for the retailer to confirm that you can use your checking information.

Checking account purchases are often made through EFT, or electronic funds transfer. EFTs digitally move money from one account to another. They are regulated by the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA), which is designed to protect consumers.9

Borrow Someone Else’s Card

You may have a friend or relative who’s willing to let you use their credit or debit card for your online purchases as long as you pay them back. When you use this option, be sure to enter the correct billing address so the payment will process correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)