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Catch 22 - New Accounts & eBay Fees
 

It seems in the last couple years eBay has implemented a Catch 22 on stealth accounts. That is, for every new account you create, you will need a bank account or credit/debit card to build solid history on an account that is more likely to get banned. Has anyone found a way to pay fees with a Paypal balance, without adding the SSN?

The core principal of stealth is to operate multiple accounts. Since Paypal now requires your SSN to pay eBay fees with your Paypal balance, stealth users must now link a valid credit card, debit card, or bank account for this brand new stealth account. When trying to build sales on 20 new stealth accounts, this does not seem very feasible anymore.

Prepaid cards seem to be worthless now, as eventually your fees will exceed the prepaid balance. Perhaps they are useful to make a few sales, pay the fees with the prepaid card, and then let the accounts age a year or two until you are ready to add a bank or credit card. (Does it make a difference if your paypal account ages with or without a bank attached?)

eBay stealth requires more skill and precision than ever before. Perhaps the old mantra of operating 20 accounts at once will go the way of the dodo. But I have always been more of a 'run one at a time and have backups' type of guy anyways.

I am sure there is a solution. If you guys have any suggestions, please let me know.

Re: Catch 22 - New Accounts & eBay Fees
 

At present there is no way to create a US PayPal Cash or Cash Plus account without going through identity verification. This means you need an SSN to confirm your identity, or of someone you know.

This only affects your ability to spent or send your balance to others. PayPal has largely done this to comply with new US regulations to combat money laundering.

Re: Catch 22 - New Accounts & eBay Fees
 

You should still be able to pay your fees through the paypal account if you set your bank account as the source of funding. Might not work right off the bat - but after a few months of history it does.

Re: Catch 22 - New Accounts & eBay Fees
 

But, is it safe to pull funds from a bank account that's in a different name as the PayPal?

Re: Catch 22 - New Accounts & eBay Fees
 

Technically, a manual review of the receipt generated from the bank to PP will reveal the true bankholder's name. There is always a risk that this info could be reviewed and compared but seems like chances are low....depending on activity going on of course e.g. fraud

Re: Catch 22 - New Accounts & eBay Fees
 

I have had no problem pulling from my legit bank account to my stealth PayPal account. I buy labels and pay fees. No problems

Re: Catch 22 - New Accounts & eBay Fees
 

Many of us have done this for years without any problem. Really, when they do the micro deposits, they already have the information about names you are concerned about.