Yes, you can transfer money from PayPal to your bank account

PayPal lets you move money out to a linked bank account in the United States, and the process takes a few days. You start by connecting your bank account to PayPal (which requires your routing number and account number), then you request a transfer from your PayPal balance to that account. PayPal does not charge you for standard transfers, though they do take a few business days to arrive.

The main thing to know upfront: you can only transfer money that is actually sitting in your PayPal balance right now. If someone sends you money through PayPal, it lands in your PayPal account first — you then transfer it to your bank. If you receive money as a business payment or invoice, the same rule applies. You cannot pull money directly from a credit card or loan through PayPal into your bank account.

Key Takeaways

  • You must link your bank account to PayPal first by providing your routing number and account number, which you can find on a check or through your bank's website.
  • Standard transfers take three to five business days and cost nothing, while when ready transfers arrive within 30 minutes but charge a small fee (usually around 1% of the amount).
  • You can only transfer money that is already in your PayPal balance, not money from a credit card or external source.
  • Your bank account must be in your own name and match the name on your PayPal account for the transfer to go through.

How to link your bank account to PayPal

Before you can move money out, PayPal needs to know which bank account to send it to. Log into your PayPal account on a computer or the PayPal app, then go to your Wallet (on the app, tap the wallet icon at the bottom). Look for "Link a bank account" or "Add bank account." PayPal will ask for your routing number and account number — both appear on the bottom left of any check you have, or you can call your bank's customer service line and ask them to read it to you.

PayPal may ask you to confirm the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into your bank account, then asking you to tell PayPal what those amounts were. This takes a few days because the deposits have to clear. Once you confirm, your account is linked and ready to use.

Standard transfers versus when ready transfers

PayPal offers two ways to get your money to your bank. A standard transfer is free and takes three to five business days. An when ready transfer arrives within 30 minutes but costs money — usually around 1% of the amount you are sending, with a minimum fee of 25 cents. If you are transferring $100, an when ready transfer costs about $1. If you are transferring $1,000, it costs about $10.

For most people, standard transfers make sense because they are free and the wait is not long. Use when ready transfers only if you need the money urgently and the fee is worth it to you. You choose which type when you request the transfer — PayPal shows you the fee before you confirm.

The actual steps to transfer money

Open PayPal and go to your Wallet. You should see your PayPal balance at the top. Below that, look for a button that says "Transfer money" or "Move money." Tap or click it. PayPal will show you the balance you can transfer (this is the money sitting in your PayPal account right now). Enter the amount you want to send to your bank, then choose your linked bank account from the list.

Next, PayPal asks whether you want a standard transfer (free, three to five days) or an when ready transfer (costs a fee, 30 minutes or less). Choose one, review the details, and confirm. PayPal sends you a confirmation email with a reference number. The money then moves on the schedule you chose — you will see it in your bank account within the timeframe PayPal gave you.

What to do if your transfer is delayed or stuck

Standard transfers usually arrive within three to five business days, but occasionally they take longer. If more than five business days have passed and the money has not shown up, log into PayPal and check the status of the transfer. PayPal shows you whether it is pending, processing, or completed. If it says completed but the money is not in your bank account, contact your bank — the issue is on their end, not PayPal's.

If PayPal says the transfer failed, it usually means your bank account information was wrong or your account was closed. PayPal will tell you why it failed. You can then fix the information and try again. If you see a message that says your account is limited or restricted, you may need to contact PayPal's support team — this usually means PayPal needs you to verify your identity or resolve a dispute before transfers can go through.

Limits on how much you can transfer

PayPal sets limits on how much you can transfer at once, and these limits depend on how long you have had your account and how much activity you have had. New accounts usually have lower limits — you might be able to transfer only a few hundred dollars at first. As your account ages and you use it regularly, your limits go up. You can see your current limit by starting a transfer and looking at what PayPal shows you.

If you need to transfer more than your limit allows, you can make multiple transfers on different days. There is no daily limit on the total number of transfers you can make, only a limit per transfer. If you hit your limit and need to transfer a large amount, contact PayPal support and explain your situation — they sometimes raise limits for accounts in good standing.

When transfers might not work

Your transfer will be rejected if your bank account name does not match the name on your PayPal account. PayPal checks this when you link the account, but if you have changed your name since linking it, you need to update your PayPal account name first. Go to Settings, then Personal Information, and make sure your name matches what your bank has on file.

Transfers also fail if your bank account has been closed or if you entered the wrong routing or account number. If you are not sure your information is correct, log into your bank's website or app and confirm your account number and routing number, then update them in PayPal. Some banks also block transfers from PayPal for security reasons — if this happens, call your bank and ask them to allow transfers from PayPal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it really take for money to show up in my bank account?

Standard transfers take three to five business days, which means weekends and bank holidays do not count. If you request a transfer on Friday, it may not arrive until Wednesday or Thursday. when ready transfers arrive within 30 minutes on any day, including weekends, but cost a fee.

Can I transfer money to someone else's bank account through PayPal?

No. You can only transfer money from your PayPal account to a bank account in your own name. If you want to send money to someone else, use PayPal's "Send money" feature to pay them directly through PayPal, or withdraw to your own bank account and then transfer from there.

What if I do not have a bank account yet?

You cannot transfer money from PayPal without a linked bank account. You would need to open a checking or savings account first. Many banks and credit unions offer accounts with no minimum balance or monthly fee — your local bank or a community bank can help you open one.

Is there a fee for transferring money to my bank account?

Standard transfers are free. when ready transfers charge a fee of around 1% of the amount, with a minimum of 25 cents. PayPal shows you the exact fee before you confirm the transfer, so you know the cost before your money moves.

Can I cancel a transfer after I request it?

If the transfer is still pending, you can usually cancel it through your PayPal account. Once it shows as completed or processing, you cannot cancel it — the money is on its way. If it has already arrived in your bank account, you would need to contact your bank about returning it.