Yes, you can send money from PayPal to a bank account outside the US, but the method and cost depend on which country you're sending to

PayPal offers a service called PayPal Transfer (formerly called PayPal Money Transfer) that lets you move funds directly to a bank account in over 200 countries and territories. The money goes to the recipient's bank, not to their PayPal account. You initiate the transfer from your PayPal account, and the recipient receives it in their local currency.

The catch is that not all countries are supported, fees vary widely by destination, and the time it takes to arrive depends on the banking system in that country. Some transfers land in one to two business days; others take a week or longer. You need the recipient's full bank details — account number, routing or SWIFT code, and the bank's address — before you start.

PayPal also offers a second route: PayPal Wallet transfers to recipients who have their own PayPal account in their country. This is usually faster and cheaper, but only works if the other person has set up PayPal locally.

Key Takeaways

  • PayPal Transfer sends money directly to a bank account and works to over 200 countries, but fees and speed vary by destination.
  • You must provide the recipient's full bank details including account number, SWIFT or routing code, and bank address before the transfer starts.
  • Sending to a PayPal account in the recipient's country is usually faster and cheaper than sending to their bank account.
  • Exchange rates are set by PayPal at the time of transfer, and you pay a flat fee plus a percentage of the amount sent.
  • Check PayPal's list of supported countries before you start, because some nations are excluded or have restrictions.

How to send money to a bank account using PayPal Transfer

Log into your PayPal account and go to the Send Money tab. Select "Send money to friends and family" or "Pay for goods or services" depending on the reason — the process is the same. Enter the recipient's email address or phone number if they have a PayPal account, or choose "Send to a bank account" if they don't.

If you choose the bank account route, you'll enter the recipient's name, country, and bank details. PayPal will ask for the account number, the bank's SWIFT code (or routing number if it's a US bank receiving the transfer), and sometimes the bank's address. Double-check every digit — a wrong account number means the money goes to the wrong person or bounces back.

Enter the amount in your home currency. PayPal shows you the exchange rate and the total fee before you confirm. Review both carefully. Then authorize the payment using your PayPal balance, linked bank account, or debit card. The transfer processes immediately, but the money may take several days to show up in the recipient's bank account.

Fees and exchange rates for international transfers

PayPal charges a flat fee plus a percentage of the amount you send. The flat fee ranges from about $0.99 to $4.99 depending on the destination country and the amount. The percentage typically runs from 1.5% to 4.99% of the transfer amount. Some countries have fixed fees instead of percentages.

The exchange rate PayPal uses is their own rate, not the mid-market rate you'd see on a currency converter. This means PayPal's rate includes a markup — sometimes 2% to 3% above the real rate. You see the exact rate and fee before you confirm, so you can decide whether to proceed or try a different service.

Sending to a PayPal account in the recipient's country is cheaper. If both of you have PayPal accounts, the fee is usually just 1% to 2% with no flat fee, and the money arrives in minutes or hours instead of days.

Countries where PayPal Transfer does and does not work

PayPal supports transfers to banks in most developed countries and many developing ones, including Canada, the UK, Australia, Mexico, India, Brazil, and most of Europe. However, some countries are excluded entirely due to sanctions, banking restrictions, or PayPal's own policies. These include Iran, Syria, North Korea, and Cuba, among others.

Even if a country is supported, there may be limits on how much you can send or restrictions on who can receive it. Some countries require the recipient to have a local bank account in their own name, not a joint account or business account. Check PayPal's current list of supported countries before you gather the recipient's bank details, because the list changes and you don't want to collect information for a transfer that won't go through.

How long it takes for the money to arrive

PayPal processes the transfer on your end within minutes. The money leaves your account immediately. But the time it takes to reach the recipient's bank account depends on the banking system in that country.

Transfers to countries with modern, integrated banking systems — like Canada, the UK, Australia, and most of Western Europe — usually arrive in one to two business days. Transfers to countries with slower banking infrastructure may take three to seven business days or longer. Some banks in developing countries process international transfers only once or twice a week, which adds delay.

PayPal gives you an estimated delivery date when you confirm the transfer. If the money doesn't arrive by that date, contact PayPal support with the transfer reference number. They can check the status with the recipient's bank.

What to do if the transfer fails or goes to the wrong account

If you enter the wrong account number or bank details, the transfer may bounce back to your PayPal account. This can take one to two weeks. PayPal will notify you when the money returns, and it will be available in your account again.

If the recipient's bank rejects the transfer for a reason other than wrong details — for example, because the account is closed or the bank doesn't accept international transfers — PayPal will also send the money back. Again, this takes time, and you'll see a notification in your PayPal transaction history.

If you need to cancel a transfer before it's processed, contact PayPal support immediately. Once the money has left PayPal's system and entered the banking network, you usually cannot cancel it, and you'll have to wait for it to bounce back or work with the recipient's bank to retrieve it.

Alternatives to PayPal for sending money internationally

Other services that send money to bank accounts include Wise (formerly TransferWise), OFX, and MoneyGram. Wise is often cheaper than PayPal for large amounts because it uses the real mid-market exchange rate with a small markup, and the fee is transparent upfront. OFX is similar and works well for regular transfers. MoneyGram is slower but covers more countries.

If the recipient has a PayPal account in their country, sending to their PayPal account is usually the fastest and cheapest option, regardless of which service you use. PayPal to PayPal transfers within the same country are nearly instant and cost very little.

For very large amounts or regular transfers, a wire transfer through your own bank may be cheaper than PayPal, though it's slower and requires more paperwork. Ask your bank for a quote before you decide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need the recipient to have a PayPal account to send them money?

No. You can send money directly to their bank account without them having PayPal. They just need to provide their bank details. However, if they do have a PayPal account in their country, sending to that account is faster and cheaper.

What information do I need from the recipient before I start?

You need their full name, the country where their bank is located, their account number, and their bank's SWIFT code (or routing number for US banks). Some banks also ask for the bank's address. Ask the recipient to confirm all details with their bank before they give them to you.

Can I send money to a business account or joint account?

Some countries allow it and some don't. PayPal's system will tell you whether the account type is supported when you enter the details. If it's not supported, you'll need to use a different service or ask the recipient to provide a personal account instead.

What happens if PayPal's exchange rate is worse than the rate I see online?

PayPal's rate includes their markup, so it will always be slightly worse than the mid-market rate. You see the exact rate before you confirm, so you can decide whether it's acceptable or try a different service. Wise and OFX often offer better rates for large transfers.

Can I send money from a debit card or do I need a bank account linked to PayPal?

You can use a debit card, a linked bank account, or your PayPal balance. PayPal will ask which payment method you want to use when you confirm the transfer. Using a debit card may trigger additional fees depending on your card issuer.