Will Ferrell’s New PayPal Ad Is a Fever Dream, and That’s Why It Works
So there I was, watching Monday Night Football, not expecting much more than a few wings and bad calls—and then Will Ferrell showed up. In curlers. Singing Fleetwood Mac in a bathtub.
That’s right. PayPal’s latest ad campaign, Pay Your Own Way, is back again, and it’s weirder, funnier, and somehow catchier than ever. Following up last year’s “Fleetwood Mac’s Everywhere” spot, this new campaign, again starring Will Ferrell, dials up the oddball energy in all the best ways.
A New Season, a Familiar Face
This expansive marketing campaign marks PayPal’s biggest move yet in reintroducing itself to consumers. They’re not just asking people to pay with them. They’re asking you to laugh while doing it.
And who better to deliver the message than Ferrell, the comedian whose whole career is built on making weird situations unforgettable?
He’s not just there to entertain—though he definitely does that. Ferrell’s performance drives home the core of the campaign: that customers earn cash and cash back simply by choosing how they shop. Whether it’s with a PayPal debit card, PayPal debit Mastercard, or using PayPal’s Buy Now, Pay Later, the message is clear: you’ve got options.
What’s With the Music?
Let’s be honest—there’s something about hearing “Go Your Own Way” while a grown man pops out from behind a grocery store plant that just… hits.
Music in advertising isn’t new, but PayPal’s reimagined version of Fleetwood Mac songs is giving the brand a serious edge. The tune isn’t just catchy—it’s nostalgic. It tells a story, even if it’s being sung by someone who (we’ll say it) probably shouldn’t be singing.
But here’s the kicker: it works. Really well.
The Payoff: Real Numbers, Real Results
According to System1’s data, this PayPal ad scored 3.5 stars—beating out most in its category. It also clocked 51% happiness, way above the industry average. That’s not a fluke.
The ad is rewarding not just for PayPal, but for the consumers who now associate their payments with a little joy. I mean, what other financial brand has an ad that makes you laugh and reminds you to checkout using your PayPal debit Mastercard?
Ferrell Stars, Again
This isn’t Ferrell’s first time riding this campaign wave. In 2024, he helped launch “Everywhere,” and now in 2025, he’s back, going even more over the top. His latest antics are being rolled out across radio, podcast reads, streaming, social media, out of home, and various networks.
Even in the influencer space, you’ll catch glimpses of Ferrell humming in a tub or shouting through a boutique. It’s all part of PayPal’s push to evolve PayPal from just a payment tool to a full-blown, entertainment-powered financial company.
CMO Geoff Seeley on Why This Works
Geoff Seeley, PayPal’s Chief Marketing Officer, says the campaign is all about showcasing an exciting direction for the brand.
“The campaign drives home the idea that PayPal is more than a button at checkout,” Seeley said. “It’s where customers earn cash, get cash back, and shop across platforms with ease.”
PayPal’s anthem is clear: shop your way, earn rewards, and have a laugh while you’re at it.
Final Thoughts (Because, You Know, Structure)
Honestly, it’s refreshing. In a world of cookie-cutter finance ads, PayPal did something kind of brave. They let a comedian hijack a classic song in bubble bath rollers and made you feel something. That’s not just funny—it’s smart.
So whether you’re watching the ad during football or catching it online, just know: you’ve got more ways to pay, earn cash, and actually smile while doing it.