QKO..you have done a great explanation of how a PP acct works! Very clear..& I see that my acct is using 'instant transfer', so that is why I am happy and so are my sellers. PP also has my credit card info, and I have the option to "tick" the method I want to use for a particular purchase. Sometimes for a large cost (machine or such), I will choose the CC option. Maybe I think it affords me more protection if I am buying from an ebay store. ?? I don't know that I am really more secure...but the instant buying can be so easy that it becomes addictive! That is spelled..ADDICTIVE! LOL