Tech Basics: PayPal Verification using Unionbank EON Debit Card
VhokNhoy of Pinoyexchange emailed us this question yesterday:
"Dear TechPinas, Help! I have a business online and my clients pay me via Paypal. The problem is: I can't seem to withdraw my funds! It's crazy -- That's my money, why are they hoarding it?! Paypal keeps reminding me that my account needs to be verified before I could withdraw anything. What's the easiest way to get Paypal verification in the Philippines ? This gives me major headache. Thanks!"
Here's our answer:
Relax. PayPal Verification is more for your protection than anything else. PayPal requires this because they want to make sure that you and only you could withdraw your funds.
The easiest way to get PayPal verification is with the use of a Credit Card or a Debit Card. It works like this: PayPal will charge a few dollars to your personal account just to make sure that it's active and that it is yours. Then, once your account is verified, PayPal will reimburse the same amount to your PayPal fund. It's more a hassle for them really.
For Credit Card verification: Just make sure that your credit card is either Visa or MasterCard and that it has a 3 digit security code printed on the card itself or a 3 digit-code that could be retrieved from your bank. PayPal Verification usually accepts the following credit cards: HSBC Red, BPI Gold, BPI Blue, Citibank cards.
For Debit Card verification: EON Visa Electron Debit Card by UnionBank seems to be the only debit card in the Philippines that works well with PayPal Verification. It comes with a security code too. Read about the difference between a Credit Card and Debit Card here.
How to Apply for a UnionBank Eon Visa Electron Debit Card and use it for Paypal Verification:
Easy --
1. Visit Unionbank’s website and sign up for the EON Visa Electron Card.
(NOTE: Online EON Card application is currently inactive. Alternatively, you may visit a Unionbank branch near you to apply for a Visa Electron Card. As such, you will skip several steps in the process.)
2. Choose a branch where you want to claim your card. Don't forget to note the landline number of the branch where you could follow up or check on your application and availability of your card.
3. Claim your card after a week or so -- Don't forget to bring 2 valid IDs or 2 of the following.
4. Ask the teller to help you deposit Php200 to your Eon Card. (It takes 24 hours for EON to be activated for ATM use.)
5. Enroll your card to EON CyberAccount Online Banking. Having an online account will help you track transactions better. Online Account Activation takes 2-3 Days. Hence, you won't be able to log-in right after a successful application. Be patient.
6. Once your CyberAccount has been activated (You will receive an email from Unionbank as confirmation), you may start using Eon card for Paypal verification. Note that CARD Number refers to the 16-digit number printed on your card, the 12 digit number is your ACCOUNT Number.
7. As part of the Verification process, Paypal will charge around $2 to your Eon Debit Card and will, at the same time, send a 4-digit transaction code. This transaction code will facilitate step-2 of the Paypal Verification process. It takes 3-4 days for Unionbank to get this code from Paypal (but the $2 charge to your account happens almost instantly - Paypal will reimburse the same amount to your Paypal Account). To retrieve the code, you'd have to get in touch with EON card support.
There! I hope that helps. :)
"Dear TechPinas, Help! I have a business online and my clients pay me via Paypal. The problem is: I can't seem to withdraw my funds! It's crazy -- That's my money, why are they hoarding it?! Paypal keeps reminding me that my account needs to be verified before I could withdraw anything. What's the easiest way to get Paypal verification in the Philippines ? This gives me major headache. Thanks!"
Here's our answer:
Relax. PayPal Verification is more for your protection than anything else. PayPal requires this because they want to make sure that you and only you could withdraw your funds.
The easiest way to get PayPal verification is with the use of a Credit Card or a Debit Card. It works like this: PayPal will charge a few dollars to your personal account just to make sure that it's active and that it is yours. Then, once your account is verified, PayPal will reimburse the same amount to your PayPal fund. It's more a hassle for them really.
For Credit Card verification: Just make sure that your credit card is either Visa or MasterCard and that it has a 3 digit security code printed on the card itself or a 3 digit-code that could be retrieved from your bank. PayPal Verification usually accepts the following credit cards: HSBC Red, BPI Gold, BPI Blue, Citibank cards.
For Debit Card verification: EON Visa Electron Debit Card by UnionBank seems to be the only debit card in the Philippines that works well with PayPal Verification. It comes with a security code too. Read about the difference between a Credit Card and Debit Card here.
How to Apply for a UnionBank Eon Visa Electron Debit Card and use it for Paypal Verification:
Easy --
1. Visit Unionbank’s website and sign up for the EON Visa Electron Card.
(NOTE: Online EON Card application is currently inactive. Alternatively, you may visit a Unionbank branch near you to apply for a Visa Electron Card. As such, you will skip several steps in the process.)
2. Choose a branch where you want to claim your card. Don't forget to note the landline number of the branch where you could follow up or check on your application and availability of your card.
3. Claim your card after a week or so -- Don't forget to bring 2 valid IDs or 2 of the following.
4. Ask the teller to help you deposit Php200 to your Eon Card. (It takes 24 hours for EON to be activated for ATM use.)
5. Enroll your card to EON CyberAccount Online Banking. Having an online account will help you track transactions better. Online Account Activation takes 2-3 Days. Hence, you won't be able to log-in right after a successful application. Be patient.
6. Once your CyberAccount has been activated (You will receive an email from Unionbank as confirmation), you may start using Eon card for Paypal verification. Note that CARD Number refers to the 16-digit number printed on your card, the 12 digit number is your ACCOUNT Number.
7. As part of the Verification process, Paypal will charge around $2 to your Eon Debit Card and will, at the same time, send a 4-digit transaction code. This transaction code will facilitate step-2 of the Paypal Verification process. It takes 3-4 days for Unionbank to get this code from Paypal (but the $2 charge to your account happens almost instantly - Paypal will reimburse the same amount to your Paypal Account). To retrieve the code, you'd have to get in touch with EON card support.
There! I hope that helps. :)
