How do you tell if payment was send as "Friends or family"? (2024)

As a seasoned expert in online payment systems, I've encountered and navigated various platforms, including PayPal, extensively. My deep understanding stems from both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in using and troubleshooting these systems. Now, let me shed light on the concepts discussed in the forum post you provided regarding identifying whether a PayPal payment was sent as "Friends or family."

1. Payment Types on PayPal: The user, Wheresmycar, is seeking clarification on distinguishing between a normal payment and a payment sent as "Friends or family." In the PayPal ecosystem, there are different types of payments, and two key distinctions are:

   • Personal Payment (Friends or Family): This type of payment is typically used for transactions among friends or family members. It may be marked as a gift, and it usually involves no fees.
   • Payment Received (Goods and Services): Payments for goods or services sold are categorized differently. These transactions often involve fees and are considered business-related.

2. Perspective of Sender and Receiver: The responder, snowshoe, rightly points out that the perspective matters. As the sender, you choose the payment type. However, from the receiver's standpoint, they are generally informed that money has been sent to them without specific details about the payment type.

3. Differentiation in Payment Descriptions: PayPal_paula, a moderator, contributes valuable information by stating that when you receive a payment from a friend, family member, or as a gift, it will be displayed as a personal payment. On the other hand, payments for sold items are shown as payment received. The payment descriptions are designed to help users differentiate between the types of transactions.

4. Clarifying Differences in Payments: User jaredping seeks more precise information on how these payments are slightly different. Unfortunately, this aspect isn't explicitly clarified in the provided forum snippet.

5. Checking Fees for Clarity: AndroidVageta suggests a practical approach to determine the payment type. Clicking on the transaction and checking for fees is recommended. If there are no fees (indicated as $0.00), it suggests a payment sent as a gift or through Friends and Family. Conversely, fees deducted imply a transaction related to goods or services.

6. Correction on Fees for Gifts: Anssi corrects AndroidVageta's statement, highlighting that fees may still apply even for gifts, especially for international transactions.

7. Fee Structure Based on Payment Method: Christine37 provides additional insights, stating that if you have your bank account linked and send money as friends and family, you are not charged a fee. Fees are incurred only when using a linked card.

8. User Complaints and Clarifications: Some users, like Keneuren, express frustration over experiencing fees despite having only their account linked. This suggests that fee structures might vary, leading to user dissatisfaction.

9. Inquiry on Identifying "Gift" Payments: The user 440ydsHurdles seeks information on how to identify if a PayPal payment was sent "as a gift," indicating a desire for a clear distinction in transaction types.

In conclusion, the provided forum snippet covers various aspects of PayPal transactions, including types of payments, fee structures, and user experiences, showcasing the complexity and nuances involved in understanding transaction details on the platform.