PayPal transfers to your bank account in one to three business days, depending on your account type and the transfer method you choose

PayPal holds your money in a digital wallet until you move it somewhere else. To get that money into your actual bank account, you initiate a transfer from PayPal to the bank, not the other way around. The process takes a few minutes to set up, but the money itself moves on a schedule that depends on whether you have a standard PayPal account or PayPal Cash or Cash Plus.

The fastest option — when ready Transfer — moves money to your linked debit card in minutes, but costs a small fee (usually 1.5% of the amount, with a minimum of 25 cents). The free option takes one to three business days and moves to your linked bank account. Both require you to have already linked a bank account or debit card to your PayPal account before you start.

Key Takeaways

  • PayPal when ready Transfer sends money to a linked debit card in minutes for a 1.5% fee; the free transfer takes one to three business days to reach your bank account.
  • You must link a bank account or debit card to your PayPal account before you can transfer money out, which takes a few minutes and requires your routing and account numbers.
  • Transfers initiated on weekends or after 11 p.m. ET on weekdays are processed the next business day, so timing matters if you need the money quickly.
  • PayPal holds transfers for up to 24 hours if it detects unusual activity, so transfers may not move when ready even if you choose when ready Transfer.

Link your bank account or debit card first

PayPal cannot send money anywhere until you tell it where to send it. Log into your PayPal account on the website or app, go to Wallet, then select Link a bank account or Link a debit card. PayPal will ask for your bank's routing number, your account number, and the account type (checking or savings).

If you are linking a debit card instead, you will need the card number, expiration date, and CVV. PayPal verifies the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into your bank account over one to two business days. You then confirm those amounts in your PayPal account to prove you own the account. This verification step is required only once per bank account.

If you already have a bank account or debit card linked to PayPal from a previous transfer or purchase, you can skip this step and move directly to initiating the transfer.

Choose between when ready Transfer and standard transfer

Once your bank account or debit card is linked, go to your PayPal Wallet and select Transfer money. PayPal will show you two options: when ready Transfer and Transfer to your bank.

when ready Transfer sends money to a linked debit card in minutes. The fee is 1.5% of the amount you transfer, with a minimum of 25 cents and a maximum of $25 per transfer. So transferring $100 costs $1.50; transferring $1,000 costs $15. This option is useful if you need the money the same day, but the fee adds up if you transfer frequently.

Transfer to your bank is free and moves money to your linked bank account in one to three business days. The exact timing depends on your bank and when you initiate the transfer. Transfers started before 11 p.m. ET on a weekday are processed that day; transfers started after 11 p.m. ET or anytime on a weekend are processed the next business day. Your bank then takes an additional one to two business days to post the money to your account.

Enter the amount and confirm the transfer

After you choose your transfer method, PayPal asks you to enter the amount you want to transfer. You can transfer any amount from your PayPal balance, as long as you have that much available. PayPal will show you the destination (the last four digits of your debit card or bank account) and the expected arrival date.

Review the details carefully. Once you confirm, the transfer is locked in — you cannot cancel it after that point, though you can contact PayPal support if something goes wrong. For when ready Transfers, the money usually appears in your debit card account within minutes. For standard transfers, check your bank account after the expected arrival date passes; if the money has not arrived after three business days, contact PayPal support with your transfer confirmation number.

What happens if PayPal flags your transfer

PayPal monitors transfers for signs of fraud or unusual activity. If your transfer looks suspicious — for example, if you are transferring a much larger amount than usual, or to a newly linked account — PayPal may hold the transfer for up to 24 hours while it reviews it. You will see a notification in your account that the transfer is pending review.

During this hold, the money stays in your PayPal balance and has not left yet. PayPal usually clears the hold within a few hours, but it can take up to 24 hours. You cannot cancel a transfer that is under review; you have to wait for PayPal to release it. If PayPal denies the transfer, the money returns to your PayPal balance when ready.

Transfers from PayPal Cash and PayPal Cash Plus accounts

If you have a PayPal Cash or PayPal Cash Plus account (rather than a standard PayPal account), you have the same two transfer options, but the timing and fees may differ slightly. PayPal Cash Plus holders get one free when ready Transfer per month; additional when ready Transfers cost 1.5%. Standard transfers remain free and take one to three business days for both account types.

The main difference is that Cash and Cash Plus accounts come with a debit card, so you can withdraw money at ATMs or spend it directly without transferring to a bank account first. If you do choose to transfer to a bank account, the process is identical to a standard PayPal account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer money from PayPal to someone else's bank account?

No. PayPal transfers only go to a bank account or debit card linked to your own PayPal account. To send money to another person, use PayPal's Send money feature, which transfers directly to their PayPal account or linked bank account if they have one. That person controls where their own money goes after it arrives.

Why is my transfer taking longer than three business days?

If you initiated a standard transfer more than three business days ago and the money has not arrived, your bank may be processing it slowly, or PayPal may have held it for review. Check your PayPal transaction history to see the status. If it shows "completed" but your bank account does not show the deposit, contact your bank — the money is on its way to them. If PayPal shows "pending" or "in review", contact PayPal support.

What if I linked the wrong bank account?

If you have not yet initiated the transfer, unlink the incorrect account from your Wallet and link the correct one instead. If you have already transferred money to the wrong account, contact PayPal support when ready with your transfer confirmation number. PayPal cannot reverse transfers, but support can investigate and may be able to help if the account belongs to you.

Do I pay taxes on money I transfer from PayPal to my bank account?

Transferring your own money from PayPal to your bank account is not a taxable event. However, the money you earned or received in PayPal in the first place may be taxable depending on how you got it. If you received payment for goods or services, that income is taxable. If you transferred money from your own bank account to PayPal and are now transferring it back, that is not taxable.