PayPal Australia launches new e-commerce scheme

PayPal Australia is undertaking a new initiative to help get more organisations engaged with e-commerce.

Consumers can use the payment system to securely make an online purchase using their credit card - without allowing the recipient to view their personal details.

Under the new Certified Developer and Partner Program, PayPal plans to expand its involvements in online payments outside of the retail sector - including work with schools, charities, universities and foundations - to enable organisations to accept online donations and payments.

While many PayPal payments are made on purchases through online auction site eBay, the group claims that over half of its global payment volume comes from other e-commerce outlets.

People with a PayPal account can use a number of debit and credit cards, including all Visa, Mastercard and American Express cards and its own-branded PayPal credit card, to pay for goods online.

Consumers can also add a prepaid credit card or gift card to their PayPal account, although they will not be able to access the card statement for any transactions made in this way.