The fastest way is a standard transfer, which takes one to three business days and costs nothing

PayPal lets you move money to a linked bank account in two ways: a standard transfer that arrives in one to three business days at no cost, or an when ready transfer that arrives within 30 minutes for a small fee (usually 1% of the amount, with a minimum of 25 cents). Most people use the standard transfer because the wait is short and there is no charge. Both routes require that your bank account is already linked to your PayPal account and verified.

The standard transfer is the default option when you go to withdraw money. You choose the amount, confirm your bank account, and PayPal sends it. The money lands in your checking or savings account just like a regular deposit. when ready transfer works the same way but costs money and is useful only if you need the cash within the hour.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard transfers are free and take one to three business days; when ready transfers cost 1% of the amount and arrive within 30 minutes.
  • Your bank account must be linked to PayPal and verified before you can withdraw any money.
  • You initiate the transfer from the Wallet section of the PayPal app or website, not from your bank's side.
  • Weekends and bank holidays can delay standard transfers by a day or two, so plan ahead if you need the money by a specific date.

How to link your bank account to PayPal

If you have not yet connected a bank account, you need to do that first. Open PayPal on the web or app, go to Wallet, and select Link a Bank Account. PayPal will ask for your routing number and account number, which you can find on a check or by logging into your bank's website. You can also give PayPal permission to log into your bank directly, which is faster and reduces typing errors.

After you enter the information, PayPal verifies the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under a dollar each) into your bank account. This takes a few days. Once the deposits appear in your bank account, you go back to PayPal and confirm the two amounts. After that, your account is verified and you can transfer money whenever you want.

Steps to transfer money using the PayPal website

Log into PayPal.com and click Wallet at the top of the page. You will see your PayPal balance and any linked bank accounts. Click Transfer Money, then select Transfer to Your Bank. Choose the bank account you want the money to go to (if you have more than one linked), enter the amount, and select either Standard Transfer or when ready Transfer.

Review the details—the amount, the receiving bank account, and the arrival date—then click Transfer. PayPal will show a confirmation number. Save or screenshot this number in case you need to look up the transfer later. The money is now in motion and you cannot cancel it once you confirm, so double-check the amount and account before you tap the final button.

Steps to transfer money using the PayPal app

Open the PayPal app and tap the Wallet icon at the bottom. You will see your balance and linked accounts. Tap Transfer Money, then Transfer to Your Bank. Select your bank account, enter the amount, and choose Standard or when ready. Review the details and tap Transfer to confirm.

The app works the same way as the website and shows the same confirmation number. If you use the app, you can set up notifications so PayPal alerts you when the transfer arrives in your bank account. This is useful if you are waiting for the money and want to know the moment it lands.

What happens if the transfer fails or takes longer than expected

Standard transfers usually arrive in one to three business days, but delays happen. Weekends do not count as business days, so a transfer you start on Friday afternoon may not arrive until Tuesday. Bank holidays also pause the clock. If your transfer has not arrived after five business days, log into PayPal, go to Activity, and find the transfer in your history. Click it to see the status and any error messages.

Common reasons for delays include a mismatch between the name on your PayPal account and the name on your bank account, a closed or inactive bank account, or a routing number that does not match your bank. If PayPal shows an error, contact your bank to confirm the account is active and the routing number is correct. Then try the transfer again. If the problem persists, PayPal's Resolution Center can help trace the money.

Fees and limits on transfers

Standard transfers are free. when ready transfers cost 1% of the amount you send, with a minimum fee of 25 cents. So transferring $100 when ready costs $1, and transferring $20 when ready costs 25 cents. PayPal does not publish a maximum transfer amount, but your bank may have its own daily or monthly limits on incoming transfers. Check your bank's website or call them if you are moving a large sum.

If you transfer money frequently, the when ready transfer fee adds up. For example, ten $100 when ready transfers cost $10 in fees, while ten standard transfers cost nothing. Use when ready transfer only when you truly need the money within the hour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer money to someone else's bank account?

No. PayPal transfers only go to a bank account in your own name that is linked to your PayPal account. To send money to another person, use PayPal's Send Money feature instead, which lets you transfer to their email address or phone number.

What if my bank account is not verified yet?

You cannot transfer money until PayPal confirms your bank account. Wait for the two small deposits to arrive (usually three to five business days), then log into PayPal and enter the amounts to complete verification. After that, transfers are available when ready.

Can I cancel a transfer after I confirm it?

No. Once you confirm a transfer, it cannot be stopped. Standard transfers take one to three days to arrive, so you have a small window to contact PayPal if you made a mistake, but there is no may provide they can reverse it. Always review the amount and account before you confirm.

Why does my transfer show as pending for more than three days?

Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days, so a transfer started on Friday may not arrive until Tuesday. If five business days have passed, check PayPal's Activity section for error messages. If the status is unclear, contact PayPal support with your confirmation number and the date you initiated the transfer.

Is there a limit to how much I can transfer at once?

PayPal does not publish a specific limit, but your bank may restrict how much money it accepts in a single deposit. Contact your bank if you are transferring more than a few thousand dollars and want to confirm they will accept it.