How to request a payment through PayPal
You can request money from someone through PayPal in two ways: by sending an invoice that they pay, or by using the Money Request feature to ask them directly. The Money Request method is faster for straightforward one-off payments—you send a request, they see it in their PayPal account or email, and they approve it. Invoicing works better when you need a record for business purposes, want to include itemized details, or are asking for payment on a specific date.
Both methods work on PayPal's website and mobile app. The person you're requesting from doesn't need to have a PayPal account yet—they can create one during the payment process, or pay as a guest using a debit or credit card.
Key Takeaways
- Money Request is the quickest way to ask for payment and works for personal transfers or small business payments.
- Invoicing is better when you need itemized details, a formal record, or want to set a due date for the payment.
- The person paying can use their PayPal balance, bank account, debit card, or credit card—they don't need a PayPal account to start.
- Money Request payments typically arrive in your account within one to three business days, depending on the payer's payment method.
- You can cancel or resend a request at any time before the other person accepts it.
Sending a Money Request in the PayPal app or website
Open PayPal on your phone or computer and look for the "Request" button. On the website, it's in the top navigation menu next to "Send". In the app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and select "Request money". Enter the email address or phone number of the person you're requesting from, then enter the amount.
Add a note if you want—this is where you explain what the payment is for. Then review the details and tap "Request" or "Send Request". PayPal will send them a notification right away. They'll see the request in their PayPal account, and if they have notifications turned on, they'll also get an email or text message.
The person you're requesting from can accept the request, decline it, or ignore it. If they accept, the money goes into your PayPal account. You'll get a notification when they pay. If they don't respond within 30 days, you can resend the request or cancel it and try a different method.
Creating and sending an invoice
Invoicing is useful when you need a formal record or want to include multiple items with separate prices. Go to your PayPal account, find the "Tools" or "Invoicing" section (location varies by account type), and select "Create Invoice". Fill in your business name or your name, add the recipient's email address, and enter the invoice number if you want one.
Add line items by entering a description, quantity, and price for each thing you're charging for. You can add a due date, payment terms, and a note at the bottom. PayPal will calculate the total automatically. When you're ready, click "Send Invoice". The recipient will receive an email with a link to view and pay the invoice.
Unlike Money Request, invoices stay in your PayPal account as a record. You can see which invoices have been paid, which are pending, and which are overdue. If the invoice isn't paid by the due date, you can send a reminder.
What happens after you send a request or invoice
Once you send a Money Request or invoice, the other person has several ways to pay. They can log into their PayPal account and accept the request directly. They can click the link in the email and pay as a guest using a debit or credit card. Or they can create a new PayPal account during the payment process if they don't have one yet.
The payment method they choose affects how long it takes to reach your account. If they pay from their PayPal balance, the money arrives within minutes. If they pay from a bank account, it typically takes one to three business days. Credit and debit card payments usually arrive within one business day, though some may take longer depending on your bank.
You'll receive a notification as soon as they complete the payment. The money will show in your PayPal balance, and you can transfer it to your bank account whenever you want.
Canceling or resending a request
If you need to cancel a Money Request before the other person pays, open the request in your PayPal account and look for a "Cancel" or "Delete" button. Once you cancel it, they'll no longer see the request, and no payment will be processed. You can send a new request at any time.
If the person hasn't responded to your request after a few days, you can resend it. Open the original request and select "Resend". They'll get another notification. This is useful if they missed the first one or if you want to remind them the payment is still pending.
For invoices, the process is similar. You can mark an invoice as paid manually if you received the money outside PayPal, or you can send a reminder if payment is overdue.
Fees for requesting money
PayPal does not charge you a fee when someone sends you money in response to a Money Request or invoice. The person paying may see a fee option if they choose to pay with a credit card, but that's their choice—you don't pay anything on your end.
If you're using PayPal for business and the payer sends you money as a "goods and services" payment rather than a personal transfer, PayPal will deduct a small percentage (the rate varies by country and account type) from the amount you receive. This only happens if they specifically choose that payment type, which is less common for Money Requests.
Troubleshooting common issues
If the person says they never received your request, ask for their email address or phone number and verify it's spelled correctly. Requests sometimes land in spam folders, so ask them to check there. You can also resend the request from your PayPal account.
If a payment shows as pending instead of completed, it usually means PayPal is reviewing it for security reasons or the payer's bank is still processing it. Wait one to three business days. If it stays pending longer than that, contact PayPal support with the transaction ID.
If the person wants to pay but doesn't have a PayPal account, they can create one for free during the payment process. They'll need an email address and a valid debit or credit card. If they're having trouble creating an account, they can pay as a guest instead—PayPal will guide them through that option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request money from someone who doesn't have a PayPal account?
Yes. They can create a free account when they see your request, or they can pay as a guest using a debit or credit card. Either way, they'll receive an email or notification with a link to pay.
How long does it take for the money to arrive after someone pays?
If they pay from their PayPal balance, it arrives within minutes. Bank account payments take one to three business days. Debit and credit card payments usually arrive within one business day, though timing depends on your bank.
What's the difference between Money Request and invoicing?
Money Request is simpler and faster for one-time payments. Invoicing is better when you need itemized details, a formal record, or want to set a due date. Both reach the recipient the same way and have no fee to you.
Can I request money from multiple people at once?
No, you have to send separate requests to each person. You can send them all at once, but each request is individual.
What if someone declines my payment request?
You'll get a notification that they declined. You can send them a message through PayPal, try a different payment method, or ask them directly why they declined and whether they want to reschedule.