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 the bank account you've linked — usually within one to three business days, though the exact timing depends on your bank. You don't need to pay a fee for this transfer if you're moving money you already have in your PayPal balance.
The process is straightforward once your bank account is connected to PayPal. If you haven't linked a bank account yet, that's the first step, and it takes a few minutes. PayPal will verify the account by depositing two small test amounts (usually under a dollar each) into your bank, which you'll need to confirm back in PayPal — this verification step can take a few days.
Key Takeaways
- You must link your bank account to PayPal before you can transfer money, which involves confirming two small test deposits PayPal sends to your bank.
- Transfers from PayPal to a linked bank account are free and typically arrive within one to three business days.
- You can only transfer money that is actually in your PayPal balance — if you received a payment as a credit or hold, you may need to wait for it to clear first.
- PayPal's transfer speed varies slightly by bank, so checking your specific bank's processing time can help you plan when the money will arrive.
Linking your bank account to PayPal for the first time
Before you can transfer money out, PayPal needs to confirm that the bank account is actually yours. Start by logging into your PayPal account on a computer or the PayPal app. Go to Settings (usually a gear icon), then select Wallet or Bank Accounts. Choose "Link a Bank Account" and enter your bank's routing number, your account number, and the account type (checking or savings).
After you enter this information, PayPal will send two small deposits to your bank — typically between 1 and 99 cents each. These deposits appear in your bank account within a few business days. Once you see them, go back into PayPal, find the verification section, and enter the exact amounts of those two deposits. This confirms to PayPal that you control the account.
If you're not sure where to find your routing number and account number, they're printed at the bottom of your checks, or you can call your bank and ask. Some banks also show this information in their online banking portal or mobile app.
How to request a transfer once your account is linked
Once your bank account is verified, transferring money is straightforward. Log into PayPal, tap or click on your Wallet (or Balance, depending on which version you're using). You should see your PayPal balance displayed. Look for a button that says "Transfer Money" or "Withdraw" — the exact wording varies slightly between the app and website.
Click that button and select the bank account you want to transfer to. Enter the amount you want to move — you can transfer any amount up to your full PayPal balance. Review the details to make sure the bank account is correct, then confirm the transfer. PayPal will show you a confirmation number and tell you when you can expect the money to arrive.
Keep that confirmation number. If the money doesn't show up in your bank account by the date PayPal promised, you can use that number to contact PayPal support and ask them to investigate.
Why your transfer might be delayed or stuck
Most transfers arrive within one to three business days, but several things can slow this down. If you transferred money on a Friday evening or over a weekend, the transfer won't start processing until Monday — banks don't process transfers on weekends or holidays. If your bank is smaller or regional, it may take longer to receive the transfer than a large national bank would.
Sometimes PayPal puts a hold on your balance if you're a new account, if you received a large payment, or if PayPal's fraud system flagged something unusual. In these cases, you won't be able to transfer the money until the hold lifts — PayPal will tell you how long the hold lasts. You can still see the money in your account; you just can't move it yet.
If you received money as a credit or promotional offer rather than a real payment, that money may have restrictions on it. Check your transaction history to see what type of payment it was. Some credits can only be used to pay for things on PayPal and cannot be transferred to your bank.
Transfers that cost money and when you might pay a fee
Standard transfers to a linked bank account are always free. However, PayPal offers a faster option called "when ready Transfer" that moves money to your bank within 30 minutes instead of one to three days — this service costs between 1 and 2 percent of the amount you transfer, depending on your bank.
You don't have to use when ready Transfer. The free standard transfer works fine if you can wait a few days. when ready Transfer is useful only if you need the money urgently and are willing to pay the fee. When you request a transfer, PayPal will show you both options and the exact fee before you confirm.
If you transfer to a debit card instead of a bank account, that also costs money — usually around 1.5 percent. Stick with a linked bank account if you want to avoid fees.
What to do if your bank account won't link
If PayPal rejects your bank account information, the most common reason is a typo in the routing number or account number. Double-check both numbers against your checks or your bank's website and try again. Make sure you've selected the correct account type — if you have both checking and savings, pick the right one.
If PayPal says your bank isn't supported, this is rare but does happen with some very small credit unions or banks. In that case, you can try linking a debit card instead, though that will charge a fee for transfers. You can also contact PayPal support to ask if there's another way to connect your specific bank.
If you've entered everything correctly and PayPal still won't accept it, contact your bank directly and ask if they've blocked PayPal transfers. Some banks require you to call and authorize PayPal before it can link to your account. Once your bank approves it, try linking again in PayPal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it really take for money to show up in my bank account?
PayPal says one to three business days, and that's usually accurate. The exact timing depends on your specific bank — some process transfers faster than others. Transfers requested on weekends or holidays won't start until the next business day. If it's been more than three business days, contact PayPal with your confirmation number.
Can I transfer money if my PayPal balance is on hold?
No. If PayPal has placed a hold on your balance, you cannot transfer it until the hold is lifted. PayPal will tell you the reason for the hold and when it will be removed. You can still see the money in your account — you just can't move it yet.
What if I linked the wrong bank account by mistake?
You can unlink it and add the correct one. Go to Settings, find your linked bank accounts, and remove the wrong one. Then add the correct account and go through the verification process again with the two test deposits. Once verified, you can transfer to the correct account.
Do I have to transfer all my money at once?
No. You can transfer any amount up to your full balance, and you can make multiple transfers. If you have $500 in PayPal, you could transfer $100 now and $400 later — there's no limit on how many transfers you make, as long as you have the balance to cover them.
What happens if I transfer money and then change my mind?
Once you confirm a transfer, you cannot cancel it. The money is on its way to your bank. If you made a mistake — like transferring to the wrong account — contact PayPal support right away with your confirmation number. They may be able to help, but the sooner you reach out, the better your chances.