You cannot transfer money directly from Venmo to PayPal without a bank account, debit card, or prepaid card linked to one of them

Both Venmo and PayPal require you to connect to a real bank account, debit card, or prepaid card before they will move money out to you. There is no way around this — the apps themselves cannot send money to each other. What you can do instead is move your Venmo balance to a debit card or prepaid card, then link that card to PayPal.

The reason both apps require this connection is legal. Money transfer services have to verify where your money is actually going, and they do that by connecting to a real financial account in your name. A digital wallet sitting inside an app does not count as a place to send money — it is just a holding space.

Key Takeaways

  • Venmo and PayPal cannot send money directly to each other; both require a bank account, debit card, or prepaid card to move money out.
  • You can transfer your Venmo balance to a debit card or prepaid card, then add that card to PayPal as a payment method.
  • If you have a prepaid card like a Visa or Mastercard, you can link it to both Venmo and PayPal to move money between them.
  • The whole process takes a few business days because banks and card companies process transfers on their own schedule, not when ready.

How to move Venmo money to a debit or prepaid card

Open the Venmo app and go to your balance. Tap the three dots or menu icon, then look for "Transfer to Bank" or "Cash Out." Venmo will ask you to choose a debit card or prepaid card to send the money to. If you do not have a card linked yet, you can add one here by entering the card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit code on the back).

Venmo charges a fee for this transfer — usually 1% of the amount you are moving, with a minimum fee of around 25 cents. The money typically arrives in one to three business days. Once it lands on your card, that money is no longer in Venmo; it is now on the card itself.

Linking a debit or prepaid card to PayPal

Once your money is on the card, open PayPal and go to your wallet or settings. Look for "Add a card" or "Link a card." Enter the same card number, expiration date, and CVV you used with Venmo. PayPal will verify the card by sending a small deposit (usually a few cents) to the card, then asking you to confirm the amount.

After the card is linked, you can use it to send money from PayPal, or you can transfer money from the card into your PayPal balance. If you want the money to sit in PayPal rather than on the card, go to your wallet and look for "Transfer Money" or "Add Funds," then select the card as your source.

Using a prepaid card as a bridge between the two apps

If you plan to move money between Venmo and PayPal regularly, a prepaid card can work as a permanent bridge. Cards like Visa Prepaid, Mastercard Prepaid, or cards from services like Chime, GoBank, or NetSpend can be linked to both apps at the same time.

The process works like this: transfer money from Venmo to the prepaid card, then link that same card to PayPal and transfer the money into your PayPal balance. You are not moving money between the apps directly — you are using the card as an intermediary. Each transfer takes a few business days and may have a small fee from Venmo, though PayPal does not usually charge to add funds from a linked card.

What happens if you do not have any card at all

If you have no bank account and no debit or prepaid card, you cannot move money out of Venmo or PayPal through the apps themselves. Your options are limited but real.

You can open a prepaid card account at a retailer like Walmart, Target, or a grocery store. These cards cost between $0 and $10 to open and do not require a bank account or credit check. Once you have the card number, you can link it to Venmo and transfer your balance to it. From there, you can link the card to PayPal or straightforward use the card to spend the money directly.

Another option is to visit a Venmo or PayPal partner location in person. Some Walmart stores, for example, let you cash out a Venmo or PayPal balance at the customer service desk. This is faster than waiting for a transfer, but you will need to bring ID and the transaction may have a fee.

Fees and timing to expect

Venmo charges 1% (minimum 25 cents) to transfer your balance to a debit or prepaid card. PayPal does not charge to add funds from a linked card, but the card issuer (your bank or prepaid card company) might charge a small fee for receiving the transfer — usually nothing, but check your card's terms to be sure.

Timing depends on the card company and the banks involved. Most transfers take one to three business days. Weekends and holidays can add time. If you transfer on a Friday evening, the money may not arrive until Tuesday or Wednesday. Prepaid cards sometimes process faster than traditional bank accounts, but not always.

Why you cannot skip the bank account or card step

Federal law requires money transfer services to know where your money is actually going. An app balance is not a legal destination for money — it is just a record inside the company's computer. To move money out, it has to go somewhere real: a bank account, a debit card, or a prepaid card tied to your name.

This is also how the services protect themselves and you from fraud. If someone steals your Venmo password, the thief cannot drain your balance directly to another app — they would have to connect a real card or bank account first, which creates a paper trail and gives you time to notice and stop it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send money from Venmo to PayPal if I link both to the same bank account?

No. Linking both apps to the same bank account does not create a connection between them. Each app controls its own transfers. You would still have to move money from Venmo to the bank account, then from the bank account to PayPal — and that takes multiple transfers and multiple days.

Is there a faster way to move the money?

If you have a prepaid card, that is usually the fastest route because prepaid cards often process transfers in one business day instead of three. Some Walmart locations also let you cash out Venmo or PayPal balances in person, which is when ready but may have a higher fee.

What if I transfer money to a card but then lose the card?

Once money lands on a debit or prepaid card, it belongs to the card, not to Venmo. If you lose the card, contact the card issuer (the bank or prepaid card company) when ready. They can freeze the card and issue a replacement, and your money stays safe in the account.

Do I have to transfer all my Venmo balance at once?

No. You can transfer as much or as little as you want, as many times as you want. Each transfer has its own fee, so moving small amounts frequently costs more than moving one large amount, but there is no rule against it.

Can I use a gift card instead of a debit card?

Most gift cards (like Amazon or Target gift cards) cannot be linked to Venmo or PayPal because they are not connected to a bank account or card network. Visa or Mastercard gift cards sometimes work if they are reloadable and have a card number, but single-use gift cards will not work. A prepaid debit card is your best option.