Yes, you can transfer money from PayPal to another bank account
PayPal lets you move money to any U.S. bank account you own in your own name. The transfer goes from your PayPal balance to the checking or savings account you link. You control when the transfer happens, how much you send, and which account receives it. The process takes a few minutes to set up the first time, then a few business days for the money to land.
The catch: you can only transfer to an account registered in your name. You cannot send PayPal funds directly to someone else's bank account through this method. If you need to send money to another person, you would use PayPal's peer-to-peer transfer feature instead, which moves money between PayPal accounts or to a linked debit card.
Key Takeaways
- Bank transfers from PayPal take two to three business days and cost nothing if you use the standard transfer option.
- You must link a bank account to your PayPal account first, and it has to be in your own name.
- Instant transfers to a debit card are available for a fee (usually 1% of the amount, with a minimum charge), and the money arrives within 30 minutes.
- PayPal holds new accounts for 21 days before allowing transfers, and some accounts face additional review that can delay the first transfer.
How to link a bank account to PayPal
Open PayPal on a computer or the mobile app and go to your Wallet or Account Settings. Look for the option to add a bank account or payment method. PayPal will ask for your bank's routing number, your account number, and confirmation that the account is in your name. You can find your routing number on a check or by calling your bank.
PayPal verifies the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into your bank account within one to two business days. You then log back into PayPal and confirm the exact amounts of those deposits. This proves you own the account. Once verified, the account stays linked and you can transfer to it anytime.
Standard bank transfers: free but slower
A standard transfer from PayPal to your linked bank account costs nothing and takes two to three business days. The money leaves your PayPal balance right away, but your bank does not receive it until the transfer window closes. If you request a transfer on a Friday evening, for example, the money typically arrives on Monday or Tuesday.
This is the cheapest option and works fine if you are not in a hurry. Use it for regular bill payments, moving savings, or any transfer where you can wait a few days. PayPal processes these transfers in batches, which is why the timeline is longer than instant options.
Instant transfers to a debit card: fast but with a fee
PayPal also offers instant transfers to a linked debit card. The money arrives in your account within 30 minutes, but PayPal charges a fee: usually 1% of the amount you transfer, with a minimum charge (often $0.25) and a maximum (often $25 per transfer). So transferring $100 costs about $1, and transferring $2,500 costs $25.
Instant transfers only work to a debit card, not a savings account or money market account. If your linked account is a savings account, you will not see the instant option. You can add a debit card separately just for instant transfers if you need that speed.
What happens if your PayPal account is new
PayPal holds new accounts for 21 days before allowing any transfers to a bank account. This is a security measure to prevent fraud. During this 21-day period, you can receive money into PayPal and spend it within PayPal, but you cannot move it to your bank.
Some accounts also face additional review after the 21-day hold lifts. If PayPal flags your account for any reason—unusual activity, a dispute, or a chargeback—it may delay your first transfer by several more days or weeks. You will see a message in your account if this is happening. Contact PayPal Support if the delay extends beyond what they told you to expect.
Limits on how much you can transfer
PayPal sets transfer limits based on your account history and verification status. New accounts typically have lower limits than established ones. You may be able to transfer $5,000 per month as a new user, but this increases as your account ages and you complete more transactions.
Your bank may also have its own limits on incoming transfers. Check with your bank if you are moving a large amount. Some banks flag transfers over a certain threshold for review, which can add a day or two to the process even after PayPal sends the money.
What to do if a transfer fails or gets stuck
If a transfer does not arrive within the promised timeframe, log into PayPal and check the transaction history. Look for the transfer in your Activity or Recent Transactions. The status will show whether it is pending, completed, or failed. If it failed, PayPal usually tells you why—often because the bank account information was incorrect or the account was closed.
If the transfer is stuck in pending status after the expected time, contact PayPal Support with the transaction ID. They can check whether the money left PayPal and is waiting at your bank, or whether it was rejected. If your bank rejected it, you may need to verify the account again or try a different account. PayPal will refund the money to your PayPal balance if the transfer cannot complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer PayPal money to someone else's bank account?
No, PayPal bank transfers only go to accounts in your own name. To send money to another person, use PayPal's peer-to-peer transfer feature, which moves money between PayPal accounts. The recipient can then transfer that money to their own bank account if they want.
What is the difference between a routing number and an account number?
The routing number identifies your bank (nine digits). The account number identifies your specific account at that bank (usually 10 to 12 digits). Both appear on a check: the routing number is the first set of numbers on the bottom left, and the account number follows it. You need both to link your account to PayPal.
Why is my transfer taking longer than three business days?
Delays usually happen because PayPal is reviewing your account for security reasons, your bank is processing the incoming transfer slowly, or the account information was entered incorrectly. Check your PayPal transaction history for the status. If it shows completed but the money has not arrived at your bank, contact your bank—the delay is on their end.
Can I transfer to a joint bank account?
No, PayPal requires the account to be in your name only. If you have a joint account, you cannot link it to PayPal for transfers. You would need to transfer to a separate account in your sole name, then move the money to the joint account yourself.
Is there a limit to how many transfers I can make per month?
PayPal does not limit the number of transfers, only the total amount per month. The monthly limit depends on your account age and history. Once you reach your limit, you cannot transfer again until the next calendar month begins.