The Direct Ways to Put Cash Into PayPal
You cannot deposit cash directly into PayPal through an ATM or a bank teller. PayPal does not accept physical cash as a funding method. Instead, you move money into your PayPal account from a bank account, debit card, or credit card that you have already linked to your account. If you have cash in hand, you must first convert it to a digital payment method.
The most common path is to deposit your cash into your own bank account, then transfer money from that bank account to PayPal. This takes one to three business days. If you need the money in PayPal faster, you can use a cash-to-card service at a retail location, load the card, and then link that card to PayPal.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal does not accept cash deposits directly; you must use a linked bank account, debit card, or credit card to fund your account.
- The slowest but cheapest route is depositing cash at your bank and transferring from your bank account to PayPal, which takes one to three business days.
- Retail cash-to-card services like MoneyGram or Green Dot let you convert cash to a card balance in minutes, which you can then link to PayPal.
- PayPal's Cash or Cash Plus accounts can receive transfers from certain money transfer services, but not direct cash deposits.
- Fees vary by method: bank transfers are usually free, but cash-to-card services charge a percentage or flat fee.
Bank Transfer: The Free Option That Takes Time
If you have a bank account, deposit your cash there first. Once the cash clears (usually the same day or next business day), log into your PayPal account, go to your Wallet, and select "Transfer Money." Choose "Transfer to your bank" to see the reverse option, or look for "Add Money" or "Link a Bank Account" depending on your PayPal account type. Select your linked bank account and enter the amount you want to move into PayPal.
The transfer typically takes one to three business days. PayPal does not charge a fee for this transfer, but your bank may charge a small fee depending on your account type and bank. This is the cheapest method if you are not in a hurry.
Retail Cash-to-Card Services: Fast but With Fees
If you need cash converted to a digital payment method quickly, you can use a cash-to-card service at a retail location. MoneyGram, Green Dot, and Walmart2Walmart all let you load cash onto a prepaid card or money transfer card in minutes. Once you have the card, link it to your PayPal account as a debit card and transfer the balance into PayPal, or simply use the card to make purchases through PayPal.
These services charge a fee, usually between $2 and $10 depending on the amount and the service. The fee is a percentage of the cash amount or a flat rate. Ask the cashier what the fee will be before you hand over your cash. The card is ready to use immediately, so this method works if you need PayPal funds the same day.
PayPal Cash and Cash Plus Accounts
If you have a PayPal Cash or PayPal Cash Plus account (not a standard PayPal account), you have a few additional options. These accounts come with a debit card and can receive transfers from certain money transfer services. You can load cash onto your PayPal Cash card at participating retailers, then the balance sits in your PayPal account and is available to use immediately.
To load cash onto a PayPal Cash card, look for the "Add Cash" option in the app or website. PayPal shows you nearby retailers where you can load cash. The service is usually free at the point of load, though some retailers may charge a small fee. Check the app to see which locations near you accept cash loads and whether there is a fee.
What Happens When You Transfer Money Into PayPal
Once money enters your PayPal account, it sits in your PayPal balance. You can use it to send money to other people, pay for purchases online, or withdraw it back to your bank account. If you keep money in PayPal for a long time, it does not earn interest. PayPal does not pay interest on account balances.
If you withdraw the money back to your bank account later, PayPal charges no fee for the withdrawal, but it takes one to three business days. Your bank may charge a fee for receiving the transfer, depending on your account type.
Fees and Timing Comparison
| Method | Time to PayPal Balance | Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank deposit + bank transfer to PayPal | 1–3 business days | Usually free | No rush, lowest cost |
| Cash-to-card service (MoneyGram, Green Dot) | Minutes to hours | $2–$10 | Need funds same day |
| PayPal Cash card load at retail | Minutes | Usually free | PayPal Cash account holders |
What to Do If Your Transfer Gets Stuck
If you transferred money from your bank to PayPal and it has been more than three business days, log into your PayPal account and check your transaction history. Look for the transfer and note its status. If it shows "pending," wait another day or two. If it shows "failed" or "cancelled," the money should have returned to your bank account within one to two business days.
If the money does not appear in either PayPal or your bank account after five business days, contact PayPal Support through the Resolution Center or call the number on the back of your PayPal statement. Have your bank account number and the date of the transfer ready. If the problem is on your bank's side, your bank can trace the transfer and confirm whether PayPal received it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit cash directly at a PayPal store or office?
No. PayPal does not operate physical locations where you can deposit cash. You must use one of the methods described above: a bank account, a cash-to-card service, or a PayPal Cash card load at a retail partner.
Is there a limit to how much cash I can add to PayPal?
Limits depend on your account type and history. New accounts typically have lower limits. Check your PayPal account settings under "Limits" to see your current sending and receiving limits. If you hit a limit, PayPal may ask you to confirm your identity before you can add more.
Do I have to link a bank account to use PayPal?
No. You can link a debit card or credit card instead and use that to fund your PayPal account. However, a bank account transfer is usually the cheapest option because it carries no fee.
What if I do not have a bank account?
Use a cash-to-card service like MoneyGram or Green Dot to load cash onto a prepaid card, then link that card to PayPal. You can also open a PayPal Cash account, which lets you load cash at retail locations without needing a separate bank account.
Can someone else deposit cash into my PayPal account?
Not directly. Another person would need to transfer money to you using their own PayPal account or payment method. If someone wants to give you cash, they can deposit it into their own bank account and then send it to you through PayPal, or they can use a money transfer service to send it to your email address or phone number.