PayPal has officially returned to the United Kingdom (UK) market, launching a unified payment platform that lets customers shop both online and in-store.
The relaunch introduces the company’s first debit and credit cards in the UK and a new free loyalty programme called PayPal+, aimed at rewarding customers for their everyday spending.
Nearly two years after reorganising its operations following Brexit, PayPal is refocusing on British consumers with a £150 million investment to expand its products and strengthen its local presence.
This will also boost the company’s competitive edge with platforms such as Apple Pay, Revolut, and Klarna, all of which have grown fast in the UK’s digital payments sector.
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Through the new offering, nearly 30 million PayPal users in the UK can now earn points through PayPal+, redeemable at checkout across millions of online stores worldwide.
Every 1,000 points equals £10, and users can stack their PayPal+ points with other loyalty schemes. Membership is free, and the tier system, Blue, Gold, and Black, offers rewards, with the top tiers providing up to 50% more value, exclusive perks, and VIP experiences.
PayPal’s Debit Card, available for the first time in the UK, links directly to a user’s PayPal wallet and can be used globally without transaction fees.
Customers using the card while paying for everyday purchases will earn ten times more points. The debit card can also be added to smartphones for contactless payments, providing both convenience and flexibility.
The company is also expanding PayPal Credit to work in physical stores through virtual and physical cards. Customers can earn loyalty points whether they pay online or in-store, combining credit flexibility with added benefits. PayPal’s popular “Pay in 3” Buy Now, Pay Later option is active and now earns users PayPal+ points as well.
Beyond payments, PayPal is building brand partnerships to enhance its loyalty programme. Collaborations with Live Nation UK will give PayPal+ members early access to festivals and exclusive on-site experiences. More partnerships are expected to be announced soon.
Speaking on the relaunch, Diego Scotti, general manager of PayPal’s Consumer Group, said:
“This is the start of an exciting new chapter for PayPal in the UK. We’ve listened to our customers and reimagined our products into one unified solution, offering the smarter way to pay both online and in-stores. With PayPal+, we’ve flipped the script on loyalty.
“That means no fees where others charge, a new debit card that delivers 10 times as many points, and more ways to get rewarded for everyday spend, including Buy Now Pay Later. This will redefine what value looks like with every payment.”
Tamer El-Emary, general manager of PayPal UK, added, “Our investment reflects a deep commitment to British consumers, businesses, and communities. We’ve listened to our customers and built products that rethink how people use PayPal every day.
“For years, millions of people have trusted PayPal when they shop online or on their phones. Now we want to bring everything they love about PayPal online to the high street. Simple, secure, and now with PayPal+ it’s more rewarding.”
