The basic process: link a funding source, enter the recipient, and confirm

To send money through PayPal, you log in to your account, choose who you're sending to, pick how you're funding the payment, and confirm. The whole process takes about two minutes if your account is already set up. PayPal accepts payments from a linked bank account, debit card, credit card, or your PayPal balance — whichever you choose at the moment you send.

The recipient doesn't need to be a PayPal user. You can send money to anyone with an email address or phone number, and they'll receive a notification asking them to claim it. If they don't have a PayPal account, they can create one to receive the funds, or in some cases PayPal will deposit the money directly to their bank account.

Key Takeaways

  • You can send money from your PayPal balance, a linked bank account, debit card, or credit card — each option may have different fees and processing times.
  • The recipient needs either a PayPal account, an email address, or a phone number; they do not need to be a PayPal user to receive your payment.
  • Payments to friends and family in the US are free when you use your PayPal balance or a linked bank account, but credit and debit cards incur a fee.
  • Standard transfers to a bank account take one to three business days; when ready transfers to a debit card cost a small fee but arrive within minutes.
  • PayPal holds some payments for review if the transaction looks unusual, which can delay the recipient's access by up to 21 days.

Step 1: Log in and navigate to send money

Open PayPal on the web or in the app and sign in with your email and password. On the web version, look for a "Send & Request" button near the top of the page. In the mobile app, tap the icon that looks like a paper airplane or the "Send Money" option in the menu.

If you don't have a PayPal account yet, you'll need to create one first. This takes about five minutes and requires an email address, password, and either a phone number or a linked bank account or card to verify your identity.

Step 2: Enter the recipient and the amount

Type in the recipient's email address, phone number, or PayPal username. PayPal will show you a preview of who you're sending to — make sure the name matches the person you intend to pay. Then enter the dollar amount you want to send.

If you're sending money internationally, PayPal will show you the exchange rate and any fees that explore. Fees for international transfers vary depending on the country and the funding method you choose. The recipient will receive the money in their local currency.

Step 3: Choose your funding source and note the fee

PayPal will ask you how you want to fund the payment. Your options depend on what you've linked to your account. If you're sending to a friend or family member in the US, PayPal lets you send for free from your PayPal balance or a linked bank account. Credit cards and debit cards incur a fee — usually 2.2% of the amount plus $0.30 for domestic transfers, though this varies.

If you're sending money as a payment for goods or services, the fees are higher: 2.2% plus $0.30 for domestic payments, and higher percentages for international transfers. PayPal shows you the exact fee before you confirm, so you'll know the total cost.

Step 4: Review and confirm the payment

PayPal displays a summary of the payment: who it's going to, how much, any fees, and when the recipient should expect it. Read this carefully — once you confirm, the payment is sent and cannot be reversed unless the recipient agrees to refund you. Click "Send" or "Send Money Now" to complete the transaction.

You'll see a confirmation screen with a reference number. Save this number in case you need to look up the transaction later. PayPal also sends a receipt to your email address.

How long the money takes to arrive

If you send from your PayPal balance or a linked bank account to someone with a PayPal account, the money arrives when ready. If the recipient doesn't have a PayPal account, they'll receive a notification and have 30 days to claim the funds; once they do, it takes one to three business days to reach their bank account.

Bank transfers from your linked account to the recipient's bank account (if you choose that option) take one to three business days. If you want the money to arrive faster, PayPal offers when ready transfers to a debit card for a fee of $0.25 to $2.00 depending on the amount.

PayPal sometimes holds payments for review if the transaction looks unusual — for example, if you're sending a large amount, sending to a new recipient, or your account shows other signs of risk. These holds can last up to 21 days, during which the recipient cannot access the money. You'll receive a notification if this happens.

What to do if the payment fails or gets stuck

If PayPal declines your payment, you'll see an error message explaining why — usually because your funding source has insufficient funds, the card is expired, or the recipient's information is invalid. Fix the issue and try again with a different funding method if needed.

If the payment went through but the recipient says they haven't received it, check the transaction in your PayPal activity. If it shows as sent, ask the recipient to check their email for a PayPal notification. If it's been more than three business days and the money still hasn't arrived, contact PayPal support with your transaction reference number.

If you sent money to the wrong person, you can cancel the payment if they haven't claimed it yet. Open the transaction in your activity, click "Cancel," and the money returns to your account. If they've already claimed it, your only option is to ask them to refund you — PayPal cannot force a refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send money to someone without a PayPal account?

Yes. They'll receive an email or text notification with a link to claim the money. They can create a PayPal account to receive it, or in some cases PayPal will deposit it directly to their bank account. They have 30 days to claim the funds before the money returns to you.

What's the difference between sending to friends and family versus goods and services?

Sending to friends and family is free from your PayPal balance or bank account and is meant for personal transfers. Sending as payment for goods or services incurs a higher fee and is meant for business transactions. Choose the correct category — PayPal may reverse a payment if you misuse the category.

Is there a limit to how much I can send?

PayPal limits depend on your account age, history, and verification status. New accounts typically have lower limits, which increase over time. You can check your sending limit in your account settings. If you hit the limit, you can request an increase, though approval is not may provide.

What happens if I send money to the wrong email address?

If the recipient hasn't claimed the payment yet, you can cancel it from your activity and the money returns to your account. If they've already claimed it, you'll need to ask them to refund you. PayPal cannot reverse a payment once it's been claimed.

Do I pay fees if I use my PayPal balance?

No. Sending from your PayPal balance to a friend or family member in the US is free. If you're sending as payment for goods or services, there is a fee even if you use your balance. International transfers from your balance also incur a fee.