How to Get a Debit Card

Let me start off by saying you already need to have a valid bank account to do so.

It goes without saying that you need an ITIN as well, since that's how you opened up your bank account in the first place. If you already don't have one, get an ITIN. As an undocumented individual in the US, this is essentially your lifeline.


This is the card we will be applying for: PayPal Debit Card

Create a PayPal account, link it to your bank account, and get it verified -- not sure if it's a requirement, but it can't hurt. The verification process is seamless, but it takes a few days. They do 2 small random deposits in your account and you just have to verify the amounts. Easy.

Now that you have a (verified) PayPal account that's tied to your bank account, it's time to move on the debit card. If you use this portal, it won't accept the ITIN number, as it starts with a 9. It won't even process it, an error message will pop up. Caveat: do not use an invalid number, as it'll likely lock your account. So, in essence, avoid the online application. Instead, call them. If you log into your account, scroll to the bottom and click on 'Contact Us', it'll display the toll-free number along with a personalized web PIN, making it easier for the system to identify you when you call.

Ask the polite representative if they're still offering the debit cards to individuals with an ITIN. They'll probably confirm with a manager, but they'll say yes. Explain to them the situation that you can't apply online because the automated filters deny your number off the bat, and they'll set up a temporary hold on your account in order for you to upload necessary documents that prove your identity. Those documents include a valid photo ID (passport), a copy of the ITIN document, and a proof of address. Utility bills, phone bills, credit card bills, maybe even official school documents will suffice for the address bit. I must say, though, that was the most difficult part -- thinking of an 'official' proof of address.

Once the temporary hold on your account is set up, you'll be able to upload those documents. MAKE SURE YOU SELECT THE CORRECT 'DOCUMENT TYPE' FROM THE DROP DOWN LIST. For example, if you're uploading your passport photo, select Photo ID from the drop down. Don't select 'Other' or 'Misc' or anything else, select Photo ID. Doing so will dramatically streamline the process as they'll likely decline the document if it's not the correct type.

Now that you have your documents uploaded (DON'T FORGET TO CLICK THE "SEND TO PAYPAL" BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THE FORM), wait about a day or so. If no action is taken on your account, call them and ask for an update. I waited about 2 days with no action. I called, and about 14 hours later had the congratulations email in my inbox. Received the card a week later.

It's a MasterCard and can be used as such. It works EXACTLY as a debit card. Once you get it, you log on to your PayPal account, set up a PIN, select a backup funding source (most likely your linked bank account) and voilà -- you're activated.. The best part about it? Rewards. PayPal offers 1% (or something like that) cash back on some purchases. Combine that with other sweet deals your bank may have (assuming your checking account is the backup source) and your in for like 2+% back on nearly all purchases. Not too shabby.


Hope this helps. I hate carrying around cash and always being at the mercy of ATM fees when there's not a Citizen's Bank around, so this thing has been my best friend. Let me know if you have any problems.

debit cards? credit cards are what we need.

Ok. I successfully got the hold put on my account. I'm going to send in the documents as soon as I get a chance and see what happens. By the way, before using a paypal debit card, do you have to add funds to the account? I'm assuming not because I've already used paypal to pay a seller on ebay. It automatically withdraws funds from my checking and makes the payment. For the proof of address, it's telling me to provide only "utility bill". I'm not sure what to send now. The light/gas bill doesn't come under my name.

Just as a heads up-

I don't recommend you keeping cash in Paypal. Its pretty risky. Sometimes they do these random "security" checks. They freeze your account and make your money inaccessible until you send them 2 forms of VALID id and and a bill with your name and address. I had them do that to me twice.

Never heard of them doing random security test
but it's true that you CANNOT keep money in paypal

You always need to transfer your money to the primary paypal linked bank account and then to a different non-paypal linked account!!

Oh wow, that sucks. Fortunately for me, I've never had that happen. I've had a verified account for over 7 years. Also, I keep my PayPal balance at 0. Every transaction I do on my debit card is pretty much a 2-part transaction. The amount gets debited from my checking into my PayPal, then immediately into wherever it needs to be.