PayPal transfers to your bank account take one to three business days, depending on your bank and which transfer method you choose
When you transfer money from PayPal to a linked bank account, PayPal initiates the movement on your request, but your bank controls the final deposit. Most transfers arrive within one business day if you use the standard transfer option, which is free. when ready transfers exist but charge a small fee—usually between 1% and 2% of the amount—and land in your account within 30 minutes on weekdays during banking hours.
The speed difference matters if you need the money urgently. A standard transfer requested on a Friday afternoon might not show up until Tuesday morning, because weekends and holidays pause the clock. An when ready transfer on the same Friday will arrive by end of business that day, but you pay for the speed.
Before you can transfer anything, PayPal needs to know your bank account number and routing number. You provide these once, during setup, and PayPal stores them securely. You do not need to re-enter them for each transfer.
Key Takeaways
- Standard transfers are free and take one to three business days; when ready transfers cost 1% to 2% and arrive within 30 minutes on weekdays.
- You must link your bank account to PayPal first by providing your account number and routing number, which PayPal verifies with two small test deposits.
- Transfers initiated on weekends or holidays do not begin processing until the next business day.
- Your bank's processing speed affects arrival time even after PayPal sends the money, so contact your bank if a transfer does not arrive within the stated window.
- PayPal holds some transfers for review if the amount is unusually large or your account is new, which can add one to two business days.
Linking your bank account to PayPal for the first time
Open PayPal on your phone or computer and go to your Wallet. Select "Link a bank account" or "Add a bank account," depending on your device. PayPal will ask for your bank's name, your account number, and your routing number. Your routing number is a nine-digit code specific to your bank's location; you can find it on a check, on your bank's website, or by calling your bank.
After you enter this information, PayPal sends two small deposits—usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each—to your bank account. These deposits appear within two to three business days. Once they arrive, PayPal asks you to confirm the amounts. This verification step proves you own the account and prevents fraud. After you confirm, your bank account is linked and ready for transfers.
If you already have a bank account linked to PayPal, you can skip this step and move directly to initiating a transfer.
How to request a standard transfer
Log into PayPal and navigate to your Wallet. Look for your PayPal balance and select "Transfer money." Choose "Transfer to your bank" from the menu. PayPal will show you the linked bank account ending in the last four digits—confirm this is correct.
Enter the amount you want to transfer. PayPal will display the transfer fee (usually zero for standard transfers) and the expected arrival date. Review these details, then confirm the transfer. PayPal sends the money to your bank when ready, but your bank processes it on its own schedule. Standard transfers typically arrive the next business day, though some banks take up to three business days.
After you confirm, PayPal shows a confirmation number. Save this or take a screenshot—you will need it if you contact PayPal about the transfer later.
How to request an when ready transfer
The process is nearly identical to a standard transfer, except you select "when ready transfer" instead of the standard option. PayPal will show you the fee upfront—usually 1% of the amount transferred, with a minimum fee of around $0.25 and a maximum of around $2. The fee comes out of your PayPal balance, so if you have $100 and transfer $100 when ready, you will pay roughly $1 in fees and your PayPal balance will drop to $0.
when ready transfers work only on weekdays between roughly 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. Eastern Time. If you request an when ready transfer outside these hours or on a weekend, PayPal queues it and processes it the next business day during business hours. The money still arrives within 30 minutes of processing, but the wait to processing begins is not when ready.
Not all banks support when ready transfers. If your bank is not on PayPal's list, the when ready option will not appear as a choice. In that case, you can only use standard transfers.
Why a transfer might be delayed or held
PayPal sometimes holds transfers for review if the amount is unusually large compared to your normal activity, if your account is new, or if PayPal detects unusual behavior. A hold typically lasts one to two business days while PayPal's fraud team investigates. You will see a notification in your PayPal account explaining the hold.
Your bank can also delay a transfer on its end. If your bank's systems are down, if the transfer arrives outside banking hours, or if your bank flags the incoming money as suspicious, the deposit may take longer. This is rare but happens occasionally, especially with smaller or newer banks.
If a transfer does not arrive within the stated window, contact your bank first. Ask them to search for the incoming transfer using the confirmation number PayPal gave you. If your bank has not received it, contact PayPal with the confirmation number and the date you initiated the transfer.
What happens to your PayPal balance after a transfer
When you request a transfer, PayPal deducts the amount from your PayPal balance when ready. If you have a PayPal balance of $500 and transfer $200, your PayPal balance becomes $300 right away, even though the money has not yet arrived at your bank. This means you cannot spend that $200 from PayPal while it is in transit.
If you cancel a transfer before it reaches your bank, PayPal returns the money to your PayPal balance within one business day. Once the money arrives at your bank, you cannot cancel it—it is no longer PayPal's to recall.
Transferring money from a PayPal debit card or credit card balance
If you have a PayPal debit card or if you carry a balance on a PayPal credit card, those are separate from your PayPal balance. You cannot transfer a debit card balance to your bank—the debit card is already linked to your bank account, and you use it to spend money directly. A PayPal credit card balance works differently: you owe PayPal money, so you cannot transfer it anywhere. You must pay down the credit card balance first.
Only your PayPal balance—money you have received from sales, refunds, or transfers from others—can be transferred to your bank account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money from PayPal to a bank account that is not linked yet?
No. You must link the bank account first and complete PayPal's verification process with the two test deposits. This takes two to three business days. After verification is complete, you can transfer to that account when ready.
What if I transfer money but then need to cancel it?
If the transfer has not yet reached your bank, contact PayPal and request a cancellation. PayPal can cancel transfers that are still in progress. Once the money arrives at your bank, PayPal cannot recall it. If you need the money back after it lands in your bank account, you must contact your bank or the person who sent it.
Do I pay taxes on money I transfer from PayPal to my bank?
Transferring money from PayPal to your bank does not create a taxable event by itself. However, the money in your PayPal account may already be taxable income—for example, if it came from selling goods or services. Consult a tax professional about your specific situation.
Why does PayPal show a different amount available than what I can transfer?
PayPal sometimes holds a portion of your balance for pending transactions, disputes, or fraud review. The amount shown as "available" is what you can transfer right now. The rest is temporarily unavailable but will become transferable once PayPal releases the hold.
Can I transfer to a savings account, or does it have to be checking?
You can transfer to either a savings account or a checking account, as long as it is linked to your PayPal account. The process is the same regardless of account type.