PayPal transfers to your bank account take one to three business days and cost nothing if you use the standard transfer method
The fastest way to move money from PayPal to your bank is through the Transfer to Your Bank feature in the PayPal app or website. You link your bank account once, then initiate transfers whenever you need them. Standard transfers (one to three business days) are free. when ready transfers (available to most users) arrive within 30 minutes but charge a small fee, usually between $0.25 and $2.00 depending on the amount.
Before you can transfer anything, PayPal requires you to confirm your bank account by verifying two small deposits PayPal sends to it—a process that takes three to five business days. Once that's done, you can transfer money when ready, though the money itself won't land in your account until the transfer window closes.
Key Takeaways
- Standard transfers from PayPal to your bank are free and take one to three business days; when ready transfers cost $0.25 to $2.00 and arrive within 30 minutes.
- You must verify your bank account with PayPal first by confirming two small test deposits, which takes three to five business days.
- The transfer window closes at 5 p.m. ET on business days, so transfers initiated after that time start processing the next day.
- If your transfer doesn't arrive within the stated timeframe, contact your bank first—delays often happen on the receiving end, not PayPal's.
How to link 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 Settings depending on whether you're on mobile or desktop. Look for Link a Bank Account or Add Bank Account. Enter your routing number and account number—you'll find both on a check or by logging into your bank's website.
PayPal will send two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to your bank account within three to five business days. Check your bank statement for the exact amounts, then return to PayPal and enter those amounts to confirm the account. Until you complete this verification step, you cannot transfer money out.
If you don't see the deposits after five business days, contact your bank to confirm the account number and routing number are correct. If they are, contact PayPal support—occasionally deposits fail to post on the bank's end.
Initiating a standard transfer
Once your bank account is verified, go to Wallet in PayPal and select Transfer Money. Choose Transfer to Your Bank. Enter the amount you want to move and confirm the bank account where it should land. PayPal will show you the arrival date—usually one to three business days out.
The transfer processes when ready on PayPal's side, but the money leaves your PayPal balance right away. If you initiate the transfer before 5 p.m. ET on a business day, it enters the queue that day. Transfers started after 5 p.m. ET or on weekends begin processing the next business day.
You'll receive a confirmation email with a reference number. Save this number—if the transfer doesn't arrive, you'll need it to track the money with your bank.
When to use when ready transfer instead
when ready transfers cost money but arrive within 30 minutes instead of one to three days. The fee is usually $0.25 for transfers under $10, $1.50 for transfers between $10 and $200, and $2.00 for transfers over $200. Not all PayPal accounts have when ready transfer turned on—you'll see the option only if it's available to you.
when ready transfer makes sense if you need the money urgently and the fee is worth it to you. For routine transfers where timing isn't critical, standard transfer saves you money and costs nothing.
when ready transfers still depend on your bank's processing speed on the receiving end. Some banks post transfers within minutes; others take up to 30 minutes. If the money doesn't show up within an hour, contact your bank to confirm it arrived on their end.
What to do if your transfer doesn't arrive on time
First, check your PayPal transaction history to confirm the transfer was sent. Look for the reference number and the stated arrival date. If PayPal shows the transfer as complete but your bank doesn't show it, the delay is on your bank's side, not PayPal's.
Contact your bank's customer service with the PayPal reference number and the date you initiated the transfer. Ask them to search for a pending deposit from PayPal or ACH transfer matching that reference number. Banks sometimes hold transfers for fraud review, especially if the receiving account is new or the amount is unusually large.
If your bank confirms they never received the transfer, or if more than three business days have passed for a standard transfer, contact PayPal support through the Resolution Center. Have your reference number, the amount, and the date ready. PayPal can investigate whether the transfer failed on their end and reissue it if needed.
Fees and limits on transfers
Standard transfers to your bank are free with no limit on how much you can move at once. when ready transfers charge the fee structure listed above. Some PayPal accounts have daily or monthly transfer limits—you'll see these in your account settings under Limits. If you hit a limit, you can request an increase, though PayPal may require additional verification.
If you're transferring a large amount for the first time, your bank may flag it as unusual activity and hold it for review. This isn't PayPal's doing—it's your bank's fraud prevention. The hold usually lifts within one business day once your bank confirms the transfer is legitimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money from PayPal to someone else's bank account?
No. PayPal transfers go only to the bank account linked to your own PayPal account. To send money to someone else, use PayPal's Send Money feature to transfer directly to their PayPal account or email address, or use a service like Venmo or Square Cash.
What if I don't have a bank account?
You can request a PayPal Cash Card, a debit card linked to your PayPal balance. You can withdraw cash at ATMs or use it to make purchases. This isn't a transfer to a bank account, but it lets you access your PayPal money without one.
Why is my transfer taking longer than three business days?
Check your bank's website or call them directly—most delays happen on the receiving end, not PayPal's. Your bank may be holding the transfer for review, or there may be a processing backlog. If your bank confirms they haven't received it after three business days, contact PayPal with your reference number.
Can I cancel a transfer after I've started it?
Standard transfers usually cannot be cancelled once initiated because they process when ready. when ready transfers also cannot be cancelled. If you made a mistake, contact PayPal support right away with your reference number—they may be able to stop it before it reaches your bank, but there's no may provide.
Do I pay taxes on money I transfer from PayPal to my bank?
Transferring your own money from PayPal to your bank is not a taxable event. However, the money you earned through PayPal (sales, payments, etc.) may be taxable depending on your situation. Keep records of all PayPal transactions for tax purposes.