Paypal Express requires a paypal account?

**Lisk** · 13 Jan 2007, 11:17 AM

Hi - Does paypal express require a paypal account? I'm testing it on my site right now and I'm not getting that "don't have a paypal account" link that I usually see for people who just want to pay with a credit card. Is this a paypal-members only feature?

Here's my site if you want to check it out: http://www.dichroicjewelry.net/glass/

**Brian the Brain** · 13 Jan 2007, 03:29 PM

Originally Posted by Lisk

Hi - Does paypal express require a paypal account? I'm testing it on my site right now and I'm not getting that "don't have a paypal account" link that I usually see for people who just want to pay with a credit card. Is this a paypal-members only feature?

From PayPal Help

"Do my customers need a PayPal account to use Express Checkout?

If your customer do not have a PayPal account, they will be asked to sign up for a PayPal account during the Express Checkout payment flow."

**DrByte** · 14 Jan 2007, 10:19 PM

No, they do not "require" a PayPal account in order to make a purchase. They will be encouraged to create one, but do not "have to".

You're most likely not seeing the new-account options because your browser already has a paypal login_email cookie set because you logged in to paypal's site already.

clear that cookie to see the usual new-customer screen.
More info here: http://www.zen-cart.com/forum/showth...207#post311600

**Brian the Brain** · 15 Jan 2007, 12:41 AM

Originally Posted by DrByte

No, they do not "require" a PayPal account in order to make a purchase. They will be encouraged to create one, but do not "have to".

You're most likely not seeing the new-account options because your browser already has a paypal login_email cookie set because you logged in to paypal's site already.

clear that cookie to see the usual new-customer screen.
More info here: http://www.zen-cart.com/forum/showth...207#post311600

The information I quoted is from PayPal help. Just a search for express checkout.

Further the "new" account page at paypal says all fields are required - that includes PayPal password.

I think it would be great to have a no account checkout via the "Express Checkout." But, so far it doesn't look that way to me.

The normal checkout can be done without an account.

**Lisk** · 15 Jan 2007, 06:40 AM

DrByte is right - I cleared the cookie and got a visa/mastercard option. Thank you!

**exittheapple** · 23 Jan 2007, 06:31 AM

yes i got the new account page after clearing cookies too - thanks!

but the paypal checkout page definitely requires you to create a paypal account to complete checkout.

i guess the question is, which is more important to our customers? the potential to checkout quicker if they already HAVE a paypal account? or, the ability to checkout with CC's without having to joing paypal.

hmmm.