How to transfer PayPal money to your bank account
You move money from PayPal to your bank account through PayPal's transfer feature, which takes the balance sitting in your PayPal account and sends it to a linked checking or savings account. The process takes a few clicks in the PayPal app or website, but the money itself takes one to three business days to arrive — it does not happen when ready. PayPal charges no fee for standard transfers to a U.S. bank account, though faster options (if available) cost extra.
Before you can transfer anything, you need to link a bank account to your PayPal account. This means giving PayPal your routing number and account number so the two accounts can talk to each other. PayPal verifies the link by depositing two small amounts (usually under a dollar each) into your bank account, which you then confirm back in PayPal. The whole verification process takes a few days.
Key Takeaways
- You must link a bank account to your PayPal account before you can transfer money, and PayPal verifies the link by depositing two small test amounts.
- Standard transfers from PayPal to your bank account take one to three business days and cost nothing.
- You initiate transfers through the PayPal app or website by selecting your linked bank account and entering the amount you want to move.
- Money transferred on a weekend or holiday will not begin moving until the next business day.
Linking 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 "Accounts" depending on whether you are on mobile or desktop. Look for an option that says "Link a bank account" or "Add a 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 your account at that bank. Both appear on the bottom left of your paper checks if you have them. If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or app — both numbers are usually listed under account details or account information. Some banks also print these numbers on statements.
After you enter this information, PayPal deposits two small amounts into your bank account — usually between 1 and 99 cents each. This takes a few days. Once you see those deposits in your bank account, go back to PayPal and confirm the amounts. PayPal then marks your bank account as verified and you can start transferring money.
Starting a transfer from PayPal to your bank
Once your bank account is linked and verified, open PayPal and go to your wallet or accounts section. Look for a button or link that says "Transfer money" or "Withdraw." Select the linked bank account you want the money to go to. Enter the amount you want to transfer — you can move part of your PayPal balance or all of it. Review the details and confirm.
PayPal will show you when the money should arrive. Standard transfers typically say "1–3 business days." If you see a faster option labeled "when ready" or "next day," that option usually costs a small fee (often around 1 percent of the amount transferred). For most people, the free standard transfer is the right choice unless you need the money urgently.
After you confirm, the transfer is submitted. You can usually see it in your PayPal transaction history right away, but the money has not left PayPal yet — it is scheduled to leave. The actual movement to your bank account begins the next business day if you transferred on a weekday, or the following Monday if you transferred on a weekend or holiday.
What happens while the money is in transit
Once you start a transfer, the money is no longer in your PayPal account, but it is not yet in your bank account either. It is moving through the banking system. During this time, you cannot cancel the transfer or change where it is going. If you made a mistake with the bank account details, you will need to contact PayPal support before the money arrives.
The one to three business days does not include weekends or federal holidays. If you start a transfer on Friday afternoon, the clock does not start until Monday. If you start one on a holiday, it does not start until the next business day. This is why transfers sometimes seem to take longer than expected — the calendar matters.
Checking that the money arrived
Log into your bank account online or through your bank's app and look at your recent deposits. The transfer from PayPal should appear as a deposit from "PayPal" or "PAYPAL" in your transaction list. The amount should match what you transferred. Once you see it there, the money is yours and you can spend it like any other deposit.
If the money does not show up after three business days have passed, log back into PayPal and check the transfer status. PayPal keeps a record of every transfer you have started. If PayPal shows the transfer as complete but your bank does not show the deposit, contact your bank's customer service — sometimes deposits take longer to post to your account even after they have arrived at the bank.
Transfers from PayPal to accounts outside the U.S.
If your bank account is outside the United States, PayPal still allows transfers, but the process is different and usually costs money. PayPal charges a fee for international transfers, and the money takes longer to arrive — sometimes a week or more. The exact fee depends on which country your bank is in.
Before you transfer internationally, check PayPal's current fees for your country. Go to your account settings, find the transfer or withdrawal section, and look for international transfer options. PayPal will show you the fee before you confirm, so you know exactly how much you will pay.
Why a transfer might fail or get delayed
A transfer can fail if your bank account information is wrong, if your bank rejects the deposit for some reason, or if there is a problem with your PayPal account (like a dispute or a hold). PayPal will usually tell you if a transfer failed and why. Check your PayPal transaction history or your email for notifications.
Transfers also get delayed if PayPal flags your account for review — this sometimes happens if you have not used the account in a long time, if you are transferring a very large amount, or if PayPal detects something unusual. If this happens, PayPal will contact you and may ask you to verify your identity. Once you do, the transfer usually goes through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it really take to get money from PayPal to my bank?
Standard transfers take one to three business days. The clock starts the next business day after you request the transfer, so a Friday transfer does not start moving until Monday. Weekends and federal holidays do not count as business days.
Do I have to pay a fee to move money from PayPal to my bank?
No, standard transfers to a U.S. bank account are free. Faster options (when ready or next-day transfers) charge a fee, usually around 1 percent of the amount. International transfers also charge a fee that varies by country.
Can I transfer money from PayPal to someone else's bank account?
No, you can only transfer PayPal money to a bank account that is linked to your own PayPal account. To send money to someone else, use PayPal's "Send money" or "Pay friends" feature instead, which transfers directly from your PayPal balance to theirs.
What if I entered the wrong bank account number when I linked my account?
If you have not started a transfer yet, you can delete the linked account and add the correct one. If you have already started a transfer to the wrong account, contact PayPal support when ready — they may be able to stop it before it reaches the wrong bank.
Why is my transfer still not showing up after three days?
Check PayPal to confirm the transfer shows as complete. If it does, contact your bank — the money may have arrived but not posted to your account yet. If PayPal shows the transfer as pending or failed, contact PayPal support for help.