Yes, you can transfer money from PayPal to a 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 (if you haven't already), then request a transfer from your PayPal balance. PayPal sends the money to your bank, and it usually arrives within one to three business days, though it can take longer depending on your bank.

The transfer itself is free — PayPal does not charge you to move money to your own bank account. Your bank might charge a fee for receiving the transfer, but most do not. The main thing to know upfront is that you can only transfer money that is actually in your PayPal balance. If you have a PayPal credit line or a pending payment, that does not count.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a bank account linked to your PayPal account before you can transfer money out.
  • Transfers from PayPal to your bank are free and usually take one to three business days.
  • You can only transfer money that is sitting in your PayPal balance right now, not money that is on hold or pending.
  • If your transfer does not arrive after five business days, contact PayPal support with your transaction reference number.

How to link your bank account to PayPal

Before you can transfer money out, you need to tell PayPal which bank account to send it to. Log into your PayPal account on a computer or in the app, then go to your wallet or account settings — the exact location depends on which version you are using, but PayPal labels it clearly. Look for a section called "Linked Banks and Cards" or "Bank Accounts."

Click the button to add a new bank account. PayPal will ask for your bank's name, your account number, and your routing number. Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank. You can find it on a check (it is the first set of numbers on the bottom left), or you can call your bank and ask. Once you enter this information, PayPal may make two small test deposits to your account — usually less than a dollar each — to confirm the account is real and belongs to you.

Your bank will show these deposits in your account within a few days. PayPal will ask you to tell them the exact amounts of those two deposits. Once you confirm the amounts, your bank account is linked and ready to use. This verification step happens only once per bank account.

The steps to transfer money from PayPal to your bank

Once your bank account is linked, transferring money is straightforward. Open PayPal and go to your wallet. You should see your current balance displayed at the top. Look for a button or link that says "Transfer Money" or "Withdraw" — again, the exact wording varies by device and app version.

Click that button and select "Transfer to Your Bank." PayPal will show you a list of linked bank accounts if you have more than one. Choose the account you want the money to go to. Then enter the amount you want to transfer. PayPal will show you the amount and ask you to confirm. Once you click confirm, the transfer is submitted.

PayPal will send you a confirmation email with a transaction reference number. Keep this number in case you need to contact PayPal about the transfer later. The money will leave your PayPal balance when ready, but it will not show up in your bank account right away.

How long transfers take and what can slow them down

Most transfers arrive within one to three business days. Business days are Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. So if you submit a transfer on a Friday afternoon, it might not arrive until Wednesday or Thursday of the following week.

Some transfers take longer. If you are transferring a large amount, if your bank is small or regional, or if there is a holiday in between, the transfer can take up to five business days. PayPal sometimes holds transfers for review if the amount is unusual for your account or if there is any sign of suspicious activity — this is a security measure, and it can add a day or two.

Your bank can also slow things down. Some banks process incoming transfers more slowly than others. If your transfer does not arrive after five business days, log back into PayPal, find the transaction in your history, and note the reference number. Then contact PayPal support and tell them the reference number and the date you submitted the transfer. They can check whether the money left PayPal's system and, if it did, help you figure out where it is.

What happens if you transfer money you do not have

PayPal will not let you transfer more money than you have in your balance. If you try, the transfer will be rejected and you will see an error message. Your balance is the amount of money sitting in your PayPal account right now — not money that is on the way to you, not money in a pending transaction, and not a PayPal credit line.

If you have money coming into PayPal (for example, someone is sending you money or you are waiting for a payment to clear), that money will not be available to transfer until it actually arrives and shows up in your balance. The same is true if PayPal is holding money for any reason — it will not count toward your transferable balance until the hold is lifted.

Alternatives if you cannot transfer to your bank right now

If your bank account is not linked yet and you need the money quickly, you have a few other options. PayPal lets you use your balance to shop online at stores that accept PayPal, or to send money to other people. You can also request a physical check from PayPal, though this takes longer than a bank transfer — usually one to two weeks.

If you have a PayPal debit card, you can withdraw cash from an ATM using your PayPal balance. This is faster than waiting for a bank transfer, but you may pay an ATM fee depending on which ATM you use and whether your bank has a network of fee-free ATMs. Check PayPal's website to see if there is a network of ATMs you can use without a fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does PayPal charge a fee to transfer money to my bank?

No, PayPal does not charge you to transfer money to your own bank account. Your bank might charge a fee for receiving the transfer, but most banks do not charge incoming transfer fees. Check with your bank if you are unsure.

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

No, you can only transfer money to a bank account that is linked to your own PayPal account. To send money to someone else, use PayPal's "Send Money" feature, which lets you transfer directly to their PayPal account or, in some cases, to their bank account if they have set that up in their PayPal profile.

What if my transfer shows as pending for more than five days?

Contact PayPal support with your transaction reference number. They can confirm whether the money left their system and, if it did, work with your bank to locate it. If PayPal is still holding the transfer, they can explain why and tell you when it will be released.

Can I cancel a transfer after I have submitted it?

If the transfer has not left PayPal's system yet, you may be able to cancel it. Log into your account, find the transaction in your history, and look for a cancel option. Once the money has been sent to your bank, you cannot cancel it through PayPal — you would need to contact your bank instead.