The basic steps to transfer PayPal money to your bank
To move money from PayPal to your bank account, you log into PayPal, go to your Wallet, select your bank account, and request a transfer. PayPal then sends the money to that account over one to three business days. You need a bank account linked to PayPal first — this takes a few minutes and requires your account number and routing number.
The process is free if you choose the standard transfer speed. PayPal also offers an when ready transfer option that costs a small percentage of the amount you send, usually between 1% and 2%, with a minimum fee of around 25 cents. Most people use the free standard transfer unless they need the money the same day.
PayPal holds some transfers for a day or two before releasing them, especially if you are new to the account or transferring a large amount. This is a security check and is normal. Your bank may also take an extra day to process the deposit once PayPal sends it.
Key Takeaways
- Standard transfers from PayPal to your bank account are free and take one to three business days.
- You must link a bank account to PayPal first by providing your account number and routing number.
- when ready transfers cost between 1% and 2% of the amount but arrive the same day.
- PayPal may hold transfers for security reasons, especially on new accounts or large amounts.
- Weekends and bank holidays can add extra days to how long the transfer takes.
How to link your bank account to PayPal
Before you can transfer money out, you need to connect a bank account. Open PayPal on a computer or phone, go to Settings (the gear icon), and select Wallet. Click "Link a bank account" and enter your bank's name. PayPal will ask for your account number and routing number — you can find both on a check or by logging into your bank's website.
PayPal will then make two small test deposits to your account, usually within one to two business days. These deposits are typically less than a dollar each. Once they arrive, you go back to PayPal and confirm the amounts to prove you own the account. After that, your bank account is linked and ready to use.
Some banks connect when ready through a find login instead of test deposits. If your bank is on PayPal's list of when ready-connect banks, you can skip the waiting period by logging into your bank account directly from PayPal.
Requesting a standard transfer
Once your bank account is linked, go to your PayPal Wallet and look for the section showing your balance. Click "Transfer money" or "Withdraw" — the exact wording depends on whether you are on a phone or computer. Select your linked bank account from the list.
Enter the amount you want to send. PayPal will show you the transfer speed (usually one to three business days for free transfers) and confirm the bank account the money is going to. Review the details, then click to confirm. You will see a confirmation number — save this in case you need to check on the transfer later.
The money leaves your PayPal account right away, but it does not arrive at your bank when ready. Check your bank account after one to three business days. If the transfer does not show up after four business days, contact PayPal support with your confirmation number.
When to use when ready transfer instead
PayPal's when ready transfer option sends money to your bank the same day, usually within 30 minutes. The cost is a percentage of the amount you transfer — typically 1% to 2% — with a minimum fee. If you are transferring $100, you might pay $1 to $2. If you are transferring $20, you might pay 25 cents (the minimum).
when ready transfer makes sense if you need cash urgently and the fee is worth it to you. It also makes sense if you are transferring a small amount and the percentage fee is capped at the minimum. For everyday transfers where you can wait a few days, the free standard transfer is the better choice.
Not all banks support when ready transfer. When you select your bank account, PayPal will tell you whether when ready transfer is available for that account. If it is not, you can only use standard transfer.
Why PayPal might hold your transfer
PayPal sometimes delays a transfer for one to two days as a security check. This is more likely if your account is new, if you are transferring a large amount, or if the transfer is unusual for your account. You will see a message in your Wallet saying the transfer is pending and when it should complete.
A hold does not mean something is wrong. It means PayPal is checking that the transfer is legitimate before sending the money to your bank. Once the hold period ends, the transfer goes through automatically. You do not need to do anything.
If PayPal cancels a transfer instead of just delaying it, you will see a message explaining why. Common reasons include a problem with your bank account information or a security concern. Contact PayPal support to find out what happened and how to fix it.
What happens after the money reaches your bank
Once PayPal sends the transfer, your bank takes over. Most banks deposit the money within one business day of receiving it from PayPal. Some banks take two days. The money will show up in your account as a deposit from PayPal or from the PayPal transfer service.
If you transferred on a Friday, the money might not arrive until Tuesday because banks do not process transfers over weekends. If you transferred on a holiday, add an extra day. Check your bank's website or app to see the transfer status — your bank can tell you exactly when it arrived.
Once the money is in your bank account, it is yours to use like any other deposit. You can withdraw it, spend it with your debit card, or transfer it elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money from PayPal to someone else's bank account?
No. PayPal transfers only go to a bank account that is linked to your own PayPal account. If you want to send money to someone else, use PayPal's "Send money" feature to pay them directly through PayPal, or have them give you their bank details and use a separate service like a wire transfer or ACH transfer through your bank.
What if I do not have a bank account yet?
You cannot transfer from PayPal without a linked bank account. If you do not have one, you can open a basic checking account at most banks or credit unions with just an ID and a small deposit. Some online banks have no minimum deposit. Once your account is open and you have your account number and routing number, you can link it to PayPal.
Is there a limit to how much I can transfer at once?
PayPal sets limits based on your account age and history. New accounts may have lower limits, usually a few hundred dollars per transfer. As your account gets older and you make more transfers, your limits increase. You can check your limit in your PayPal settings under Wallet. If you hit your limit, you can transfer again the next day.
What if my bank account information changes?
Go to your PayPal Wallet, find the linked bank account, and click to edit it. You can update your account number or routing number if your bank changed them. If you switched banks entirely, unlink the old account and link the new one using the same process as the first time.
Can I cancel a transfer after I request it?
If the transfer is still pending (not yet sent to your bank), you can cancel it from your Wallet. Once PayPal has sent it to your bank, you cannot cancel it through PayPal. Contact your bank to see if they can reverse it, though this is not always possible. This is why it is important to double-check the amount and bank account before confirming.