So, I am 16 years old. I want to sign up with PayPal, because it's the only way a certain website can pay me for my writing. The problem is that: a) for reasons unknown to me, you must be 18 years or older to use it. b) I live in Canada, and PayPal does not have the option of selecting my kind of Debit Card. I use TD Canada Trust, and they only have the options of MasterCard, Visa (I think), Discovery, and American Express. Help, anyone?
TD Canada issues Visa credit and debit cards, for the most part, so PayPal is most likely compatible with them. The age requirement is an issue of legality. If you enter a contract when your under 18, it can be disqualified later on by a court with no liability on your part. That's a risk that most financial institutions are unwilling to undertake. Custodial accounts are difficult to implement over the internet.
Where did you see that you have to be 18 years or older to use PayPal? When I signed up, they didn't even ask my age.
PayPal will not ask you. They will just BAN you I prefer to open an account with your parents name and when you become 18 close that account and use yours.
Nearly all bank debit cards will be one of MasterCard, Visa or Discovery -- simply so that your bank can link into the wider ATM network. Look closely at your card (front and back) and see which logos are on it. But, yeah, you're going to be stuck until you are 18 anyway, as that's the legal minimum for entering an enforceable contract, and Paypal won't want to know you until then.
I was rather active member while under the age of 18, and I was never "banned". Thumbs up to the OP for reading the User Agreement, (the only place PayPal hints at an age requirement), and caring enough to abide by it. As far as your debit card problem, Why not use your bank account?
Well, I supposed if you do not know why under 18 years old cannot join Paypal then you would probably not be entitled to join in the first place. In most countries, being under 18 years old is considered being a minor and under contract law, contract with a minor is non-binding because in theory, minors are too young to understand consequences and responsibility. This law is there to protect the interest of the minor. Paypal like most parties which requires a contract, cannot deal with a minor because they need to comply with the law. Until the government recognized that people under 18 years old understands responsibility and can be responsible for their consequences, you need to abide by the law. Enjoy your two more years of youth before you plunge into the dark and unforgiving adult world of business.
I am under 18 and have a fully verified legit premier account with PayPal I regularly conduct buys/sells on Ebay and various other payments and I have never had any problems.