Yes, you can link your bank account to PayPal and move money between them
You can transfer money from your bank account into your PayPal account, and PayPal can also send money back to your bank. The process is straightforward once your bank account is linked, though it takes a few days for the money to actually arrive. PayPal acts as a middleman — it holds the money temporarily while it moves between your bank and PayPal's system.
The reason this matters is that PayPal and your bank are separate companies. When you move money between them, it has to travel through the banking system, which takes time. You cannot move the money when ready, but you also do not pay a fee for transfers between your own bank account and your own PayPal account.
Key Takeaways
- You must link your bank account to PayPal first by providing your routing number and account number, which PayPal verifies with two small test deposits.
- Transfers from your bank to PayPal take three to five business days, and transfers from PayPal back to your bank take one to two business days.
- You can transfer money only to and from the same bank account you linked — PayPal will not let you send money to someone else's bank account directly from your PayPal balance.
- There is no fee for transferring between your bank account and your PayPal account, but PayPal charges fees when you send money to other people.
How to link your bank account to PayPal
Start by logging into your PayPal account on a computer or in the PayPal app. Go to your account settings — usually found by clicking your name or profile icon — and look for a section called "Wallet" or "Banks and Cards." Click the option to add a bank account.
PayPal will ask for your bank's routing number and your account number. You can find both on a check, or you can log into your bank's website and look for account details. Enter both numbers carefully, because a mistake will cause the verification to fail. PayPal will then send two small deposits (usually less than one dollar each) to your bank account.
Check your bank account in one to two business days. You will see two deposits with small amounts. Go back to PayPal and enter those two amounts to confirm you own the account. Once PayPal verifies the amounts, your bank account is linked and ready to use.
Moving money from your bank account into PayPal
Once your bank account is linked, you can transfer money into your PayPal balance. In the Wallet section, select "Transfer Money" and choose "Transfer from your bank." Enter the amount you want to move and confirm. PayPal will show you the expected arrival date, which is usually three to five business days later.
The money sits in your PayPal account once it arrives. You can use it to send to other people, make purchases on websites that accept PayPal, or transfer it back to your bank whenever you want. PayPal does not charge you for moving money between your own accounts.
One important detail: PayPal holds the money during the transfer period. If you transfer money on a Friday, it will not arrive until the following Tuesday or Wednesday at the earliest, because banks do not process transfers on weekends. Plan ahead if you need the money by a certain date.
Moving money from PayPal back to your bank account
You can also send money the other direction — from your PayPal balance back to your linked bank account. In the Wallet section, select "Transfer Money" and choose "Transfer to your bank." Enter the amount and confirm. This direction is faster: the money usually arrives in one to two business days.
The same weekend rule applies. If you request a transfer on Friday afternoon, it will not start processing until Monday, so it may not arrive until Wednesday. If you need the money urgently, request it early in the week.
What you cannot do with bank transfers
PayPal will not let you send money directly from your PayPal balance to someone else's bank account. If you want to send money to another person, you have two options: send it to their PayPal account (if they have one), or use a different service like Venmo or your bank's own transfer system.
You also cannot link more than one bank account to the same PayPal account for transfers, though you can add multiple cards. If you need to transfer from a different bank account, you would need to set up a separate PayPal account or remove the old bank account and add the new one.
Fees and limits on bank transfers
PayPal charges no fee when you transfer money between your bank account and your PayPal account. The only time you pay is when you send money to another person — and the fee depends on whether you send it as a friends-and-family payment (usually free) or a goods-and-services payment (usually 2.9% plus a small fixed fee).
PayPal does set limits on how much you can transfer. New accounts usually have lower limits, and the limit increases as you use the account longer and build a history. You can see your transfer limit by going to your account settings and looking for "Limits" or "Account Limits." If you hit your limit, you can request an increase, but PayPal will review your account first.
What to do if your transfer does not arrive
If your transfer takes longer than the expected time, first check that you requested it on a business day. Transfers requested on weekends or holidays will not start processing until the next business day. Give it a few extra days before assuming something went wrong.
If the money still has not arrived after the expected time, log into PayPal and check the transaction history. Look for the transfer and see what status it shows. If it shows "pending," it is still on its way. If it shows "failed" or "cancelled," PayPal will have sent the money back to your PayPal balance, and you can try again.
If you see an error message or the transfer seems stuck, contact PayPal's support team through the Resolution Center in your account. Have your transaction ID ready — PayPal will ask for it to look up what happened.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it really take to transfer money from my bank to PayPal?
Three to five business days is the standard time. Business days means Monday through Friday, not counting holidays. If you transfer on a Friday, the clock starts Monday. If you transfer on a holiday, it starts the next business day.
Can I transfer money to someone else's bank account using PayPal?
No. PayPal will only transfer money back to the bank account you linked. To send money to another person's bank account, use your bank's own transfer system, or use a service like Venmo or Wise that specializes in person-to-person transfers.
What if I enter the wrong routing or account number when linking my bank?
PayPal will reject the link when you try to verify it with the test deposits. You will see an error message. Go back and re-enter the correct numbers. If you are not sure what the correct numbers are, log into your bank's website or call your bank directly to confirm.
Do I have to pay a fee to move money between my bank and PayPal?
No. Transfers between your own bank account and your own PayPal account are free. You only pay fees when you send money to other people through PayPal.
Can I link my savings account instead of my checking account?
Yes. PayPal will accept either a checking or savings account. The process is the same — you provide the routing number and account number, and PayPal verifies with test deposits.