I have been verified for quite some time. I haven't had any issues but I also have a business account. You CAN verify with one of those Visa or MasterCard Gift Cards. well at least you could before. I have link my bank account. The only time money will be taken from that will be if your PayPal balance is too low for what you're purchasing. It's known as a backup payment method. Payments Go PayPal > Bank Account > Card > Card > Etc (Up to 10 Cards). So as long as your balance is high you will be fine. I know this from experience I have accepts $75 in donations. Returned money for over donations. It's fairly simple. I have had PayPal for a few years now. No issues.
