Yes, you can transfer money from PayPal to a bank account, but the method depends on whether you own the account
PayPal lets you move money to a bank account you control through a feature called a standard transfer. The money goes directly from your PayPal balance to your checking or savings account. This is different from paying someone else's bank account — you cannot use PayPal to send money directly into another person's bank account the way you might send it to their email address or phone number.
If you want to send money to someone else's bank account, you have two options: use PayPal's transfer to bank feature if they have set up that receiving method in their PayPal account, or use a different payment method altogether, such as a wire transfer or ACH payment through your own bank.
Key Takeaways
- Standard transfers from PayPal to your own bank account take one to three business days and cost nothing if you choose the free option.
- Instant transfers to your own bank account are available immediately but charge a fee of 1.5% of the amount, with a minimum of 25 cents.
- You cannot send money directly from PayPal into someone else's bank account unless they have PayPal set up to receive transfers that way.
- Your bank account must be verified in PayPal before you can transfer money out, which requires confirming two small deposits PayPal sends to that account.
How to link and verify a bank account in PayPal
Before you can move money out of PayPal, you need to add a bank account and confirm you own it. Go to your PayPal account settings, select Wallet, then choose Link a bank account. Enter your routing number and account number — you can find both on a check or by logging into your bank's website.
PayPal will send two small deposits (usually between 1 and 3 cents each) to that account within one to two business days. Once they arrive, log back into PayPal, go to your bank account settings, and enter the exact amounts of those two deposits. This confirms you control the account. After verification, you can transfer money out immediately.
Standard transfers versus instant transfers
A standard transfer is free and takes one to three business days. The money leaves your PayPal account right away, but your bank may not show it for up to three days depending on how they process incoming transfers. This is the slowest option but costs nothing.
An instant transfer puts money into your bank account within 30 minutes, but PayPal charges 1.5% of the amount you transfer, with a minimum fee of 25 cents. If you transfer $100, the fee is $1.50. If you transfer $10, the fee is still 25 cents. Instant transfers are available only if you have linked a debit card to your PayPal account in addition to your bank account.
What happens if you try to send money to someone else's bank account
PayPal does not have a direct "send to bank account" option for other people the way it does for your own account. If you try to send money to another person, PayPal will ask you to choose a receiving method — usually their email address, phone number, or PayPal account. If they have set up their PayPal account to receive transfers to their linked bank account, you can send the money through PayPal and they will receive it in their bank.
If the person does not have PayPal or has not linked a bank account there, you will need to use a different method. Your own bank can send an ACH transfer or wire transfer directly to their account if you have their routing number and account number. ACH transfers are cheaper (often free) but take one to three business days. Wire transfers arrive the same day but cost $15 to $50 depending on your bank.
Timing and what to expect when money leaves PayPal
When you request a standard transfer, PayPal removes the money from your balance immediately and marks the transfer as pending. Your bank receives the transfer within one to three business days, though many banks post it within 24 hours. Weekends and holidays can add time — a transfer requested on Friday evening may not show up until Tuesday.
Instant transfers show up in your bank account within 30 minutes on business days. If you request an instant transfer after 11 p.m. Eastern time or on a weekend, it will process the next business day. Some banks may take an extra few hours to display the money even after PayPal sends it, so check your bank's app rather than calling to confirm.
Fees, limits, and what can go wrong
Standard transfers have no fee. Instant transfers cost 1.5% with a 25-cent minimum. PayPal does not charge a fee to receive money into your account, only to send it out as an instant transfer.
There are no daily or monthly limits on how much you can transfer to your own bank account, but your PayPal balance cannot exceed what you have received. If you have $500 in your PayPal account, you can transfer all $500. If a transfer fails — usually because the bank account information was entered wrong or the account was closed — PayPal will return the money to your PayPal balance within one to three business days and send you a notification explaining why.
If your bank rejects the transfer for a reason like insufficient account information or a closed account, contact your bank first to confirm the account is active and the routing number is correct. Then try the transfer again. If it fails a second time, call PayPal's support line or use the Resolution Center in your account to report the issue.
Sending money to someone else without PayPal
If the person you want to pay does not use PayPal, your bank is usually the fastest and cheapest route. Log into your bank's website or app, select Send Money or Transfers, and choose Send to Another Bank or External Transfer. You will need the recipient's full name, routing number, account number, and account type (checking or savings).
ACH transfers through your bank are free or cost $1 to $3 and take one to three business days. Wire transfers cost $15 to $50 and arrive the same day. Some banks also offer services like Zelle or Venmo, which are free and instant if both people have the service, but they work only between individuals, not to business accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for money to show up in my bank account after I transfer from PayPal?
Standard transfers take one to three business days. Instant transfers take up to 30 minutes on business days. Your bank may display the money a few hours after PayPal sends it, so check your bank's app for the most current balance. Transfers requested after 11 p.m. Eastern or on weekends will process the next business day.
Can I transfer money from PayPal to someone else's bank account directly?
No, not directly. You can send money through PayPal to their email or phone number, and if they have a PayPal account with a linked bank account set to receive transfers, the money will go there. Otherwise, use your own bank to send an ACH transfer or wire transfer to their account — you will need their routing and account numbers.
What if my bank account is not verified yet?
You cannot transfer money out until verification is complete. After you link your account, PayPal sends two small deposits. Once they arrive (one to two business days), log back into PayPal and confirm the amounts. After that, transfers are available immediately.
Is there a limit to how much I can transfer from PayPal to my bank?
No daily or monthly limit exists for transfers to your own bank account. You can transfer your entire PayPal balance at once. The only limit is the amount of money you actually have in your PayPal account.
Why did my transfer fail?
The most common reasons are a wrong routing number, a closed account, or a typo in the account number. Check your bank statement or your bank's website to confirm both numbers are correct. If they are, contact your bank to make sure the account is active. Then try the transfer again. If it fails twice, contact PayPal support through the Resolution Center in your account.