What a PayPal gift card can and cannot do
A PayPal gift card loads funds into a PayPal account, not directly into a bank account. Once the balance is in PayPal, you can transfer it to a linked bank account, but the card itself does not connect to your bank. The process takes a few steps and a few business days, and there are limits on how much you can move at once.
The card is a one-way entry point: money flows from the card into PayPal, then from PayPal to your bank if you choose. You cannot reverse the flow or pull funds directly from the card to a bank account without going through PayPal first.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal gift card funds must first be loaded into your PayPal account balance before you can transfer them anywhere else.
- Once the balance is in PayPal, you can transfer it to a linked bank account through the Wallet section, which typically takes three to five business days.
- PayPal charges no fee for transfers to your own bank account, but the receiving bank may charge a deposit fee.
- You need an existing PayPal account and a verified bank account linked to it before you can move the money.
- Daily and monthly transfer limits explore and vary based on your account history and verification status.
How to load a PayPal gift card into your account
To use the card, you first need a PayPal account. If you do not have one, create it at paypal.com. You will need an email address and a password. Once your account exists, you can add the gift card balance.
Log into PayPal and go to your Wallet. Select "Link a card or bank" and choose "Debit or Credit Card." Enter the 16-digit card number, expiration date, and CVV from the back of the gift card. PayPal will verify the card, usually within minutes. Once verified, the card appears in your Wallet as a payment method.
To load the balance into your PayPal account, you can use the card to make a transfer to yourself or straightforward use it as a payment method for any purchase. The funds then sit in your PayPal balance, ready to move to your bank account.
Transferring PayPal balance to your bank account
Once the gift card funds are in your PayPal balance, you can transfer them to a linked bank account. Go to your Wallet, select "Transfer Money," and choose "Transfer to your bank." Select the bank account you want to receive the funds and enter the amount.
PayPal will show you the expected arrival date before you confirm. Standard transfers take three to five business days. PayPal does not charge a fee for this transfer, but your bank may charge a deposit fee depending on your account type.
If you have not yet linked a bank account to PayPal, you will need to do that first. Go to Wallet, select "Link a bank account," and enter your routing number and account number. PayPal will make two small deposits to verify the account, usually within one to two business days. You then confirm those amounts in PayPal to complete the verification.
Transfer limits and how they work
PayPal sets daily and monthly limits on how much you can transfer to your bank account. These limits depend on your account age, verification status, and transaction history. New accounts typically have lower limits than established ones.
You can check your specific limit by going to your Wallet and attempting a transfer—PayPal will tell you the maximum amount available. If you need to transfer more than your limit allows, you can make multiple transfers over several days or weeks. There is no fee for reaching out to PayPal Support to request a limit increase if your account is in good standing.
What happens if the gift card has a remaining balance
If you do not spend the entire gift card balance, the unused amount stays in your PayPal account balance. You can transfer it to your bank account at any time using the same process described above. There is no expiration date on PayPal balance funds, so you do not lose money if you wait.
If you want to keep the card itself for future use, you can also leave the balance on the card without loading it into PayPal. However, PayPal gift cards typically cannot be reloaded, so once the original balance is spent, the card is no longer useful.
Fees and costs you should know about
PayPal charges no fee to transfer your balance to your own bank account. However, your bank may charge a deposit fee if your account type includes transaction limits or if you exceed a certain number of deposits per month. Check your bank's fee schedule or call them directly to confirm.
If you use the gift card to make purchases instead of transferring the balance, PayPal charges no fee for that either. The only fees you might encounter are from your bank, not from PayPal.
Alternatives if you cannot transfer to your bank
If you do not have a bank account or do not want to link one to PayPal, you have other options. You can use the PayPal balance to make purchases online at any merchant that accepts PayPal. You can also send the money to another PayPal user if you know someone who can receive it.
Some PayPal users request a physical check instead of a bank transfer. Go to your Wallet, select "Withdraw funds," and choose "Request a check." PayPal will mail a check to your address, which typically arrives within two weeks. This option is slower but does not require a bank account.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to transfer PayPal balance to my bank account?
Standard transfers take three to five business days. PayPal shows you the expected arrival date before you confirm the transfer. Weekends and bank holidays may add extra time.
Can I transfer the gift card balance to someone else's bank account?
No. You can only transfer PayPal balance to a bank account that is linked to your own PayPal account and registered in your name. If you want to send money to someone else, you can transfer it to their PayPal account instead, which is usually when ready.
What if my bank rejects the transfer?
If your bank rejects the deposit, the funds return to your PayPal balance within one to three business days. Contact your bank to find out why the transfer was rejected—common reasons include a closed account, incorrect account number, or a mismatch between the name on your PayPal account and the name on your bank account.
Do I need to verify my identity to transfer the balance?
You need to verify your bank account by confirming two small deposits PayPal makes to it. You do not need additional identity verification unless PayPal flags your account for security reasons, which is rare for routine transfers.
Can I transfer the balance back to the gift card?
No. PayPal gift cards are one-way only. Once the balance is in your PayPal account, you cannot reload it back onto the original card. You can only spend it, transfer it to your bank, or send it to another PayPal user.