PayPal gives you three ways to get money into your bank account, and the speed depends on which one you choose

You can transfer money from PayPal to a linked bank account through the PayPal app or website. The three methods are a standard transfer (takes one to two business days), an when ready transfer (available when ready, but costs a fee), or a withdrawal to a debit card linked to your account. Which one works for you depends on whether you need the money right away and whether you want to pay a fee.

Before you transfer anything, you need to have a bank account connected to your PayPal account. If you haven't done that yet, you'll add it during the transfer process — PayPal will ask for your routing number and account number, which you can find on a check or by logging into your bank's website.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard transfers move money in one to two business days at no cost, but when ready transfers charge a fee (usually 1% of the amount, with a minimum) and land in your account within minutes.
  • You must have a bank account linked to your PayPal account before you can transfer; PayPal will verify the account by depositing small test amounts.
  • when ready transfers are only available if PayPal has confirmed your identity and your account is in good standing.
  • If you use a debit card instead of a bank account, the money appears as a cash advance, which may trigger fees from your card issuer.

How to link your bank account to PayPal

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

PayPal will ask for 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 log into your bank's website and look for account details. Enter them carefully — a mistake will cause the verification to fail.

After you submit, PayPal deposits two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into your account within one to two business days. Check your bank statement, then return to PayPal and enter those amounts to confirm the account is yours. Once verified, you can transfer money.

Standard transfer: free but slower

A standard transfer takes one to two business days and costs nothing. This is the default option if you're not in a hurry. Open PayPal, go to Wallet, select Transfer money, then choose Transfer to your bank. Enter the amount and confirm.

The money leaves your PayPal balance when ready, but it won't show up in your bank account until the next business day at the earliest. If you transfer on a Friday evening, expect the money Monday or Tuesday. Weekends and bank holidays add time.

If you've never transferred to that bank account before, PayPal may hold the transfer for review, which can add a day or two. This is a fraud check and is normal for new accounts.

when ready transfer: fast but with a fee

An when ready transfer puts money in your account within minutes, but PayPal charges a fee. The fee is usually 1% of the amount you're transferring, with a minimum of $0.25 and a maximum that varies by account type. For a $100 transfer, expect to pay around $1; for $1,000, around $10.

To use when ready transfer, open PayPal, go to Wallet, select Transfer money, then choose when ready transfer. PayPal will show you the fee before you confirm. The money should appear in your bank account within 30 minutes, though it's usually faster.

when ready transfer is only available if PayPal has confirmed your identity (usually by verifying your Social Security number or uploading a government ID) and your account is in good standing. If you see the option grayed out, you may need to complete identity verification first.

Transferring to a debit card instead of a bank account

If you don't want to link a bank account, you can transfer to a debit card. The process is the same — go to Wallet, select Transfer money, and choose your debit card. The money appears as a cash advance, which means your card issuer may charge you a fee (usually 2% to 5% of the amount) and may charge interest when ready, even if you normally have an interest-free grace period.

This option is faster than a standard bank transfer but more expensive than either bank transfer method. Use it only if you don't have a bank account linked and need the money quickly.

What to do if your transfer fails or gets stuck

If a transfer doesn't go through, PayPal usually sends you an email explaining why. Common reasons include a mismatch between the account number you entered and the one PayPal has on file, a closed or frozen account, or a hold placed by your bank.

Check your email first — PayPal often tells you exactly what went wrong. If the reason isn't clear, log into PayPal, go to Activity or Transaction history, find the failed transfer, and click it to see details. If the money was deducted from your PayPal balance but didn't reach your bank, it will be returned to your PayPal account within three to five business days.

If a transfer is taking longer than expected, contact your bank first. Ask them to check whether the transfer arrived under a different name or date than you expected. If your bank confirms they never received it, contact PayPal through the Resolution Center in your account.

Fees and limits on transfers

Standard transfers are free. when ready transfers charge a percentage fee (usually 1%) with a minimum of $0.25. Transfers to a debit card are free from PayPal's side, but your card issuer may charge a cash advance fee.

PayPal doesn't publish a maximum transfer amount, but your bank may have limits on how much you can deposit in a single day or month. Check with your bank if you're transferring a large amount. Some banks flag transfers over a certain threshold for review, which can delay the deposit by a day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a standard transfer actually take?

One to two business days is the standard window, but it can be faster. If you transfer before 7 p.m. ET on a weekday, the money often arrives the next morning. Transfers initiated on weekends or holidays are processed the next business day. Your bank may also add time on their end.

Can I transfer money if my PayPal account is limited or under review?

No. If PayPal has limited your account due to suspicious activity or an unresolved dispute, you won't be able to transfer money out until the issue is resolved. Contact PayPal to find out what's required to lift the limitation.

What happens if I enter the wrong bank account number?

PayPal will reject the transfer before it processes. If you somehow enter a number that belongs to a real account at your bank but isn't yours, the transfer may go through and land in someone else's account. You would then need to contact PayPal and your bank to recover the money, which can take weeks.

Is there a limit to how many transfers I can make per day?

PayPal doesn't publish a specific limit, but if you make many transfers in a short time, your account may be flagged for review. For normal use, you won't hit a practical limit. If you're moving large amounts regularly, contact PayPal to discuss your account.

Do I have to use the same bank account every time I transfer?

No. You can link multiple bank accounts to PayPal and choose which one to transfer to each time. This is useful if you have accounts at different banks or want to move money to a savings account sometimes and a checking account other times.