You can transfer money from PayPal to a bank account, but the method depends on whether you own the account and what country you're in.
PayPal lets you move funds to a linked bank account through a standard transfer, which usually takes one to three business days. If the account belongs to someone else, you'll need to send them money as a person-to-person payment instead — they then withdraw it themselves. The process is straightforward, but the rules around timing, fees, and account verification differ depending on which route you take.
Key Takeaways
- Standard transfers from your PayPal balance to your own linked bank account are free and take one to three business days in the United States.
- To transfer to someone else's bank account, you must send them money through PayPal's person-to-person feature, and they control when and how they withdraw it.
- Your bank account must be verified with PayPal before any transfer can go through, which requires matching small deposits PayPal sends to that account.
- when ready transfers to your own debit card are available for a fee, but standard transfers to a bank account have no fee.
- International transfers to bank accounts outside the United States involve currency conversion and higher fees, and timing varies by country.
Transferring your own PayPal balance to your bank account
Log into PayPal, go to your Wallet, and select the bank account you want to transfer to. Click "Transfer Money," choose the amount, and confirm. PayPal will move the funds to that account within one to three business days at no cost. The account must already be linked to your PayPal profile and verified — PayPal sends two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to the account, and you confirm the amounts to prove you own it.
If you haven't linked a bank account yet, you'll need to add one first. Go to Wallet, select "Link a Bank Account," enter the routing number and account number from a check or your bank's website, and wait for PayPal to send those verification deposits. Once confirmed, you can transfer whenever you need to.
Sending money to someone else's bank account
You cannot push money directly into another person's bank account through PayPal. Instead, send them money through the "Send Money" feature (available to friends and family, or as a goods-and-services payment if you're paying for something). They receive the payment in their PayPal account, and they decide whether to withdraw it to their bank account, keep it in PayPal, or use it another way.
This matters because you have no control over the withdrawal timeline — if they don't withdraw it, the money stays in their PayPal balance. If you need the funds to reach a specific bank account on a specific date, confirm with the recipient that they'll withdraw it themselves and ask when they plan to do so.
when ready transfers versus standard transfers
| Transfer Type | Speed | Cost | Destination |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard transfer | 1–3 business days | Free | Linked bank account |
| when ready transfer | Minutes | 1.5% of amount (minimum $0.25) | Linked debit card only |
If you need money faster, PayPal offers when ready transfers to a linked debit card for a fee. This works only with debit cards, not savings or checking accounts, and the fee is 1.5% of the amount you transfer with a minimum of $0.25. For a $100 transfer, you'd pay $1.50. Standard transfers are free but require patience — plan ahead if you know you'll need the money on a specific date.
Verifying your bank account before your first transfer
PayPal will not let you transfer money to an unverified bank account. When you link an account, PayPal deposits two small amounts (usually $0.01 to $0.99 each) into it within one to two business days. Check your bank statement for these deposits, note the exact amounts, and enter them into PayPal to confirm you own the account.
This verification step protects both you and PayPal — it proves the account is yours and that you can access it. Once verified, you can transfer as many times as you want. If you don't see the deposits after two business days, check that you entered the routing and account numbers correctly, or contact your bank to confirm the account is active and can receive transfers.
International transfers to bank accounts outside the US
Transferring to a bank account in another country is possible but slower and more expensive. PayPal converts your dollars to the local currency, charges a currency conversion fee (typically 2% to 3%), and may charge an additional international transfer fee depending on the country. The transfer can take five to ten business days or longer, depending on the destination country's banking system.
Before attempting an international transfer, confirm with the receiving bank that they accept PayPal transfers and ask about any fees they charge on their end. Some banks charge a receiving fee, which comes out of the amount that arrives. PayPal's website lists supported countries and typical fees for each — check there before you transfer to avoid surprises.
What to do if a transfer fails or gets stuck
A transfer can fail if the bank account information is incorrect, the account is closed, or PayPal flags the transaction as unusual. If your transfer doesn't go through, PayPal will return the money to your PayPal balance within one to three business days and send you a notification explaining why.
If a transfer is pending longer than three business days, log into your PayPal account and check the transaction history — it will show the status and any error messages. If the status says "pending," contact PayPal's Resolution Center to investigate. If the status says "failed," verify the bank account information is correct and try again. If the account was recently closed or the routing number changed, update it in your Wallet before transferring again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does PayPal charge a fee to transfer money to my bank account?
Standard transfers to a linked bank account are free. when ready transfers to a debit card cost 1.5% of the amount with a $0.25 minimum. International transfers include currency conversion and country-specific fees that vary.
How long does it take for money to show up in my bank account?
Standard transfers take one to three business days in the United States. when ready transfers to a debit card arrive within minutes. International transfers can take five to ten business days depending on the destination country.
Can I transfer money to a bank account that isn't mine?
No. You can only transfer your PayPal balance to a bank account you own and have verified. To send money to someone else, use PayPal's person-to-person payment feature — they receive it in their PayPal account and withdraw it themselves.
What if PayPal asks me to verify my bank account and I don't see the deposits?
Check your bank statement carefully — the deposits are usually very small (under $1 each) and may take one to two business days to appear. If you still don't see them after two business days, verify you entered the correct routing and account numbers, or contact your bank to confirm the account is active.
Can I transfer money from PayPal to a joint bank account?
Yes, as long as you own the account and can verify it. PayPal doesn't distinguish between individual and joint accounts — the verification process is the same. Both account holders can access the funds once they arrive.