Well, cantab, there are (apparently) two ways to do this, yours - using a card that gets credited (?) right away, that would be the more common way, and the other way where one would link a bank account to the paypal account. Of course, since paypal cannot simply "go get the cash" (in belgium at least) the owner has to transfer an amount to the paypal account from the linked bank account prior to payments. After a couple of work days, the money is then "electronified" and ready for use...

That would be the approach I'd take, not having a visa/mastercard. I'd have a separate account with just enough cash on that account and nothing more...

Thor

I use Paypal and I have Visa linked to it. Several years now with no problems.

You could get a credit card with a low limit just for online use, linked to Paypal of course. Do not tell the credit card company this otherwise they are bound to deny the request according to my experience.

Careful if using proxy servers or travelling. Paypal will shutdown your account if they suspect any illicit access. This is a good thing protection wise but it is a nightmare trying to get your account reinstated. Been there done that.