Yes, you can transfer money from PayPal to someone else's bank account
PayPal lets you send money directly to another person's bank account through a feature called PayPal Transfer. The recipient does not need a PayPal account. You initiate the transfer from your PayPal wallet, provide the recipient's bank details, and PayPal deposits the funds into their account. The money typically arrives within one to three business days, depending on the bank.
This is different from sending money to someone's PayPal email address. When you transfer to a bank account, you are moving funds out of the PayPal system entirely and into the recipient's actual bank. The recipient has no action to take—the money lands in their account automatically.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal Transfer sends money directly to a bank account without the recipient needing PayPal, and takes one to three business days.
- You need the recipient's full name, routing number, and account number to complete the transfer.
- PayPal charges a flat fee for domestic transfers (currently $0.25 for transfers under $25,000), though this varies by transfer type and destination country.
- International transfers to bank accounts cost more and may take longer, with fees ranging from $3.99 to $4.99 depending on the country.
- If you send money to the wrong account, contact PayPal immediately—recovery is possible but not may provide.
What information you need to provide
To transfer money to someone's bank account, you must have their full legal name, routing number, and account number. The name on the bank account must match the name you enter in PayPal, or the bank will reject the transfer. Ask the recipient to confirm all three pieces of information before you send anything.
The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the specific bank or credit union. The account number is the unique identifier for that person's account at that bank. Both are printed on the bottom left of a check, or the recipient can find them by logging into their online banking or calling their bank directly.
Do not rely on the recipient to tell you these numbers from memory. Ask them to read the numbers aloud from a check or their bank statement to avoid typos that could send money to the wrong account.
How to send the transfer through PayPal
Log into your PayPal account on a computer or the mobile app. From the home screen, select Send Money or Transfer Money (the exact wording depends on your app version). Choose Send to Bank Account or Transfer to Bank.
Enter the recipient's full name, routing number, and account number. PayPal will ask you to confirm the account type (checking or savings). Enter the amount you want to send. Review all details carefully—once you confirm, the transfer is initiated and cannot be stopped if the information is correct.
PayPal will show you the fee before you confirm. For domestic US transfers, the fee is currently $0.25 for amounts under $25,000. Accept the fee and complete the transfer. You will receive a confirmation number and a receipt. The recipient's bank will receive the deposit within one to three business days.
Fees and what they depend on
Domestic transfers within the United States cost $0.25 per transfer, regardless of the amount (up to $25,000). This is a flat fee, not a percentage. If you send $10 or $10,000, the fee is the same.
International transfers cost more. Transfers to Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom are typically $3.99. Transfers to most other countries are $4.99. Some countries do not accept PayPal transfers at all. PayPal will tell you whether a transfer is possible before you enter the bank details.
PayPal may also charge a currency conversion fee if you are sending money in a different currency than your PayPal balance. The exchange rate PayPal uses is shown before you confirm the transfer.
How long the transfer takes
Domestic transfers to US bank accounts typically arrive within one to three business days. This timeline starts after you confirm the transfer, not from when you initiate it. Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days, so a transfer sent on Friday may not arrive until Tuesday or Wednesday.
International transfers take longer. Transfers to Canada and Mexico usually arrive within three to five business days. Transfers to other countries can take five to seven business days or longer, depending on the receiving bank's processing speed.
If a transfer does not arrive within the expected timeframe, log into your PayPal account and check the transaction history. PayPal will show you the status. If it shows as completed on PayPal's end but the recipient has not received it, contact their bank to ask whether the transfer is pending in their system.
What to do if you sent money to the wrong account
If you realize you sent money to the wrong routing number or account number, contact PayPal immediately through the Resolution Center or by calling their customer service line. Do not wait. PayPal may be able to recall the transfer if it has not yet been processed by the receiving bank, but this depends on timing and the receiving bank's policies.
If the transfer has already been deposited into the wrong account, PayPal cannot force the other bank to return it. You will need to contact the receiving bank directly and explain that the money was sent in error. Provide them with the transfer confirmation number and ask them to reverse it. The receiving bank may require a written request. This process can take weeks, and there is no may provide the money will be returned.
To avoid this situation, always verify the routing and account numbers with the recipient before sending. Ask them to confirm the numbers match their bank statement or a recent check.
PayPal Transfer versus other ways to send money
PayPal Transfer is one option, but not the only one. PayPal.Me lets you send a payment request to someone's email, but they must have a PayPal account to pay you. PayPal Friends and Family is for sending money to people you know, and it is free if you use your PayPal balance or bank account, but the recipient must have PayPal.
If the recipient does not have PayPal and you want to avoid the $0.25 fee, you could use your own bank's bill pay or wire transfer service instead. Most banks let you send money to another person's bank account for free or a small fee. However, you would need to set this up through your bank, not through PayPal.
For very large amounts or international transfers, a wire transfer through your bank may be faster and cheaper than PayPal, depending on your bank's fees and the destination country. Compare the total cost and timeline before choosing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the person receiving the money need a PayPal account?
No. When you transfer to a bank account, the money goes directly into their bank, not into PayPal. They do not need to create an account or take any action. The deposit appears in their account automatically.
What happens if I enter the wrong account number?
PayPal will send the money to the routing number and account number you provided. If the account number does not exist or belongs to someone else, the receiving bank may reject the transfer and return it to PayPal within a few business days. If the account number is valid but belongs to the wrong person, the money will be deposited there, and recovery is difficult. Contact PayPal immediately if you realize the error.
Can I cancel a transfer after I send it?
If you cancel before PayPal processes it, the transfer will not go through. Once PayPal has processed it and sent it to the bank, you cannot cancel it through PayPal. You would need to contact the receiving bank and ask them to reverse it, which they may or may not do.
Is there a limit to how much I can transfer?
PayPal's transfer limit depends on your account history and verification status. Most accounts can transfer up to $25,000 per transfer, but limits vary. Log into your account to see your specific limit, or contact PayPal if you need to transfer a larger amount.
Do I pay the fee, or does the recipient?
You pay the fee. The recipient receives the full amount you specified. The $0.25 (or international fee) comes out of your PayPal balance or linked bank account.