The basic path: link your bank, then transfer

To move money from PayPal to your bank account, you link the account to PayPal first, then initiate a transfer from the PayPal app or website. PayPal moves the money using the ACH network, which is the system banks use to send funds between each other. The transfer takes 1 to 3 business days, depending on your bank.

You do not need to pay a fee for standard transfers to a linked bank account. when ready transfers to a debit card cost 1.5% of the amount (minimum 25 cents), but the standard ACH route is free.

The money sits in your PayPal balance until you tell it to move. You can leave it there indefinitely, spend it through PayPal, or send it to your bank whenever you want.

Key Takeaways

  • Link your bank account to PayPal by providing your routing number and account number, which takes a few minutes and requires you to verify two small deposits PayPal sends to your account.
  • Standard transfers from PayPal to a linked bank account are free and take 1 to 3 business days; when ready transfers to a debit card cost 1.5% and arrive within 30 minutes.
  • You can transfer any amount from your PayPal balance, but some banks may flag unusually large transfers, so contact your bank first if you are moving a significant sum.
  • If your transfer does not arrive after 3 business days, check your PayPal transaction history to confirm the transfer was sent, then contact your bank's customer service with the transfer details.

How to link your bank account to PayPal

Open the PayPal app or go to paypal.com and sign in. Tap or click the menu icon (three horizontal lines), then select Wallet or Settings depending on whether you use the app or website. Look for Link a bank account or Add bank account.

Enter your bank's name, your account type (checking or savings), your routing number, and your account number. You can find both numbers on a check, or call your bank's customer service line and ask for them. PayPal will ask you to confirm your full name and address.

PayPal then sends two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to your bank account. This takes 1 to 2 business days. Once the deposits arrive, return to PayPal, go back to your bank account settings, and enter the exact amounts of both deposits. This confirms you own the account. After verification, your bank account is linked and ready to receive transfers.

Starting a transfer and what to expect

Once your bank account is linked, go to Wallet in the PayPal app or website. You will see your PayPal balance. Tap or click Transfer money or Move money. Select Transfer to your bank.

Enter the amount you want to move. PayPal will show you the arrival date (usually 1 to 3 business days from now) and confirm the fee (zero for standard transfers). Review the details and confirm the transfer.

The money leaves your PayPal balance when ready, but your bank does not receive it right away. The ACH network processes transfers in batches, usually overnight. Your bank then posts the deposit to your account during its normal processing window, which is typically the next business day but can take up to 3 days. Weekends and bank holidays extend the timeline.

When to use when ready transfer instead

If you need the money faster, PayPal offers when ready Transfer to a linked debit card. This costs 1.5% of the amount you transfer (with a 25-cent minimum) and the money arrives within 30 minutes on business days, or within an hour on weekends and holidays.

when ready Transfer goes to a debit card, not a savings account. If you only have a savings account linked, you can add a debit card separately in your PayPal wallet settings. The debit card must be issued by a U.S. bank and must be in your own name.

For example, if you transfer $100 using when ready Transfer, PayPal deducts $1.50 and sends $98.50 to your debit card. The fee appears as a separate line item in your PayPal transaction history.

Troubleshooting a transfer that does not arrive

Check your PayPal transaction history first. Go to Activity or History in the app or website and find the transfer. If the status shows Completed or Processed, PayPal sent the money and your bank is responsible for posting it. If it shows Pending, the transfer has not left PayPal yet and will process within the stated timeframe.

If the transfer shows Completed but has not appeared in your bank account after 3 business days, contact your bank's customer service. Have your PayPal transaction ID, the transfer date, and the amount ready. Your bank can trace the ACH transaction and tell you whether it arrived at their system. Sometimes banks hold deposits for verification, especially if the amount is large or the account is new.

If the transfer shows Failed or Cancelled, the money returns to your PayPal balance automatically. Check your PayPal balance to confirm it is there. Common reasons for failure include an incorrect routing number, a closed bank account, or a mismatch between the name on your PayPal account and the name on your bank account.

What happens if your bank account information changes

If you close the bank account linked to PayPal or switch banks, update your PayPal wallet before you try to transfer again. Go to your bank account settings in PayPal and remove the old account, then link your new one using the same verification process (the two small deposits).

If you attempt a transfer to a closed account, PayPal will reject it and the money returns to your PayPal balance. You will see a Failed status in your transaction history. Once you have linked your new account, you can transfer the money again.

Limits on how much you can transfer

PayPal does not publish a single transfer limit that applies to all accounts. Your limit depends on your account history, how long you have used PayPal, and your bank's own limits. New accounts typically have lower limits than established ones.

If you try to transfer more than your limit allows, PayPal will show an error message telling you the maximum amount you can transfer at that time. You can transfer the allowed amount now and the remainder later, or contact PayPal's customer service to ask about increasing your limit.

Your bank may also have its own limits on incoming ACH transfers. If you are moving a very large sum, call your bank first and let them know the transfer is coming. This prevents them from flagging it as suspicious and holding the deposit.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Transfers from PayPal go only to a bank account in your own name. To send money to someone else, use PayPal's Send money feature, which lets you pay another PayPal user or send money to their email address. That person then decides whether to keep the money in PayPal or transfer it to their own bank account.

What if I do not have a bank account yet?

You cannot transfer to a bank account you do not have. You can keep your money in PayPal and spend it using your PayPal balance, or you can explore for a bank account through your bank or a credit union. Some online banks open accounts in minutes. Once you have an account, link it to PayPal and transfer whenever you want.

Do I have to transfer all my PayPal balance at once?

No. You can transfer any amount, from a few dollars to your entire balance. You can also transfer multiple times in the same day if you want. There is no limit on how many transfers you can make, only on how much you can transfer per transaction.

Why is my transfer taking longer than 3 business days?

Weekends and bank holidays pause ACH processing, so a transfer initiated on Friday may not arrive until Wednesday. Some banks also hold deposits for 1 to 2 additional days if the account is new or the amount is unusually large. Contact your bank to confirm they received the transfer and ask when it will post to your account.

Can I cancel a transfer after I have started it?

If the transfer still shows Pending in your PayPal history, you may be able to cancel it. Go to your transaction history, find the transfer, and look for a Cancel button. Once the status changes to Processed or Completed, the transfer has left PayPal and cannot be cancelled; you must contact your bank instead.