Yes, you can transfer money from PayPal to an international bank account, but the process and fees depend on which country you're sending to and what type of PayPal account you hold.
PayPal supports transfers to bank accounts in over 200 countries and territories, but not all routes work the same way. Some countries have direct transfer options with lower fees; others require you to withdraw to a local bank first, then move the money yourself. The speed, cost, and available methods change based on where the receiving bank is located.
Before you start, you'll need the recipient's full bank details: account holder name, account number, routing or SWIFT code, and the bank's address. PayPal will ask for all of this before processing any transfer.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal can send money directly to bank accounts in most countries, but fees and speed vary widely by destination.
- You must add the international bank account to your PayPal wallet first, and PayPal will verify it with a small test deposit before you can transfer larger amounts.
- Standard international transfers typically take 3 to 5 business days, though some countries are faster and others slower.
- Fees for international transfers usually range from $2 to $5 USD plus a currency conversion fee if the receiving account is in a different currency than your PayPal balance.
- Some countries have restrictions or do not accept PayPal transfers at all, so you should check PayPal's list of supported destinations before setting up the account.
How to add an international bank account to PayPal
Log into your PayPal account and go to Wallet, then select Link a Bank Account. PayPal will ask you to choose the country where the bank is located, then enter the account holder's name, account number, and the bank's routing or SWIFT code. For most countries outside the US, you'll need the SWIFT code rather than a routing number—your bank can provide this, or you can find it on your bank's website.
After you submit the details, PayPal sends two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to the bank account. You'll need to log back into PayPal within 30 days and confirm the exact amounts of those deposits. This verification step protects both you and PayPal by confirming you actually own the account. Once verified, you can transfer money to that account.
If you're adding an account in a currency different from your PayPal balance, PayPal will convert the money at its current exchange rate when you transfer. This conversion fee is built into the rate PayPal shows you before you confirm the transfer.
Fees and exchange rates for international transfers
PayPal charges a fixed fee for international transfers, which varies by destination country. Most transfers cost between $2 and $5 USD. Some countries have higher fees—up to $7.50 in a few cases—and a small number of destinations have lower fees or no fee at all. PayPal displays the exact fee before you confirm any transfer, so you'll know the total cost before your money leaves.
On top of the fixed fee, if you're converting currency, PayPal applies an exchange rate that includes a markup. This markup is not a separate line item; it's built into the rate itself. The actual markup percentage varies and is not published by PayPal, but it typically ranges from 2% to 3% above the mid-market rate. If you're sending a large amount, that difference adds up.
To see the exact fee and exchange rate for your specific transfer, enter the amount in PayPal's transfer screen before you confirm. The fee and converted amount will display there.
How long international transfers take
Standard transfers to most countries take 3 to 5 business days from the moment you confirm the transfer. Some destinations are faster—transfers to Canada, the UK, and parts of Europe sometimes arrive in 1 to 2 business days. Other countries are slower; transfers to some Asian and African nations can take 7 to 10 business days or longer.
The timeline starts when PayPal processes your transfer, not when you initiate it. If you transfer on a Friday evening, the clock typically starts Monday morning. Weekends and bank holidays in either the sending or receiving country can add days to the total.
PayPal does not offer a faster or expedited transfer option for international bank transfers. If speed is critical, you may want to explore other services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) or your bank's own international transfer service, though those have their own fees and timelines.
Countries where PayPal transfers are restricted or unavailable
PayPal does not support transfers to bank accounts in every country. Some nations have regulatory restrictions that prevent PayPal from operating there; others have sanctions or compliance issues. PayPal maintains a list of supported countries on its website, organized by region.
If your destination country is not on that list, you cannot transfer directly from PayPal to a bank account there. In some cases, you may be able to withdraw to a PayPal Cash card or use PayPal's local partner services, but these options are limited and not available everywhere.
Before you set up a transfer, check PayPal's supported countries list for your destination. If the country is not listed, contact PayPal support to confirm whether any workaround exists for your situation.
What to do if your transfer fails or is delayed
If a transfer fails, PayPal usually returns the money to your PayPal balance within 5 to 10 business days. Common reasons for failure include an incorrect account number, a mismatched account holder name, or a bank that does not accept PayPal transfers. PayPal will send you a notification explaining why the transfer was rejected.
If a transfer is delayed beyond the expected timeline, log into your PayPal account and check the transaction history. The status will show whether PayPal has sent it, whether it's in transit, or whether there's a problem. If it's been more than 10 business days and the status still shows "pending," contact PayPal support with your transaction ID and the receiving bank's details.
When you contact PayPal, have the following information ready: the transaction ID, the exact amount transferred, the date of transfer, the receiving bank's name and country, and the account number (last four digits only for security). PayPal support can then trace the transfer through the banking system and determine where it is.
Alternatives to PayPal for international transfers
If PayPal's fees or timeline don't work for your situation, other services offer different rates and speeds. Wise specializes in international transfers and often has lower fees and better exchange rates than PayPal, especially for larger amounts. Your own bank may also offer international transfers, though these are often slower and more expensive than third-party services.
Money transfer services like OFX, Remitly, and MoneyGram focus on specific corridors (routes between countries) and may offer better rates if your destination is one of their main markets. Compare the total cost—fixed fee plus exchange rate markup—across a few services before you decide. For small amounts under $100, the difference in fees may be minimal, but for larger transfers, shopping around can save you significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a business account to transfer money internationally?
No. Both personal and business PayPal accounts can transfer money to international bank accounts. The process is the same, and the fees are the same. Your account type does not change the available options or costs.
Can I transfer money to someone else's bank account, or only my own?
You can transfer to any bank account, not just your own. You'll need the account holder's name, account number, and the bank's SWIFT code. PayPal does not require you to prove ownership of the account before the first transfer, but the receiving bank may reject the transfer if the account holder name does not match the account on file.
What happens if the currency in my PayPal account doesn't match the receiving bank's currency?
PayPal converts the money at its current exchange rate, which includes a markup. The converted amount and the exchange rate used will display on your screen before you confirm the transfer. You cannot lock in an exchange rate in advance; the rate is set at the moment you initiate the transfer.
Can I cancel a transfer after I've sent it?
If the transfer has not yet been processed by the receiving bank, you may be able to cancel it within a few hours. Log into your PayPal account, find the transaction, and look for a cancel option. Once the receiving bank has accepted the transfer, you cannot cancel it through PayPal. At that point, you would need to contact the receiving bank or ask the account holder to return the funds.
Is there a limit to how much I can transfer internationally?
PayPal sets limits based on your account history, verification status, and the destination country. New accounts typically have lower limits than established accounts. Check your account settings under Limits to see your current transfer limit. If you need to transfer more than your limit allows, you can request an increase, though PayPal may require additional verification.