Yes, you can send money from PayPal to a bank account, but the method depends on whether the account is yours or someone else's
If the bank account is yours, you withdraw money from PayPal to your linked bank account through the Withdraw or Transfer Money section of your PayPal account. If the account belongs to someone else, you cannot send money directly to their bank account through PayPal — you can only send money to their PayPal account or email address. PayPal does not offer a direct bank-to-bank transfer feature for other people's accounts.
The distinction matters because it changes what you can do and how long it takes. Withdrawing to your own account is straightforward. Sending to someone else requires them to have a PayPal account or to receive the money through a different method.
Key Takeaways
- You can withdraw money from your PayPal account to your own linked bank account, and the transfer typically takes one to three business days depending on your bank.
- PayPal does not allow you to send money directly to another person's bank account; you can only send to their PayPal account, email, or phone number.
- Withdrawals to your own account are free, but sending money to another PayPal user may incur a fee depending on the payment method and whether you are sending domestically or internationally.
- Your bank account must be verified and linked to your PayPal account before you can withdraw funds.
- If you need to pay someone who does not have PayPal, you will need to use a different payment method such as ACH transfer, wire transfer, or a check.
How to withdraw money from PayPal to your own bank account
Log into your PayPal account and go to the Wallet section. Click "Transfer Money" and select "Transfer to your bank." Choose the bank account you want the money to go to — if you have not linked one yet, you will need to add it first by providing your routing number and account number. Enter the amount you want to withdraw and confirm the transfer.
PayPal will show you the expected arrival date before you complete the transfer. Standard transfers take one to three business days. Some banks process faster than others, and weekend or holiday transfers may take longer. The money comes from your PayPal balance, so you must have a sufficient balance to complete the withdrawal.
There is no fee to withdraw money to your own bank account. However, if your PayPal balance came from receiving money internationally or through certain payment methods, PayPal may hold the funds for a period before you can withdraw them.
Sending money to someone else's PayPal account instead
If you want to send money to another person, you send it to their PayPal account, not their bank account. Open your PayPal account, click "Send Money," and enter the recipient's email address, phone number, or PayPal username. Enter the amount and choose whether you are sending for personal reasons (like splitting rent) or as a payment for goods or services.
The recipient receives the money in their PayPal account immediately. They can then withdraw it to their own bank account if they choose. The fee structure depends on what you are sending and how: sending money to friends and family in the United States is free if you use your PayPal balance or a linked bank account, but it costs a percentage if you use a credit or debit card. Sending money internationally or as a payment for goods or services incurs a fee.
If the recipient does not have a PayPal account, they will receive a notification and can claim the money by creating one. The money will be held in PayPal's system for a limited time — typically 30 days — before it returns to you if unclaimed.
What happens if the person you want to pay does not have PayPal
PayPal does not offer a way to push money directly into someone else's bank account. If the person you want to pay does not have PayPal and will not create an account, you need to use a different method. Your options include ACH transfer (through your own bank), wire transfer, Venmo, Square Cash, or a physical check.
ACH transfer is usually the cheapest option if you have the person's bank account details. You initiate it through your own bank's website or app, and it typically takes one to three business days. Wire transfer is faster — usually same-day or next-day — but costs more and is harder to reverse if you make a mistake. Peer-to-peer apps like Venmo and Square Cash work similarly to PayPal but may have their own limits and fees.
Fees and limits for PayPal transfers
Withdrawing to your own bank account is free. Sending money to another PayPal user in the United States is free if you send it as a personal transfer (friends and family) using your PayPal balance or a linked bank account. If you use a credit or debit card to send a personal transfer, PayPal charges a percentage of the amount.
Sending money as a payment for goods or services always incurs a fee, regardless of payment method. International transfers cost more than domestic ones. PayPal's fee structure changes periodically, so check your account before you send to see the exact fee for your transaction.
PayPal also enforces sending limits based on your account history and verification status. New accounts have lower limits than established ones. If you hit a limit, you will need to wait for it to reset or contact PayPal to request an increase.
Linking and verifying your bank account with PayPal
Before you can withdraw money to a bank account, that account must be linked and verified. Go to your PayPal account settings, find the "Linked Banks and Cards" section, and click "Link a Bank Account." Enter your routing number and account number. PayPal will then send two small deposits (usually less than one dollar each) to that account.
Check your bank statement for these deposits, which typically arrive within one to two business days. Return to PayPal and enter the two amounts to confirm you own the account. Once verified, you can withdraw money to that account immediately.
If you do not see the deposits, check that you entered the routing and account numbers correctly. If the numbers are wrong, the deposits go to the wrong account and you will need to start over. Some banks display deposits differently in their online systems, so check your full transaction history, not just recent activity.
What to do if a withdrawal is delayed or does not arrive
If your withdrawal has not arrived after three business days, log into PayPal and check the transaction history. PayPal shows the status of each transfer — it may still be pending, or it may show as completed. If PayPal shows it as completed but your bank has not received it, contact your bank's customer service with the transfer date and amount. The bank can trace the transfer and tell you where it is.
If PayPal shows the transfer as pending, wait one more business day. Transfers occasionally take longer during weekends, holidays, or if your bank processes transfers slowly. If it remains pending after five business days, contact PayPal support through your account and provide the transaction ID.
Withdrawals can fail if your bank account information is incorrect, if your account has been closed, or if your bank rejects the transfer for security reasons. PayPal will notify you if a transfer fails and will return the money to your PayPal balance. You can then correct the account information and try again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money from PayPal to someone else's bank account directly?
No. PayPal does not allow you to send money directly to another person's bank account. You can only send money to their PayPal account, email address, or phone number. If they do not have PayPal, they will need to create an account to receive the money, or you will need to use a different payment method like ACH transfer through your own bank.
How long does it take to withdraw money from PayPal to my bank account?
Standard withdrawals take one to three business days. The exact timing depends on your bank and when you initiate the transfer. Transfers requested on a Friday may not arrive until Tuesday or Wednesday. Some banks process faster than others, so check your bank's transfer policy if you are in a hurry.
Is there a fee to withdraw money to my own bank account?
No, withdrawals to your own linked bank account are free. However, if your PayPal balance includes funds from international transfers or certain payment methods, PayPal may hold those funds for a period before you can withdraw them.
What if my bank account is not verified yet?
You cannot withdraw money until your bank account is verified. PayPal sends two small deposits to your account, and you must enter those amounts in your PayPal settings to confirm ownership. This process typically takes one to two business days for the deposits to arrive.
Can I withdraw money from PayPal if I received it as a payment for selling something?
Yes, you can withdraw money from any source in your PayPal balance to your linked bank account. However, if the payment was flagged for review or is on hold, PayPal may prevent you from withdrawing it until the hold is released. Check your transaction history to see if any funds are on hold.