PayPal has re-entered the UK retail landscape with a unified payment experience that spans online and in-store purchases, rolling out a free PayPal+ loyalty programme alongside new debit and credit cards.

In an announcement on Wednesday, the digital payments firm said UK customers can now access PayPal Debit and Credit Cards and begin earning PayPal+ points across purchases made with PayPal balance, preferred cards or Buy Now Pay Later. Reuters also reported the relaunch followed operational restructuring in the country after Brexit.

The company is positioning PayPal+ as its first global loyalty scheme, launched initially for UK customers. Points accrue on most transactions made with PayPal and can be redeemed at checkout with PayPal at millions of online merchants worldwide. PayPal stated that every 1000 points is worth £10, and that points can be stacked with other loyalty programmes, subject to those issuers’ terms.

Tiered rewards are a central feature. Customers start at Blue and can progress to Gold and Black as they earn more points, with those higher tiers offering points worth up to 50 per cent more at checkout, as well as access to VIP experiences and exclusive perks. Brand collaborations were announced, beginning with Live Nation UK festivals, giving PayPal+ customers early access to selected events and bespoke onsite benefits.

The launch includes a PayPal Debit Card, available for the first time in the UK, which the company says can be used worldwide without PayPal transaction fees. When linked to PayPal+, the debit card earns ten times the points on everyday purchases. PayPal said the card connects directly to the PayPal wallet for spend tracking and can be added to smartphones for contactless payments.

PayPal Credit will be extended into physical retail through virtual and physical cards, allowing customers to collect PayPal+ points on in-store and online transactions. The firm’s Pay in 3 Buy Now Pay Later product remains available and earns points as part of the programme.

“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,” said Diego Scotti, general manager of PayPal’s consumer group. “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.”

“Our investment reflects a deep commitment to British consumers, businesses, and communities,” said Tamer El‑Emary, general manager of PayPal UK. “We’ve listened to our customers and built products that rethink how people use PayPal every day.”

PayPal said the relaunch follows a commitment to invest £150 million in new products for UK customers. The company added it has been at the forefront of e-commerce and m-commerce for over two decades and is now building for AI-enabled, omnichannel commerce.

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