PayPal Rolls Out Package Tracking Feature

PayPal has launched a package tracking feature on its app. 

This addition allows PayPal users to instantly view the status of their deliveries without having to manually enter order numbers or searching through email inboxes, according to a Tuesday (Oct. 17) report from TechCrunch. 

PayPal’s update automatically gathers shipping details via an integration them with Gmail. Users without a Gmail account linked to PayPal can still manually input the tracking details. 

One addition to PayPal’s package tracking feature is live push notifications, TechCrunch reported. Users will receive live updates whenever there is a change in the delivery status or an update to their order. Additionally, PayPal’s app offers a visual tracking capability, allowing users to follow their packages on a live map. PayPal’s package tracking feature is available on both iOS and Android devices. 

The feature does not incur any additional fees. Users can use the tool regardless of whether they used PayPal for checkout or not.

PayPal’s introduction of package tracking puts it in direct competition with eCommerce giants Shopify and Amazon. Shopify’s Shop app already provides customers with real-time order status updates, delivery notifications and live-map tracking. Similarly, Amazon offers a “Map Tracking” feature that allows customers to track their packages and even see the driver’s location as they approach the delivery site.

“PayPal continues to advance products and experiences that help customers shop smart, conveniently, and make their money go further,” a PayPal spokesperson told TechCrunch. “This new feature expands our post-purchase offering, which delivers more choice and convenience in how shoppers manage their purchases.”

The payments platform has also unveiled other recent innovations in a bid to draw more users. 

Earlier this month, as PYMNTS reported, PayPal Holdings announced that customers can add their eligible PayPal and Venmo credit or debit cards to Apple Wallet.

The feature allows users to make payments by tapping their iPhone or Apple Watch for both in-store and online purchases. Customers who switch to this medium can still earn the same cashback and rewards on their eligible purchases.