How to Pay Bills with PayPal Smart Connect: A Complete Guide

PayPal Smart Connect offers a convenient way to pay bills directly from your PayPal account. This comprehensive guide will walk through how to use Smart Connect for bill payments, tips for avoiding fees, and troubleshooting common issues.

What is PayPal Smart Connect?

PayPal Smart Connect allows you to pay recurring bills like utilities, cable, insurance, loan payments, etc It connects your PayPal account to companies accepting electronic payments.

Key features of PayPal Smart Connect

• Pay bills without sharing bank account details

• Use PayPal balance or link bank account to fund payments

• Schedule one-time or recurring payments

• Get payment confirmations and reminders

• Accessible on web or PayPal mobile app

• Available to US PayPal account holders

Smart Connect offers a seamless way to pay bills online while keeping your bank information private. Let’s look at how to use it.

How to Pay Bills with PayPal Smart Connect

Follow these simple steps to make bill payments through Smart Connect:

1. Add Billing Company

• Go to Wallet page and select “Smart Connect”

• Search for and select your billing company

• Enter account number and any other details requested

• Company will be added once details validated

2. Schedule Payment

• Pick one-time or recurring payment frequency

• Enter amount to pay – can be full or partial balance

• Select payment date or set autopay schedule

• Pick funding source – PayPal balance or bank account

3. Confirm and Submit

• Carefully review payment details before submitting

• Accept terms and finish payment

• Get confirmation email once processed

And done! Paying bills through Smart Connect takes just a few minutes.

Tips to Avoid Fees with PayPal Smart Connect

While convenient, using Smart Connect to pay bills can sometimes incur fees. Follow these tips to minimize fees:

• Use bank account to fund payments for free vs. debit/credit cards

• Pay early so payment date doesn’t get pushed out

• Schedule ahead at least 4 business days to avoid rush fees

• Avoid phone payments which have higher fees – pay online

• Set up autopay to avoid fees for one-time or late payments

• Watch for offers waiving first late payment fee if enrolled in autopay

• Take advantage of one free phone payment per year

• Check for discounts when adding new billers to Smart Connect

With some planning, you can avoid most fees and pay your bills directly from PayPal conveniently.

Troubleshooting PayPal Smart Connect Issues

PayPal Smart Connect makes bill payment easy, but sometimes issues pop up. Try these troubleshooting tips:

Payment failed?

• Verify sufficient funds in PayPal or linked bank account

• Contact PayPal to remove any payment holds if needed

• Update expired debit/credit card if on file

Can’t find biller?

• Check name or nickname matches biller records

• Pay without Smart Connect using biller website

• Contact biller to get set up for electronic payments

Missing payment?

• Check confirmation emails for payment details

• Contact PayPal to trace missing or delayed payments

• Call biller to ensure payment was received

Incorrect amount charged?

• Review set payment amount carefully

• Confirm autopay didn’t update to balance due

• Dispute error with PayPal or biller

Late payment fee incurred?

• Schedule payments earlier to avoid delays

• Set up autopay for guaranteed on-time payment

• Ask biller nicely to refund the late fee just this once

With good communication, you can troubleshoot most Smart Connect payment issues quickly.

PayPal Smart Connect Payment Methods

You can fund Smart Connect bill payments from:

• PayPal Balance – instant transfers from your balance

• Bank Account – free linkage to checking or savings

• Debit Card – subject to fees per transaction

• Credit Card – will incur higher fees to use

• PayPal Credit – makes payments now, pay back monthly

Using your PayPal balance or linked bank account are best to avoid fees. Credit cards should only be used when necessary to fund payments.

Alternatives to PayPal Smart Connect

If Smart Connect doesn’t work for your situation, consider these alternatives:

• Pay bills directly through company websites

• Use bank bill pay linked to your checking account

• Mail paper checks with remittance stub

• Pay in cash at authorized payment centers

• Use money transfer apps to pay friends/family/landlords

• Set up auto-draft from your bank to pay larger bills

While Smart Connect is the most convenient option, you have alternatives if needed.

Pros and Cons of PayPal Smart Connect

Let’s summarize the key benefits and potential drawbacks:

Pros:

• Simple and fast online bill payment

• Avoid sharing bank details with each biller

• Can partial pay and schedule ahead

• Integrated reminders and confirmations

• Accessible from web or mobile app

Cons:

• Possible payment fees depending on method

• Some billing companies not available

• Inflexible auto-pay amounts

• Customer service resolution can be slow

• Lacks budgeting tools of bank bill pay

For most, the convenience makes PayPal Smart Connect worthwhile despite some minor limitations.

Paying Rent and Other Bills with PayPal

In addition to Smart Connect, PayPal offers other convenient ways to pay common bills:

Rent payments – Use free PayPal money transfers to pay roommates or private landlords.

Friend and family – Send money instantly to cover owed bills and expenses.

Goods and services payments – Pay freelancers, virtual assistants, therapists, tutors, and more.

Donations – Support charitable causes and non-profit fundraising.

eBay purchases – Pay for auction wins and online shopping purchases.

Cash a check – Deposit funds to add money to your PayPal.

Business invoices – Pay contractors, suppliers, and B2B invoices.

PayPal is extremely versatile for paying bills and people in your life both personally and for business.

PayPal Smart Connect vs. Bank Bill Pay

How does Smart Connect compare to paying bills through your bank?

PayPal Smart Connect

• Faster payments with instant transfers

• Keep bank details private

• Easily switch between payment methods

• Managed in PayPal app or online

Bank Bill Pay

• Often has more billers available

• Can schedule further ahead

• May offer budgeting tools

• Already integrated with bank account

Both offer convenience – choose what fits your needs and preferences best!

Frequently Asked Questions about PayPal Smart Connect

Is Smart Connect free to use?

No, fees apply based on payment method, timing, and other factors. Bank account payments are cheapest.

How early can I schedule payments?

You can schedule Smart Connect payments up to 30 days in advance.

Can I cancel a scheduled payment?

Yes, you can cancel pending and future scheduled payments anytime before processed.

Does Smart Connect work on mobile?

Yes, you can conveniently manage payments in the PayPal mobile app.

Can I enroll in paperless billing?

You need to contact the biller directly to go paperless – PayPal itself is paperless.

PayPal Smart Connect makes paying your bills fast, easy, and secure. Follow this guide to start using Smart Connect and integrate it into your monthly bill management routine.