The fastest way is to link your bank account and transfer directly through PayPal
You can move money from your bank to PayPal in two ways: link your bank account to PayPal and transfer funds directly, or use an external transfer service. The direct method is faster and cheaper. Most transfers take one to three business days, though some banks process them the same day.
PayPal does not charge a fee for bank transfers into your account. Your bank may charge a fee depending on your account type and the bank's policies—check with them first if you are unsure. Once the money lands in PayPal, you can spend it when ready through the PayPal debit card, send it to someone else, or leave it sitting there.
Key Takeaways
- Link your bank account to PayPal through the Wallet section, then initiate a transfer from the "Transfer Money" menu—the whole setup takes about five minutes.
- PayPal charges nothing for bank transfers, but your bank may charge a fee depending on your account type.
- Most transfers complete in one to three business days; same-day transfers are possible but depend on your specific bank and PayPal's processing schedule.
- If your bank account will not link, try adding a debit card instead, which works through a different verification system.
- Once money is in PayPal, you can spend it when ready with the PayPal debit card or send it to another person.
How to link your bank account to PayPal
Log into your PayPal account on a computer or the mobile app. Go to Wallet (on the app, tap the wallet icon at the bottom). Select Link a bank account. PayPal will ask for your bank's name, your account type (checking or savings), and your account and routing numbers. You can find both numbers on a check, or call your bank's customer service line.
After you enter this information, PayPal will verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into your bank account. This takes one to two business days. Once the deposits appear, go back to PayPal, select the account, and enter the two amounts to confirm ownership. After confirmation, your account is linked and ready to use.
If you do not have a check or do not want to call your bank, many banks let you log into your PayPal account through their own app or website using single sign-on. PayPal will pull your account information directly from your bank, which skips the verification deposits and links your account when ready.
Starting a transfer from your bank to PayPal
Once your bank account is linked, go to Wallet and select Transfer Money. Choose Transfer to your PayPal balance. Select the bank account you want to transfer from, enter the amount, and confirm. PayPal will show you the expected arrival date before you submit.
The transfer will appear in your PayPal balance once it clears at your bank. You do not need to do anything else—PayPal pulls the money automatically on the date you selected. If you change your mind before the transfer completes, you can cancel it from the same menu, though cancellation may take a day or two to process.
Why your bank account might not link
PayPal cannot link accounts at some banks, particularly smaller regional banks and credit unions. If your bank does not appear in PayPal's list, try searching for it by routing number instead of name. If it still does not show up, your bank may not have an integration with PayPal.
When this happens, add a debit card instead. PayPal verifies debit cards by charging a small amount (usually $1 to $2) and asking you to confirm the charge. This works with almost any bank-issued debit card and takes about the same time as bank linking. Once your debit card is linked, you can transfer money the same way you would with a bank account.
How long transfers actually take
Standard transfers take one to three business days. This means a transfer you start on a Monday morning might land Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on when your bank processes outgoing transfers and when PayPal processes incoming ones. Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days.
Some banks and PayPal combinations support same-day or next-day transfers, but this is not may provide. PayPal will tell you the expected arrival date before you confirm the transfer. If you need money faster, consider using a debit card or credit card instead—those funds are usually available when ready, though you will be borrowing money rather than moving it from your own account.
What happens if a transfer fails
A transfer can fail if your bank account is closed, if you do not have enough funds, or if PayPal detects unusual activity. PayPal will send you a notification explaining why the transfer did not go through. The money stays in your PayPal account (if it was already there) or returns to your bank (if it was being pulled from your account).
If the failure message is unclear, contact PayPal's support team through the Resolution Center in your account. Have your bank account number and the transfer date ready. If PayPal says the problem is on your bank's side, call your bank directly—they can see whether the transfer arrived and why it was rejected.
Using your money once it arrives in PayPal
Once the transfer completes, the money sits in your PayPal balance. You can spend it when ready with the PayPal debit card (if you have one), send it to another person through PayPal, use it to pay for things on websites that accept PayPal, or leave it there indefinitely. PayPal does not charge you to hold the money.
If you want to move the money back to your bank, you can initiate a withdrawal the same way you started a transfer—go to Wallet, select Transfer Money, and choose Transfer to your bank. This also takes one to three business days and costs nothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money from PayPal back to my bank the same way?
Yes. Go to Wallet, select Transfer Money, and choose Transfer to your bank. Select the account and amount, and confirm. The process is identical to transferring into PayPal, and it also takes one to three business days with no fee.
What if I do not have my routing number?
Call your bank's customer service number (on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website). They can give you your routing number in under a minute. Alternatively, if your bank supports sign-on through PayPal, you can skip this step entirely—PayPal will pull the information automatically.
Does PayPal charge a fee to transfer money from my bank?
PayPal charges nothing. Your bank may charge a fee for outgoing transfers depending on your account type—some checking accounts include unlimited transfers, while others charge per transaction. Check your bank's fee schedule or call them to confirm.
Can I transfer money from someone else's bank account to my PayPal?
No. PayPal only allows you to link bank accounts in your own name. The account holder's name must match your PayPal account name. If you need to receive money from someone else, ask them to send it through PayPal's send money feature instead.
What if my transfer is taking longer than three business days?
Contact PayPal support through the Resolution Center and provide the transfer date and amount. They can check whether the transfer is still processing or if it failed. If your bank is the issue, they may ask you to contact your bank directly to confirm the transfer was received.