You can cash out PayPal without a bank account, but your options are limited and slower than a direct transfer
PayPal's standard withdrawal method is a direct transfer to a linked bank account, which takes one to three business days. If you don't have a bank account, you have three real paths: transfer to a PayPal Cash Card (a prepaid debit card), request a check by mail, or use a third-party service like Wise or a money transfer app. Each one has different timing, fees, and minimum amounts.
The fastest option for most people is the PayPal Cash Card, which lets you spend the balance when ready once the card arrives. The slowest is a paper check, which can take two to three weeks. The catch is that PayPal doesn't offer all options to all users — what's available depends on your account type, your location, and whether you've verified your identity.
Key Takeaways
- The PayPal Cash Card is the fastest way to access your balance without a bank account, but you must order the physical card and wait for it to arrive by mail in five to seven business days.
- PayPal will mail you a paper check if you request it, though the process takes two to three weeks and may include a small fee depending on your account type.
- Third-party services like Wise or MoneyLion can move PayPal funds to a prepaid card or external account, but they charge their own fees on top of PayPal's.
- PayPal requires identity verification (usually a photo ID and address proof) before you can withdraw any balance, regardless of which method you choose.
- Some withdrawal methods have minimum amounts — you may not be able to cash out small balances through certain routes.
The PayPal Cash Card: fastest access without a bank account
The PayPal Cash Card is a prepaid Mastercard linked directly to your PayPal balance. Once you order it, the card arrives by mail in five to seven business days. You can then spend the balance at any merchant that takes Mastercard, or withdraw cash at ATMs. There is no monthly fee for the card itself, though ATM withdrawals outside the MoneyPass network (PayPal's ATM partner) charge $1.95 per transaction.
To order the card, you need a verified PayPal account. Verification means PayPal has confirmed your identity through a photo ID and your address. Once the card arrives, you can transfer money from your PayPal balance to the card when ready, or the balance is already available if you link the card to your account. You can then use it like any other prepaid card.
The main drawback is the wait time — five to seven days for the card to arrive is longer than a bank transfer, but faster than a check. If you need cash when ready, this won't solve it. If you can wait a week, it's the most flexible option because you can spend the money anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
Requesting a check from PayPal
PayPal will mail you a physical check if you request it through your account settings. The process is straightforward: go to your Wallet, select your PayPal balance, and choose "Withdraw funds." Select "Check" as the method. PayPal will mail the check to the address on file, and it typically arrives in two to three weeks.
There may be a fee for this service depending on your account type. Business accounts sometimes have a small per-check fee, while personal accounts may not. The minimum withdrawal amount is usually $1.50, so you can cash out small balances this way if needed. The check is issued by PayPal's banking partner and is a standard personal check that you can deposit at any bank or credit union that accepts checks, or cash at a check-cashing service (which may charge an additional fee).
The risk is that checks can be lost in the mail, and the process is slow — if you need the money soon, this is not the right choice. If your check doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe, PayPal can reissue it or investigate whether it was delivered to your address.
Using third-party services to move money out
Services like Wise, MoneyLion, and some money transfer apps can pull funds from your PayPal account and move them to a prepaid card, another wallet, or a bank account in another country. These are useful if you want to move money to a specific place that PayPal doesn't directly support, or if you're trying to convert currency.
The process varies by service. Wise, for example, lets you link your PayPal account and transfer to a Wise account, which can then be spent on a Wise card or withdrawn. MoneyLion offers a similar flow. The catch is that these services charge their own fees on top of any PayPal fees — you might pay 1% to 3% depending on the service and the amount. The timeline is usually one to three days, which is faster than a check but slower than the PayPal Cash Card's initial setup.
These options are worth considering only if you have a specific reason to use them — for instance, if you're sending money internationally or need a particular type of card. For a straightforward domestic cash-out, the PayPal Cash Card or check is usually cheaper and simpler.
Identity verification requirements before you can withdraw
PayPal requires all users to verify their identity before withdrawing any balance. This means providing a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of your current address (a utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement). The address proof must be dated within the last 90 days.
Verification usually takes a few minutes to a few hours if you upload documents through the PayPal app or website. In some cases, PayPal may ask follow-up questions or request additional documents. If your account is flagged for any reason, verification can take longer. Until you're verified, you can receive money and hold a balance, but you cannot withdraw it.
If you're trying to cash out and can't, the first thing to check is whether your account is fully verified. You can see your verification status in your account settings under "Security" or "Account Information." PayPal will usually tell you which documents are missing or what additional steps you need to take.
Timing and fees across all withdrawal methods
| Method | Time to access funds | Fees | Minimum amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| PayPal Cash Card | 5–7 days (card arrival) + when ready transfer | None for card; $1.95 per ATM withdrawal outside MoneyPass | $1 |
| Paper check | 2–3 weeks | $0–$2 depending on account type | $1.50 |
| Wise or similar service | 1–3 days depending on service | 1–3% plus service fees | Varies by service |
The PayPal Cash Card has no withdrawal fee, but you pay $1.95 each time you use an out-of-network ATM. If you plan to withdraw cash frequently, this adds up. Checks are slow but have a one-time small fee. Third-party services are faster than checks but more expensive than PayPal's own methods.
When comparing these options, consider both the total cost and how soon you need the money. If you can wait a week and plan to spend rather than withdraw cash, the PayPal Cash Card is usually the cheapest. If you need the money in a few days and don't mind paying a small fee, a third-party service might be worth it. If you're in no rush and want the lowest cost, a check is the way to go.
What to do if your withdrawal method isn't available
Some users find that certain withdrawal methods are greyed out or unavailable in their account. This usually happens for one of three reasons: your account isn't fully verified, you're in a location where PayPal doesn't offer that method, or your account has a restriction (such as a dispute or chargeback in progress).
If the PayPal Cash Card isn't available, check whether you've verified your identity. If you have and it's still unavailable, you may be in a state or country where PayPal doesn't offer the card. The check option is available in most locations, so that's usually a fallback. If your account has a restriction, PayPal will usually tell you why in your account settings or via email. Restrictions are often temporary and lift once a dispute is resolved or a chargeback period expires.
Contact PayPal's support team if you're unsure why a method is unavailable — they can explain the specific reason and what you need to do to unlock it. In the meantime, if one method is blocked, try another. The check option rarely has restrictions, so you can usually fall back to that while you resolve whatever is blocking your preferred method.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get money from PayPal to a prepaid card?
If you use the PayPal Cash Card, the card itself takes 5–7 days to arrive by mail. Once it arrives, transferring your balance to the card is when ready. If you use a third-party prepaid card service, the timeline depends on the service — usually 1–3 days.
Can I withdraw PayPal money at a store like Walmart or Target?
Not directly from PayPal. However, once you have a PayPal Cash Card, you can use it to make purchases at any store that takes Mastercard, or withdraw cash at ATMs. Some stores offer cash-back on debit card purchases, which is another way to access cash.
What happens if the check gets lost in the mail?
PayPal can issue a replacement check if the first one doesn't arrive. Contact PayPal support with the date you requested the check, and they can reissue it or investigate whether it was delivered. Keep records of your request in case you need to follow up.
Do I have to pay taxes on money I withdraw from PayPal?
Withdrawing your own money from PayPal is not a taxable event. However, if the balance came from selling goods or services, that income may be taxable depending on your location and the amount. PayPal reports large transactions to tax authorities, so keep records of what the money represents.
Can I use someone else's bank account to withdraw my PayPal balance?
No. PayPal requires that any linked bank account be in your name. If you don't have a bank account, the PayPal Cash Card or check are your options. Using someone else's account violates PayPal's terms and could result in account suspension.