The fastest way to transfer money from PayPal to your bank account
You can move money from PayPal to a linked bank account in one of three ways: an instant transfer (costs a small fee, arrives in minutes), a standard transfer (free, takes one to two business days), or a withdrawal to a debit card linked to PayPal (free, takes one to two business days). The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the money and whether you want to pay a fee.
To start any transfer, log into PayPal on a computer or the mobile app, go to your Wallet, and select the bank account or debit card you want to send money to. If you have not linked a bank account yet, you will need to add one first — PayPal will ask for your routing number and account number, which you can find on a check or in your bank's app.
Key Takeaways
- Instant transfers cost between 1% and 2% of the amount you send but arrive within minutes; standard transfers are free but take one to two business days.
- You must link a bank account or debit card to PayPal before you can transfer money out; this requires your routing number and account number.
- PayPal holds some transfers for review, especially if the amount is large or the account is new; this can add one to three business days to the timeline.
- Transfers to a debit card are free and take the same time as bank transfers, but you can only withdraw up to your debit card's daily limit.
How to link a bank account to PayPal
Before you can transfer money out, PayPal needs to confirm you own the bank account. Go to Settings (the gear icon), select Wallet, then Add a Bank Account. Enter your bank's name, your account type (checking or savings), your routing number, and your account number. You can find both numbers on a check: the routing number is the first nine digits on the bottom left, and your account number follows it.
PayPal will then make two small deposits to your bank account — usually within one to two business days. Once they arrive, go back to PayPal, select the bank account, and enter the two amounts to confirm you own it. After confirmation, the account is linked and ready to use for transfers.
If you do not have a check or cannot find your routing number, log into your bank's website or app and look for account details or routing information. Most banks also display this information when you call customer service.
Instant transfers versus standard transfers
Instant transfers move money to your bank account within minutes, but PayPal charges a fee of 1% to 2% of the amount you send (with a minimum fee of around $0.25). If you transfer $100, you might pay $1 to $2. This option is useful if you need cash urgently, such as to cover an unexpected bill or pay someone back the same day.
Standard transfers are free but take one to two business days. PayPal processes the transfer immediately, but your bank controls how long it takes to post the money to your account. Most banks show the transfer within one business day, but some take two. This is the cheapest option if you can wait.
Both types of transfer go to the same linked bank account. You choose which one when you initiate the transfer — PayPal will show you the fee and the expected arrival time before you confirm.
What happens if PayPal holds your transfer
PayPal sometimes places a hold on transfers for review, especially if the amount is large, the account is new, or the transfer pattern looks unusual. When this happens, PayPal will notify you in the app or by email and tell you the hold will last one to three business days. You cannot cancel a transfer that is on hold — you have to wait for PayPal to release it.
Holds are more common on accounts that are less than a few months old, transfers over $500, or transfers to a bank account that was recently linked. If you frequently move large amounts, you may see fewer holds over time as PayPal builds a history of your account.
If a hold is blocking you and you need the money urgently, your only option is to wait. PayPal does not have a way to expedite a hold review through customer service.
Transferring to a debit card instead of a bank account
If you have a debit card linked to PayPal, you can withdraw money to it for free in one to two business days — the same timeline as a standard bank transfer. This can be useful if you want the money on a card you can spend from immediately, rather than waiting for it to post to a bank account.
The main limitation is your debit card's daily withdrawal limit. Most cards allow $500 to $1,000 per day at ATMs, and some have different limits for point-of-sale transactions. If you need to move more than your card's limit, you will have to split the transfer across multiple days or use a bank account transfer instead.
To set up a debit card transfer, go to your Wallet in PayPal, select the debit card, and follow the same steps as a bank transfer. PayPal will show you the debit card's daily limit before you confirm.
Fees and limits on PayPal transfers
Standard transfers to a bank account or debit card are free with no limit — you can move as much as you want. Instant transfers cost 1% to 2% of the amount, with most providers charging closer to 1.5%. PayPal's fee structure varies slightly depending on your account type and location, so check the fee before you confirm an instant transfer.
PayPal also has account-level limits on how much you can transfer in a single transaction or over a period of time. New accounts typically have lower limits (sometimes $500 per transfer), while established accounts may have limits of $5,000 or more per transfer. If you hit a limit, you can split the transfer into multiple transactions or wait for your limit to increase as your account history grows.
If you are moving money regularly, standard transfers are almost always cheaper than instant transfers. The only reason to use instant is if you need the money the same day and the fee is worth it to you.
What to do if a transfer fails or does not arrive
If a transfer fails, PayPal will notify you and the money stays in your PayPal balance. The most common reasons are a closed or incorrect bank account, insufficient funds in PayPal, or a hold placed by PayPal. Check your email for details about why it failed.
If the transfer was supposed to arrive but has not shown up after the expected timeline, log into your bank account and search for the transaction. Sometimes transfers post under a generic name like "PayPal" or "ACH" rather than the name you expected. If you cannot find it, contact your bank with the transfer date and amount — they can trace it on their end.
If your bank says they never received it, go back to PayPal and check the transfer history in your Wallet. If PayPal shows the transfer as completed, the issue is on your bank's side and your bank will need to investigate. If PayPal shows it as failed or pending, contact PayPal support with the transaction ID from your history.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a standard transfer actually take?
PayPal processes it immediately, but your bank controls the posting time. Most banks show it within one business day, but some take two. Weekends and holidays do not count as business days, so a transfer initiated on Friday may not arrive until Tuesday.
Can I transfer money to someone else's bank account?
No. PayPal transfers only go to bank accounts or debit cards linked to your own PayPal account. To send money to someone else, use PayPal's Send Money feature, which moves funds between PayPal accounts or to their email address.
What if I linked the wrong bank account?
Go to your Wallet, find the incorrect account, and remove it. Then add the correct account and wait for the two verification deposits to arrive. You can have multiple bank accounts linked at once, so you do not have to remove the old one before adding a new one.
Do I pay taxes on money I transfer from PayPal to my bank?
Transferring your own money is not a taxable event. However, if the money in PayPal came from selling goods or services, that income is taxable regardless of whether it stays in PayPal or moves to your bank. Keep records of all transactions for tax purposes.
Why is my transfer taking longer than expected?
PayPal may be reviewing it for fraud or compliance reasons, your bank may be processing it slowly, or there may be a technical issue. Check your PayPal transaction history to see if it shows a hold. If it does, wait for the hold to clear. If it does not, contact your bank to confirm they received it.