The basic process: link your bank, then transfer
To send money from PayPal to your bank account, you link the account to PayPal first, then initiate a transfer from your PayPal balance. PayPal holds your money in a digital wallet until you move it out. The transfer itself takes 1 to 3 business days to land in your bank account, depending on your bank and the day you send it.
You do not need to be a PayPal merchant or have a business account. Any personal PayPal account can transfer money to a linked U.S. bank account, savings account, or money market account. The account must be in your name and at a bank or credit union that accepts ACH transfers—which is nearly all of them.
PayPal does not charge a fee for standard transfers to your bank account. Instant transfers to a debit card cost 1.5% of the amount (minimum 25 cents), but a regular bank transfer is free.
Key Takeaways
- Link your bank account to PayPal by providing your routing number and account number, which you can find on a check or your bank's website.
- Standard transfers from PayPal to your bank account are free and take 1 to 3 business days; instant transfers to a debit card cost 1.5% and arrive within 30 minutes.
- PayPal holds your money in a balance until you transfer it out—receiving money from someone else does not automatically move it to your bank.
- If your transfer does not arrive after 3 business days, check your PayPal transaction history for the status and contact your bank if the money shows as sent but not received.
How to link your bank account to PayPal
Open PayPal on a computer or the mobile app and go to your account settings. Look for "Linked banks and cards" or "Wallet" depending on your version. Select "Link a bank account" and choose whether you want to link by entering your routing and account number, or by letting PayPal verify two small deposits to your account.
If you enter your numbers directly, have a check handy or log into your bank's website. Your routing number is the nine-digit code on the left side of the bottom of a check; your account number is the longer code in the middle. PayPal will ask you to confirm the account by entering two small amounts (usually under $1 each) that your bank deposits within 1 to 2 business days. Once you see those deposits, return to PayPal and enter the amounts to confirm the link.
The verification deposit method takes longer but is more secure. The direct entry method is faster but requires you to type your account number correctly. Either way, your bank account is now linked and you can transfer money out.
Starting a transfer from PayPal to your bank
Log into PayPal and find your balance or wallet section. Look for a button labeled "Transfer money" or "Withdraw." PayPal will show you your linked bank account and ask how much you want to send. Enter the amount and confirm.
At this point, PayPal will offer you two options: a standard transfer (free, 1 to 3 business days) or an instant transfer (1.5% fee, arrives within 30 minutes). Choose standard unless you need the money urgently. Standard transfers usually land within 1 business day, though PayPal's official window is up to 3.
After you confirm, PayPal shows you a confirmation number. The money leaves your PayPal balance immediately, but your bank account will not show it right away. You can check the status in your PayPal transaction history at any time.
What happens if your transfer is delayed
If 3 business days have passed and the money has not arrived, log into PayPal and check the transaction details. PayPal will show you whether the transfer is pending, completed, or failed. If it shows completed on PayPal's end but your bank has not received it, contact your bank's customer service with the PayPal confirmation number and the date you sent it.
Banks sometimes hold transfers for review, especially if the amount is large or the account is new. Your bank may ask you to confirm that you authorized the transfer. If PayPal shows the transfer as failed, the money returns to your PayPal balance within 3 to 5 business days, and you can try again.
Transfers can fail if your bank account information is outdated, if your bank rejected the transfer for fraud reasons, or if PayPal's system encountered an error. PayPal will usually send you an email explaining why, but checking the transaction details in your account is faster.
Limits on how much you can transfer
PayPal does not publish a single transfer limit that applies to everyone. Your limit depends on your account age, history, and how much money you have received through PayPal. New accounts may have lower limits; established accounts with a long history of successful transfers can move larger amounts.
If you try to transfer more than your limit allows, PayPal will tell you the maximum you can send at that time. You can split the transfer into multiple transactions if you need to move a large amount. Each transfer counts separately toward your limit, so sending $500 twice is different from sending $1,000 once.
If you regularly hit your limit, contact PayPal support to ask about raising it. They may increase your limit based on your account history, though they do not may provide an increase.
Transfers to accounts outside the United States
PayPal does not allow direct transfers from your PayPal balance to a bank account outside the U.S. If you need to send money internationally, you have two options: use PayPal's money transfer service (which charges a fee and has its own limits), or withdraw to a U.S. bank account first, then use your bank's international wire service.
The money transfer service is faster but more expensive. A wire through your bank is slower but may cost less depending on the destination country. Compare the fees and exchange rates before you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money from PayPal to someone else's bank account?
No. PayPal transfers go only to a bank account in your own name. To send money to someone else, use PayPal's "Send money" feature to transfer to their PayPal account or email address, or use a different service like Venmo or a wire transfer through your bank.
What if I do not have a bank account?
You can transfer to a PayPal Cash Card (a debit card issued by PayPal) or keep your money in your PayPal balance. You cannot transfer to a credit card or prepaid card that is not a PayPal product. If you want to move money out of PayPal without a bank account, a PayPal Cash Card is your main option.
Do I have to transfer my money out, or can I leave it in PayPal?
You can leave money in your PayPal balance indefinitely. There is no fee for holding it there. However, if your account is inactive for a long time, PayPal may freeze it or require you to verify your identity before you can transfer again. Transferring to your bank account is safer if you do not plan to use PayPal regularly.
Why did my transfer fail?
Common reasons include an outdated or incorrect bank account number, insufficient funds in your PayPal balance (though this is rare), your bank rejecting the transfer for fraud reasons, or a temporary system error. Check your PayPal transaction history for the specific reason, and contact your bank if the transfer shows as sent but did not arrive.
Can I cancel a transfer after I send it?
If the transfer is still pending, you may be able to cancel it through your PayPal transaction history. Once it shows as completed, the money is on its way to your bank and cannot be stopped through PayPal. Contact your bank immediately if you need to reverse a completed transfer.