This is a simple record of the process of signing up for PayPal in the US region and removing risk controls.
TL;DR Version#
- If you register with a mainland IP address, there will be minor risk controls after registration, and you will need to submit identification documents. It is unknown whether there will still be risk controls after submission.
- If you register with a US IP address (I used a data center IP because I couldn't afford a residential IP), you can bind cards and link to the App Store without any issues after registration. However, before the first actual deduction (not a freeze or pending transaction), there will be major risk controls, and you will need to submit identification and address documents. You can use your ID card for identification, and you can order address proof documents on Taobao.
Background#
Having a PayPal account in the US region has more advantages than disadvantages, especially since it can be used to link to the US App Store and pay for region-locked services.
Process#
First Attempt (Unsuccessful)#
Conditions used:
- Gmail email
- Direct connection
- Used a phone number from SMS-Activate (selected the PayPal service, as virtual cards may cause issues with PayPal registration). Virtual numbers can no longer be registered, such as Google Voice.
- Used a DE state address generated by a US address generator.
Result:
The success email and the account restriction email were sent almost immediately after each other. To remove the risk controls, I only needed to provide identification documents, but I don't remember there being an option for a resident ID card. I gave up on this account and don't know if there will still be risk controls when making payments after it is unblocked.
Second Attempt (Not Failed Yet)#
Conditions used:
- Outlook email
- US data center IP (remained the same throughout the process)
- Same phone number as before
- Selected a DE address on Google Maps
Process:
- After registration, there were no risk controls. I was able to link a card (China Construction Bank Cross-Border Visa Debit Card) and link to the US App Store.
- Before the first actual deduction on the App Store, I received an email informing me that my account was restricted. To unblock it, I needed to provide identification documents and address proof, which was stricter than the first attempt.
- I used my resident ID card for identification, and according to a tutorial I found online, I could obtain address proof documents from tompsd. However, I couldn't find the website anymore, so I had to order an electricity bill (which had to match the registered address) from Taobao.
- After submitting the documents, my account was successfully unblocked, and I can now make payments directly and through the App Store without any issues.
Conclusion#
This is my personal experience, which may not be the best or even successful for everyone.
- Register with a US IP address without using a VPN. If you are using a url-test or similar strategy, change it to select first.
- Fill in real information except for phone number and address.
- Avoid using virtual cards for phone numbers (there are websites to check if a number is VoIP or a virtual card).
- Try to find a real address on Google Maps, and remember to select a tax-free state.
- If you encounter risk controls, identification documents can be used to remove them, and address proof can be purchased on Taobao.
Some reminders found online:
- Do not link the same card to multiple PayPal accounts in the same region, as it may lead to account suspension.
- The previous point does not apply to PayPal accounts in different regions.