How to send a payment request on PayPal
A payment request on PayPal is a formal ask you send to someone else asking them to pay you. Unlike a regular transfer where you push money out of your account, a payment request lets the other person pull the money from their own account when they're ready. PayPal holds the request in their inbox until they accept it, decline it, or let it expire.
You can send a payment request from the PayPal website or the mobile app. The person you're requesting from doesn't have to be a PayPal user yet — if they aren't, they'll be prompted to create an account or link a card to complete the payment. The request stays active for 30 days before it expires.
Key Takeaways
- A payment request is sent to someone's email address and sits in their PayPal inbox until they pay, decline, or the 30-day window closes.
- You can request money from anyone with an email address, whether or not they have a PayPal account.
- The person receiving the request can pay with their PayPal balance, linked bank account, debit card, or credit card.
- You can cancel a request at any time before it's paid, and you'll see the status of every request you've sent in your activity history.
Steps to request payment on the PayPal website
Log into your PayPal account and click the Request button. This is usually located in the top navigation menu or in the "Send & Request" section, depending on your account type. You'll see a form asking for the recipient's email address, the amount, and a description of what the payment is for.
Enter the email address of the person you want to request money from. Type in the dollar amount and add a note explaining why you're requesting the payment — for example, "Rent for March" or "Concert tickets split." The note is optional but helpful for the other person to understand what they're paying for. Click Request and PayPal will send the request to their email address.
The person will receive an email notification with your request. They can click the link in the email to view the request in their PayPal account and choose how to pay. You'll get a notification when they accept or decline.
Steps to request payment on the PayPal mobile app
Open the PayPal app and tap the Request tab at the bottom of the screen. On some versions of the app, this may be labeled Send & Request or appear as an icon in the main menu. Tap Request to start a new payment request.
Enter the recipient's email address, the amount, and a description. You can also add a photo or receipt if you want to attach proof of what the payment is for. Tap Request to send it. The app will confirm that the request was sent and show you a confirmation screen.
What happens after you send a payment request
The recipient will see the request in their PayPal inbox or receive an email notification. They can pay immediately or wait until later — the request stays active for 30 days. If they pay, you'll get a notification and the money will arrive in your PayPal account. If they decline, you'll also be notified and the request will close.
If the 30 days pass without action, the request expires automatically. You can send a new request at any time if you want to ask again. You can also cancel a request yourself before it's paid by going to your activity history, finding the request, and selecting Cancel Request.
Payment methods the recipient can use
When someone receives your payment request, they can pay using any of these methods: their PayPal account balance, a linked bank account, a debit card, or a credit card. They don't need to have money in PayPal already — they can link a card or bank account right when they're paying the request.
The payment method they choose may affect how long the money takes to reach your account. PayPal balance transfers are instant. Bank account transfers usually arrive within one to three business days. Card payments are also typically instant, though some banks may take longer to process.
Fees and what you'll receive
If the recipient pays with their PayPal balance or a linked bank account, there is no fee — you receive the full amount. If they pay with a credit card, PayPal charges a standard transaction fee, which comes out of what you receive. The current fee for domestic payments is 2.2% plus $0.30, though this can vary by account type and location.
You'll see the exact fee amount before the payment is completed, so the recipient knows what they're paying. The money arrives in your PayPal account and you can transfer it to your bank account, keep it in PayPal, or use it to make other payments.
Tracking and managing your payment requests
Go to your Activity or History page to see all the payment requests you've sent. Each request shows the recipient's name, the amount, the date you sent it, and the current status — pending, paid, declined, or expired. You can click on any request to see more details or cancel it if it hasn't been paid yet.
If you need to follow up with someone, you can resend the request email from this page. Some versions of PayPal also let you edit a request before it's paid — for example, if you need to change the amount or add more detail to the description. Check your account settings to see what options are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a payment request and sending money?
When you send money, you push it out of your account to theirs immediately. When you request payment, they pull the money from their account into yours when they choose to pay. A request gives them control over the timing and payment method.
Can I request payment from someone who doesn't have PayPal?
Yes. They'll receive an email with your request and can create a PayPal account or pay as a guest using a card or bank account. They don't need to set up a full account to pay your request.
What happens if someone ignores my payment request?
The request expires after 30 days and no payment is taken from their account. You can send a new request at any time, or contact them directly to follow up. PayPal won't charge them or take any action if they ignore it.
Can I change the amount after I send a request?
This depends on your PayPal account type and whether the recipient has already viewed the request. In most cases, you can cancel the original request and send a new one with the correct amount. Check your account to see if you can edit an existing request.
How long does it take for the money to arrive after someone pays?
If they pay with PayPal balance, it's instant. Bank account transfers usually take one to three business days. Card payments are typically instant, though some banks process them more slowly. You'll see the money in your PayPal account right away, but it may take longer to transfer to your bank.