Yes, you can send money from PayPal to an overseas bank account, but the process and costs depend on which country you're sending to and what type of PayPal account you have.

PayPal offers two main routes for international transfers: PayPal's own transfer service (which sends money directly to a recipient's bank account) and PayPal Money Transfer (which lets recipients pick up cash or receive it into their bank). Not every country is supported on either route, and fees vary significantly by destination. Some countries have no direct bank transfer option at all, which means you'll need to use a different method or service.

The speed, cost, and availability of your transfer depend on the receiving country's banking infrastructure and PayPal's partnerships there. A transfer to Canada or the UK typically arrives in one to three business days. A transfer to certain African or Southeast Asian countries may take longer, cost more, or not be available through PayPal at all.

Key Takeaways

  • PayPal's direct bank transfer service works to most countries but not all; you must check PayPal's supported countries list for your specific destination before sending.
  • International transfer fees range from around 1% to 4.5% of the amount sent, plus a fixed fee that varies by country—PayPal shows you the exact cost before you confirm.
  • Transfers typically take one to three business days but can take longer depending on the receiving bank and country; weekends and holidays add delay.
  • You need the recipient's full name, bank account number, and routing or SWIFT code; incorrect details will cause the transfer to fail or be returned.
  • If PayPal doesn't support direct transfer to your destination country, you can use PayPal Money Transfer for cash pickup or explore third-party services like Wise or OFX.

How to send money from PayPal to an overseas bank account

Log into your PayPal account and select Transfer Money from the main menu. Choose Send Money to Bank Account (not "Send Money to Friends and Family," which is for peer-to-peer transfers and has different rules). Enter the recipient's email address or phone number, then select the country where their bank account is located.

PayPal will show you whether direct bank transfer is available to that country. If it is, you'll enter the recipient's full name, bank account number, and the bank's routing code or SWIFT code. You'll also specify the amount and currency. PayPal will then display the exact fee and the exchange rate it's using. Review these carefully—the exchange rate PayPal offers is usually not the mid-market rate, meaning you're paying a markup. Once you confirm, the money leaves your PayPal balance when ready, but it may take one to three business days to reach the recipient's bank account.

Fees and exchange rates PayPal charges

PayPal's international transfer fees consist of two parts: a percentage of the amount sent (typically 1% to 4.5%) and a fixed fee that depends on the receiving country. For example, sending to the UK might cost 2.5% plus £0.99, while sending to India might cost 4.5% plus a higher fixed amount. PayPal displays the total fee before you confirm the transfer, so you always know the cost upfront.

The exchange rate PayPal uses is not the real-time mid-market rate. PayPal adds a margin to the rate, which means the recipient gets slightly less in their local currency than they would if you used the true market rate. This margin varies but typically ranges from 1% to 3% on top of the official rate. If you're sending a large amount, this difference can be significant. Before you send, use an independent currency converter to see what the real rate is, then compare it to what PayPal is offering.

Countries where PayPal bank transfers are not available

PayPal does not support direct bank transfers to every country. Commonly unsupported destinations include parts of Africa, Central Asia, and some countries in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. PayPal's supported countries list is the only reliable source—it updates regularly as partnerships change, and it's searchable by destination country.

If your destination country is not on the list, you have two options within PayPal: use PayPal Money Transfer instead, which may offer cash pickup or limited bank deposit options in some unsupported countries, or use a different service altogether. Third-party providers like Wise, OFX, and Remitly often support more countries than PayPal does, and they sometimes offer better exchange rates for larger transfers. Compare fees and rates across services before deciding.

What information you need from the recipient

Before you initiate a transfer, ask the recipient for their full legal name (exactly as it appears on their bank account), their bank account number, and their bank's routing code or SWIFT code. In some countries, you may also need the recipient's address or the bank's branch code. Providing incorrect information is the most common reason transfers fail or are delayed.

The recipient should contact their bank to confirm the correct format for their account number and routing code. Different countries use different naming conventions—what one country calls a "routing number," another calls a "sort code" or "branch code." If the recipient is unsure, their bank's website or customer service can provide the exact details. Once the transfer is sent, you cannot change the recipient's bank details, so verify everything before confirming.

How long the transfer takes

Most PayPal international bank transfers arrive within one to three business days. However, the actual timeline depends on several factors: the receiving country's banking system, whether the transfer is processed during business hours, and whether the receiving bank has any additional verification steps.

Transfers sent on weekends or during holidays in the receiving country will not process until the next business day. Some countries' banking systems are slower than others—transfers to developed nations with modern banking infrastructure typically arrive faster than transfers to countries with less developed systems. If a transfer has not arrived after five business days, contact PayPal support with the transaction ID. PayPal can check the status with the receiving bank and investigate if the transfer was rejected or lost.

Alternatives if PayPal doesn't work for your situation

Wise (formerly TransferWise) is often cheaper than PayPal for international transfers, especially for larger amounts. Wise uses the real mid-market exchange rate with a small, transparent markup, and it supports transfers to over 80 countries. The trade-off is that Wise transfers can take one to four business days, and you may need to verify your identity before your first transfer.

OFX and Remitly are other alternatives that support many countries PayPal does not. OFX is often competitive for transfers over $1,000, while Remitly specializes in smaller transfers and has mobile apps in many countries. Your own bank can also send international wire transfers, though banks typically charge higher fees than PayPal or these third-party services. Compare the total cost (fee plus exchange rate markup) across all available options before sending.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send money from PayPal to a bank account in a country PayPal doesn't officially support?

Not through PayPal's direct bank transfer service. You can try PayPal Money Transfer, which may offer cash pickup or limited bank options in some unsupported countries, but availability varies. For unsupported countries, you'll need to use a different service like Wise, Remitly, or your bank's wire transfer service.

What happens if I send money to the wrong bank account?

If the account number is invalid or doesn't exist, the receiving bank will reject the transfer and it will be returned to your PayPal account within five to ten business days. If the account number is valid but belongs to the wrong person, the money may be deposited into that account, and recovering it becomes much harder. Always verify the recipient's account details before sending.

Can I cancel a transfer after I've sent it?

If the transfer has not yet been processed by the receiving bank, PayPal may be able to cancel it. Contact PayPal support when ready with your transaction ID. Once the receiving bank has accepted the transfer, it cannot be cancelled, and you would need to ask the recipient to return the funds.

Why is PayPal's exchange rate worse than the rate I see online?

PayPal adds a margin to the mid-market exchange rate to cover its costs and make a profit. This margin is typically 1% to 3% but can be higher depending on the currency pair and the receiving country. PayPal discloses the rate before you confirm, so you can see exactly what you're getting.

Is it cheaper to send money through PayPal or through my bank?

It depends on the amount and destination. For small transfers (under $500), PayPal is usually cheaper than a bank wire. For larger transfers, Wise or OFX often beat both PayPal and banks. Always compare the total cost—fee plus exchange rate markup—across all options before deciding.