The basic steps to transfer money from PayPal to your bank account
To move money from PayPal to your bank account, you log into PayPal, go to your Wallet, select your bank account, and request a transfer. PayPal then sends the money to the bank account you've linked — usually within one to three business days, though the exact timing depends on your bank. The transfer itself is free.
Before you can do this, you need to have already connected a bank account to your PayPal account. If you haven't done that yet, PayPal will ask for your routing number and account number (the numbers at the bottom of a check, or available through your bank's website or app). Once that's linked and verified — which can take a few days — you're ready to transfer.
The money has to come from your PayPal balance. If you have money in PayPal from a sale, a refund, or a transfer someone sent you, that balance is what you can move to your bank. If you received money as a payment for goods or services, it may take a day or two to land in your PayPal balance before you can transfer it out.
Key Takeaways
- You must link a bank account to PayPal first by providing your routing number and account number, which takes a few days to verify.
- Transfers from PayPal to your bank account are free and usually arrive within one to three business days.
- Only money sitting in your PayPal balance can be transferred — money from recent sales or payments may take a day or two to appear there first.
- You can transfer any amount, but some banks may flag unusually large transfers, so contact your bank ahead of time if you're moving a significant sum.
How to link your bank account to PayPal
Open PayPal on a computer or in the app and go to Settings (usually a gear icon). Look for "Linked banks and cards" or "Bank accounts." Click the option to add a new bank account. PayPal will ask for your bank's name, your account type (checking or savings), your routing number, and your account number.
Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank. Your account number is unique to you. Both appear at the bottom left of any check you have. If you don't have checks, log into your bank's website or app — most banks display both numbers in the account details section, sometimes labeled "Account Information" or "Routing & Account Numbers."
After you enter this information, PayPal sends two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to your bank account. This is how PayPal verifies you own the account. Your bank will show these deposits in one to two business days. Once you see them, go back to PayPal, find the bank account you just added, and confirm the two amounts. After that, the account is fully linked and ready to use.
The transfer process step by step
Log into PayPal and click "Wallet" at the top of the page (on a computer) or tap the wallet icon (on the app). You'll see your PayPal balance and any linked bank accounts or cards listed below it. Find the bank account you want to transfer to and click or tap it.
Select "Transfer to your bank" or "Withdraw." PayPal will ask how much you want to send. Enter the amount — you can transfer anywhere from a few dollars to your entire balance, as long as you have that much available. Review the amount and the receiving bank account to make sure everything is correct, then confirm the transfer.
PayPal will show you a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot. The money will leave your PayPal balance right away, but it won't appear in your bank account when ready. Most transfers arrive within one to three business days. If it takes longer, you can use the confirmation number to check the status.
Why transfers take time and what affects the speed
When you request a transfer, PayPal doesn't hand the money directly to your bank. Instead, PayPal sends it through the banking system — a network that processes transfers between financial institutions. This network doesn't run on weekends or federal holidays, which is why a Friday transfer might not show up until Tuesday.
Your specific bank also plays a role. Some banks process incoming transfers faster than others. A few banks post transfers the same business day they receive them; most take one business day; some take two or three. If you're in a hurry, contact your bank and ask how long transfers from PayPal typically take for your account type.
Large transfers sometimes move slower because banks have extra security checks for big sums. If you're moving more than a few thousand dollars, call your bank ahead of time and let them know it's coming. This prevents the bank from flagging the transfer as suspicious and holding it for review.
What to do if your transfer doesn't arrive
If three business days have passed and the money hasn't shown up, log back into PayPal and check the transaction history. Look for the transfer you made and click on it. PayPal will show you the status — whether it's still pending, completed, or failed. If it shows completed, the money has left PayPal and your bank has received it, even if you don't see it yet. Contact your bank's customer service and give them the PayPal confirmation number; they can track where it is in their system.
If PayPal shows the transfer failed, the money goes back to your PayPal balance automatically, usually within a few days. Common reasons for failure include a bank account that's been closed, incorrect routing or account numbers, or a bank that rejected the transfer for security reasons. If this happens, check that your bank account information is still correct in PayPal. If it is, try the transfer again. If it fails a second time, contact your bank to ask if there's a problem on their end.
If you see the money in your bank account but it's the wrong amount, or if you transferred money by mistake, you can't reverse it through PayPal. Contact your bank when ready — they may be able to recall the transfer if it's still in process, but once it's fully posted, you'll need to ask your bank for other options.
Fees and limits on transfers
PayPal does not charge a fee to transfer money from your PayPal balance to a linked bank account in the United States. The transfer is free. Your bank may charge a fee for receiving the transfer, but most banks do not — incoming transfers are usually free. If you're unsure, check your bank's fee schedule or call and ask.
PayPal does not set a limit on how much you can transfer at once, but your bank may. Some banks limit the size of a single transfer or the total you can receive in a day. Check your bank's transfer limits before you move a large amount. You can also split a big transfer into smaller ones over a few days if you hit a limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money from PayPal to someone else's bank account?
No. PayPal transfers only go to a bank account in your own name. If you want to send money to someone else, use PayPal's "Send money" feature to transfer it to their PayPal account or email address instead. They can then transfer it to their own bank account if they choose.
What if I don't have a bank account yet?
You need a bank account to transfer money out of PayPal. If you don't have one, you can open a checking account at most banks, credit unions, or online banks. Many online banks have no minimum balance and no monthly fee. Once your account is open and you have your routing and account numbers, you can link it to PayPal.
Can I transfer money from PayPal to a savings account instead of checking?
Yes. When you link your bank account to PayPal, you tell PayPal whether it's a checking or savings account. You can link either type and transfer to whichever one you choose. The process is the same.
What happens if I transfer money but then change my mind?
Once a transfer is confirmed and shows as completed in PayPal, you cannot cancel it through PayPal. The money has left your PayPal account. If it hasn't arrived at your bank yet, contact your bank when ready — they may be able to stop it if it's still in transit. If it's already posted to your account, you'll need to contact your bank about reversing it.
Do I have to transfer all my PayPal balance at once?
No. You can transfer any amount up to your full balance. You might transfer $50 one day and $200 another day. Each transfer is separate and costs nothing. This can be useful if you want to keep some money in PayPal for future purchases or payments.