You can transfer money from PayPal to a linked bank account in one to three business days
PayPal lets you move money out to a bank account you've already connected to your PayPal account. The process takes a few minutes on your end, but the actual transfer takes time — usually one to three business days depending on your bank. You won't pay a fee for a standard transfer, though PayPal offers a faster option that costs money if you need the funds sooner.
Before you start, you need two things: a PayPal account with money in it, and a bank account you've already linked to that PayPal account. If you haven't linked a bank account yet, you'll do that first — it takes a few minutes and requires your account number and routing number.
Key Takeaways
- Standard transfers from PayPal to your bank account are free and take one to three business days.
- You must link your bank account to PayPal before you can transfer money, which requires your account and routing numbers.
- PayPal offers an when ready transfer option for a fee, usually around 1.5% of the amount you're sending.
- The transfer goes directly to your bank account — you don't receive a check or need to do anything else once you start the transfer.
How to link your bank account to PayPal
If this is your first time transferring money out, you'll need to add your bank account to PayPal. Log into your PayPal account on a computer or the PayPal app. Look for "Wallet" or "Settings" — the exact location depends on whether you're on the website or app, but both have a section for linked accounts.
Click "Link a bank account" or the plus sign next to "Bank accounts." PayPal will ask for your bank's name, your account number, and your routing number. Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank; you can find it on a check, in your bank's app, or by calling your bank. Your account number is on your checks or in your online banking.
After you enter this information, PayPal will make two small deposits to your bank account — usually 25 cents each — within a few business days. Once those deposits arrive, you'll go back into PayPal and confirm the amounts to prove you own the account. After that, the account is linked and ready to use.
The steps to transfer money to your bank account
Once your bank account is linked, transferring money is straightforward. Log into PayPal and go to your Wallet. You'll see your PayPal balance and a list of linked accounts below it.
Click "Transfer money" or the option to move funds. PayPal will show you the linked bank accounts you can send to. Select the one you want, then enter the amount you want to transfer. PayPal will show you the transfer speed options: standard (free, one to three business days) or when ready (a fee, usually around 1.5% of the amount). Choose which one you want, review the details, and click to confirm.
That's it. PayPal will show you a confirmation number. The money will leave your PayPal account right away, but it won't show up in your bank account until the transfer completes — one to three days for standard, or within minutes for when ready transfer.
What happens if your bank account isn't linked yet
If you try to transfer money and your bank account isn't linked, PayPal will stop you and ask you to add one. You'll go through the linking process described above, which means waiting for those two small deposits to arrive and confirming them. This adds several days to your timeline.
To avoid this delay, link your bank account as soon as you create your PayPal account, even if you don't plan to transfer money right away. It takes five minutes and removes a barrier later.
Standard transfer versus when ready transfer
PayPal's standard transfer is free. Your money arrives in one to three business days. This timing depends on your bank — some process transfers faster than others, and weekends and holidays add time. If you transfer money on a Friday evening, it might not arrive until Tuesday or Wednesday.
when ready transfer costs money — PayPal charges a percentage of the amount you're sending, usually around 1.5%, though this can vary. The money arrives within minutes. Use when ready transfer only if you need the money right away and the fee is worth it to you. For most situations, standard transfer is the better choice.
Why the transfer might take longer than expected
Even though PayPal says one to three business days, your transfer might take longer. Weekends and bank holidays don't count as business days, so a transfer started on Friday might not arrive until Wednesday. Some banks also process transfers in batches at certain times of day, which can add another day.
If your transfer hasn't arrived after three business days, log into PayPal and check the status. PayPal shows you where your transfer is in the process. If something went wrong — like a mismatched account number — PayPal will tell you and ask you to fix it. If the transfer is still in progress, wait another day or two before contacting PayPal support.
What to do if the transfer fails
A transfer can fail for a few reasons: a wrong account number, a closed bank account, or a bank that won't accept the transfer for some reason. PayPal will notify you if this happens and usually return the money to your PayPal account within a few business days.
Check that your bank account number and routing number are correct in PayPal. If they're wrong, delete the account and add it again with the correct information. If your bank account is closed or you've moved banks, remove the old account and link the new one. Once you've fixed the problem, you can try the transfer again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money to someone else's bank account?
No. PayPal transfers go only to a bank account linked to your own PayPal account. If you want to send money to someone else, use PayPal's "Send money" feature to send it to their PayPal account or email address, or use a different service like Venmo or a wire transfer through your bank.
Is there a limit to how much I can transfer?
Yes, but the limit depends on your PayPal account history and how long you've had the account. New accounts usually have lower limits. Log into PayPal and check your transfer limit in Settings. If you hit your limit, you can request an increase, though PayPal may ask you to wait or provide more information about your account.
What if I change my mind after starting a transfer?
If the transfer hasn't completed yet, you may be able to cancel it. Log into PayPal, find the transfer in your activity or transaction history, and look for a cancel option. Once the transfer reaches your bank, it's too late to cancel through PayPal — you'll need to contact your bank instead.
Do I need to do anything on my bank's side?
No. The transfer happens automatically once you start it in PayPal. Your bank receives it and deposits it to your account. You don't need to log into your bank account or take any action there.
Why does PayPal charge a fee for when ready transfer but not standard?
when ready transfer costs PayPal more money to process — they have to move the funds faster through the banking system. Standard transfer uses the regular banking process, which is cheaper. PayPal passes the cost of when ready transfer to you as a fee, and keeps standard transfer free to make it an attractive option.