Link your bank account to PayPal first

To send money from your bank account through PayPal, you must connect your bank account to your PayPal account before you can transfer funds. PayPal does not pull money directly from your bank during a payment—it moves the money into your PayPal balance first, then you send from that balance to another person.

Start by logging into your PayPal account on a computer or the mobile app. Go to your Wallet (on desktop) or tap the menu icon (on mobile), then select "Link a bank account" or "Add a bank or card". Enter your bank's routing number and your account number, which you can find on a check or by logging into your bank's website. PayPal will verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into that account within one to two business days.

Once the deposits arrive, return to PayPal and confirm the amounts. Your bank account is now linked and ready to use. You only have to do this once per account.

Key Takeaways

  • You must link your bank account to PayPal before sending money, which takes one to two business days for verification.
  • When you send money, PayPal transfers funds from your linked bank account into your PayPal balance, then sends the payment to the recipient.
  • Sending money to friends and family through PayPal is free when you use your bank account, but sending to a business account or abroad may have fees.
  • The recipient receives the money within one to three business days if they have a PayPal account, or longer if PayPal must mail a check.

How to send money once your bank account is linked

After your bank account is verified, sending money is straightforward. On the PayPal website, click "Send money" or tap the send icon in the app. Enter the recipient's email address or phone number associated with their PayPal account. Type the amount you want to send and choose "Friends and Family" (free) or "Goods and Services" (has a fee) depending on the reason for the payment.

PayPal will ask you to confirm the payment method. Select your linked bank account from the dropdown menu. Review the details—the recipient's name, the amount, and the fee if any—then click "Send" or "Send Money Now". The payment is now in motion.

PayPal will debit your bank account within one to two business days. The recipient will see the money in their PayPal account or receive a notification that payment is waiting for them. If the recipient does not have a PayPal account, PayPal will send them a link to claim the money or, in some cases, mail a check.

Timing: when the money leaves your bank and when the recipient gets it

The timeline has two parts: when PayPal takes the money from your bank, and when the recipient receives it. PayPal typically debits your bank account within one to two business days of you sending the payment. Your bank may show the transaction as pending for a day or two before it settles.

The recipient sees the money in their PayPal account almost immediately—usually within minutes to a few hours. However, if they want to withdraw that money to their own bank account, that transfer takes another one to three business days depending on their bank. If the recipient does not have a PayPal account, PayPal will notify them by email and give them up to 30 days to claim the money; if unclaimed, it returns to you.

International transfers take longer. Sending money to someone outside the United States can take three to five business days, and PayPal applies an exchange rate and may charge a fee depending on the destination country.

Fees and when you pay them

Sending money to a friend or family member within the United States is free when you use your bank account and select "Friends and Family" as the payment type. PayPal covers the cost of the transfer.

If you send money for goods or services, PayPal charges a fee—typically 2.2% of the amount plus $0.30 per transaction in the United States. This fee comes out of your bank account along with the payment amount. For example, if you send $100 for goods or services, PayPal will debit your bank account for $102.50 (the $100 plus the fee).

International transfers and transfers to certain countries have additional fees. PayPal will show you the exact fee before you confirm the payment, so you know the total cost before your money leaves your account.

What happens if the payment fails or the recipient never claims it

If PayPal cannot debit your bank account—because of insufficient funds, a closed account, or a technical error—the payment will fail and the recipient will be notified that the money could not be sent. You will receive an email explaining why. The money does not leave your bank account if the payment fails.

If the recipient does not have a PayPal account and does not claim the money within 30 days, PayPal automatically returns the funds to your bank account. The refund takes one to three business days to appear. You can also cancel an unclaimed payment yourself by going to your transaction history, finding the payment, and selecting "Cancel".

If you sent money by mistake—to the wrong person or the wrong amount—contact PayPal's Resolution Center immediately. If the recipient has not claimed or accepted the payment, PayPal can cancel it. If they have accepted it, you will need to ask them to send the money back, or file a dispute through PayPal's Resolution Center, though PayPal's ability to recover the money depends on whether the recipient cooperates.

Protecting yourself from fraud and unauthorized payments

PayPal's Buyer Protection does not cover payments sent to friends and family, so if you send money and the recipient does not deliver what they promised, PayPal will not refund you. Only use "Friends and Family" for people you actually know and trust. Use "Goods and Services" if you are buying something from someone you do not know well, because that option includes buyer protection.

If someone gains access to your PayPal account and sends money without your permission, report it to PayPal immediately through the Resolution Center. PayPal will investigate and may reverse the transaction if you report it quickly. To prevent unauthorized access, use a strong, unique password for your PayPal account and enable two-factor authentication in your account settings.

If your bank account information is compromised, contact your bank directly, not PayPal. Your bank can freeze the account, issue a new card or account number, and dispute unauthorized charges. PayPal can only control what happens within your PayPal account, not your bank account itself.

Alternatives if you do not want to link your bank account

If you prefer not to link your bank account, you can link a debit or credit card instead. The process is the same—PayPal will verify the card with two small deposits—and you can send money the same way. However, some credit card companies charge a cash advance fee when you use a credit card to fund a PayPal payment, so check with your card issuer first.

Another option is to add money to your PayPal balance using your bank account, then send from that balance. This gives you more control over when money leaves your bank. Go to your Wallet, select "Transfer money", and choose "Add money to your balance". Select your bank account and the amount, then confirm. Once the money is in your PayPal balance, you can send it to anyone without another bank debit.

If you need to send money urgently and do not have a PayPal account set up, other services like Venmo, Square Cash, or your bank's own peer-to-peer app may be faster because they often link to your bank account with a single login rather than requiring verification deposits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send money to someone who does not have a PayPal account?

Yes. PayPal will send them an email with a link to claim the money. If they create a PayPal account and claim it within 30 days, the money goes into their account. If they do not claim it within 30 days, PayPal returns the money to your bank account. In some cases, PayPal will mail a check instead of sending a link, though this is less common.

How much money can I send at once?

PayPal's limits depend on your account history and verification status. New accounts typically have lower limits—often $500 to $2,000 per transaction. As your account ages and you build a history, limits increase. You can check your sending limit by going to your account settings or attempting a payment; PayPal will tell you your current limit before you confirm.

What if my bank account is not verified after two weeks?

Contact PayPal's customer service through the Resolution Center or the Help section of your account. Verification usually completes within one to two business days, but delays can happen if your bank processes deposits slowly or if there is a mismatch between the name on your PayPal account and your bank account. PayPal can manually verify your account if needed.

Can I send money internationally using my bank account?

Yes, but PayPal applies an exchange rate and charges a fee for international transfers. The fee and exchange rate vary by destination country. PayPal will show you the exact cost before you confirm the payment. The money takes three to five business days to reach the recipient's account.

Is it safe to link my bank account to PayPal?

PayPal uses encryption and fraud detection to protect your information. Your actual bank account number is not shared with recipients—PayPal only shows them that payment came from you. However, if your PayPal account is hacked, the person with access can send money from your linked bank account. Protect yourself by using a strong password and enabling two-factor authentication on your PayPal account.