The fastest way is a standard transfer, which takes one to three business days and costs nothing
PayPal lets you move money to a linked bank account in three ways: a standard transfer (free, one to three business days), an when ready transfer (fee charged, arrives in minutes), or a withdrawal to a debit card (free, one business day). Most people use the standard transfer because it is free and fast enough for everyday needs. The when ready transfer costs between 1.5% and 2% of the amount you send, so it only makes sense when you need the money urgently.
Before you can move any money, you must link a bank account to your PayPal account and confirm it. PayPal will deposit two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into that account, and you have to enter those amounts back into PayPal to prove you own the account. This takes a few days but only happens once.
Once your bank account is confirmed, moving money is straightforward: log into PayPal, go to your Wallet, select your bank account, and choose how much to transfer and which method to use. The money lands in your bank account under the name you registered with PayPal, so make sure that name matches your bank records.
Key Takeaways
- Standard transfers are free and take one to three business days; when ready transfers cost 1.5% to 2% but arrive in minutes.
- You must link and confirm your bank account before any transfer can happen, which involves PayPal depositing two small test amounts that you verify.
- The name on your PayPal account must match the name on your bank account, or the transfer may be rejected or delayed.
- Transfers only work from your PayPal balance to a linked bank account; you cannot transfer directly from a credit card or PayPal Credit.
How to link your bank account to PayPal
Go to your PayPal account settings and select "Wallet" or "Banks and Cards." Click "Link a Bank Account" and enter your routing number and account number. You can find both on a check, or log into your bank's website to see them. PayPal will ask whether the account is checking or savings; choose the correct one.
Within one to two business days, PayPal deposits two amounts (usually between 1 and 99 cents each) into your bank account. Log back into PayPal, go to the bank account section, and enter those two amounts exactly as they appear. Once you confirm them, your account is linked and ready to use.
If you do not see the deposits after three business days, check that you entered your routing and account numbers correctly. If they are wrong, delete the account from PayPal and start over. Do not try to guess the amounts; PayPal will lock you out after a few wrong attempts.
Standard transfers versus when ready transfers
A standard transfer is free and takes one to three business days. PayPal processes it when ready, but your bank takes time to receive and post it. Weekends and bank holidays add extra days. Use this method when you are not in a rush and want to avoid fees.
An when ready transfer arrives in minutes but costs money. The fee is 1.5% of the amount for most users, though some accounts pay 2%. On a $100 transfer, you would pay $1.50 to $2.00. when ready transfers only work to a linked debit card, not a savings account. Use this method only when you need cash when ready—for an emergency or a time-sensitive purchase.
PayPal also offers transfers to a debit card, which are free and take about one business day. This is a middle ground: faster than standard transfers, free like them, but only available if you have linked a debit card instead of a bank account. Some people link both so they can choose based on their situation.
What to do if a transfer fails or is delayed
If your transfer does not arrive within the stated timeframe, first check your PayPal transaction history to confirm the transfer was actually sent. Look for the transaction, click on it, and note the date and amount. Then log into your bank account and search your recent deposits for anything from PayPal. Sometimes the money arrives under a name like "PayPal Transfer" rather than your own name.
If the money is not in your bank account after the expected time, contact PayPal directly through your account. Go to "Resolution Center," select "Contact Us," and describe the missing transfer. Include the transaction ID from PayPal and the date you sent it. PayPal usually responds within 24 to 48 hours.
Common reasons for delays include a mismatch between the name on your PayPal account and your bank account, an incorrect routing or account number, or a bank processing delay (especially if the transfer crossed a weekend). If your bank account name is different from your PayPal name—for example, you use a nickname on PayPal but your legal name on your bank account—the transfer may be rejected. Contact your bank to ask whether they received and rejected the transfer, then update your PayPal name to match.
Limits on how much you can transfer
PayPal does not publish a single transfer limit that applies to everyone. Your limit depends on your account age, transaction history, and whether PayPal has confirmed your identity. New accounts usually have lower limits—sometimes as low as $500 per transfer. Older accounts with a clean history may transfer thousands.
To find your limit, go to your PayPal Wallet, select your bank account, and attempt to transfer money. PayPal will show you the maximum amount you can send in a single transfer. If you need to move more than that, you can make multiple transfers, but PayPal may also have a daily or monthly cap.
If you hit your limit and need to transfer more, wait a few days and try again. Limits sometimes reset daily or weekly. If you consistently need to move large amounts, contact PayPal to ask whether your limit can be raised based on your account history.
Transfers from PayPal Credit and credit cards do not work the same way
If your PayPal balance came from PayPal Credit (a line of credit PayPal offers), you cannot transfer it directly to your bank account. PayPal Credit is a loan, not money you own outright. You must pay it back to PayPal first, and only then can you transfer any remaining balance.
Similarly, if you funded your PayPal account with a credit card, that money sits in your PayPal balance but cannot be transferred to a bank account until you have held it for a certain period. PayPal holds credit card deposits for up to 21 days before allowing transfers. This is a fraud prevention measure. If you need the money sooner, use an when ready transfer to a debit card, which may have a shorter hold time.
To check what type of balance you have and whether it is available to transfer, go to your Wallet and look at the breakdown of your balance. PayPal labels holds and restrictions clearly, so you will know if your money is locked.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a standard transfer really take?
PayPal processes it the same day, but your bank takes one to three business days to receive and post it. If you send it on a Friday afternoon, your bank may not process it until Tuesday. Weekends and holidays do not count as business days.
Can I transfer to someone else's bank account?
No. Transfers only go to a bank account registered under your own name. If you want to send money to someone else, use PayPal's "Send Money" feature, which transfers from your PayPal balance to their PayPal account or email address, not to their bank.
What happens if I enter the wrong bank account number?
PayPal will reject the transfer, and the money returns to your PayPal balance within a few business days. You will not lose the money, but the transfer will fail. Always double-check your routing and account numbers before confirming.
Is there a fee for standard transfers?
No. Standard transfers are completely free. You only pay a fee if you choose an when ready transfer, which costs 1.5% to 2% of the amount.
Can I cancel a transfer after I send it?
It depends on the type. For a standard transfer, you have a short window (usually a few hours) to cancel before PayPal processes it. For an when ready transfer, you cannot cancel because it has already reached your bank. Check your transaction details in PayPal to see if a "Cancel" button is available.