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Is spending your PayPal balance just as risky as transferring it to your bank?
 

I was thinking of making some purchases on buy.com for new furniture, is it safe to use PayPal?

This is a very subjective question depending on lots of factors such as but not limited to the amount of money involved, how long did you receive the funds and what the funds received are for and so on. Even if everything is "stable", you still need to face the fact that you'll have to reveal your non-stealth address, which can and most likely will get you linked.

The safest way is to use a credit/debit card. Why run the risk or any risk. I have learned the hard way.

Create buyer account and rest your troubles

you could have it shipped to an address not linked to ebay/paypal...
but obviously you cant use it on multiple accounts

Exactly, people like making their lives harder than they should loop.

You clearly did not read my question. I did not say PayPal account, I said PayPal balance.

Come on MM get some glasses! you are so unhelpful!!!:D

As long as the paypal account with the "paypal balance" is with a address that you have access too, then it's ok. I have done it a few times with 1 address that I had access to but I dont do it anymore. I buy with my debit/credit card only.

If you have a balance that exceeds your avg eBay fees and 2 or 3 potential cases you will be fine. As much as I like this board too many idiots on here when it comes to PayPal transferring their entire balance as soon as you get it. If you are a US seller and plan on getting close to the 20k limits you should always have a running balance of $1000 minimum $800 to cover any unforeseen things and prove to eBay and PayPal you aren't a take the money and run seller.

You can't really do that anymore. Especially if your account on eBay is new, Paypal holds your money until item is delivered or feedback is posted. No selling and running.

It is possible if you have something happen to your account. YOu have listings removed eBay account limited. If the next thing you try to do is withdrawal all your money the paypal will go down as well. I stand by my suggestions above from the last 7 years I have spent dealing with eBay/paypal and stealth accounts.