PayPal can transfer money to a bank account outside the United States, but the process, speed, and cost depend on which country you're sending to and what type of PayPal account you have.

PayPal offers a service called PayPal Transfers (sometimes called a withdrawal or payout) that lets you move money from your PayPal balance to a bank account in another country. Not every country is supported, and the fees and delivery times vary widely. Some transfers arrive in one to two business days; others take a week or longer. You'll pay a flat fee, a percentage fee, or both, depending on the destination country.

The fastest and cheapest route is usually a local bank transfer to a bank account in your own name in the destination country. If you don't have a local account, PayPal also offers international wire transfers, though these are slower and more expensive. A third option—available in some countries—is to transfer to a PayPal account in another country, then withdraw from there, but this adds steps and fees.

Key Takeaways

  • PayPal supports bank transfers to over 190 countries, but not all countries are treated equally—some have faster delivery and lower fees than others.
  • A transfer to a local bank account in your destination country typically costs less and arrives faster than an international wire transfer.
  • Fees range from a flat amount (like $2 USD) to a percentage of the transfer (like 2%), depending on the country and transfer method you choose.
  • You must verify your identity and bank account details with PayPal before you can withdraw money, and this verification can take several days.
  • Some countries have restrictions on how much you can transfer at once or per month, and PayPal may hold or review transfers flagged as high-risk.

Which countries PayPal can send to, and how fast

PayPal maintains a list of supported countries on its website, organized by transfer method. The most common method is a standard bank transfer, which is available to over 190 countries but with different timelines and fees for each. For example, transfers to Canada, the UK, and most of Western Europe typically arrive in one to two business days and cost $2 to $5 USD. Transfers to India, Brazil, Mexico, and the Philippines may take three to five business days and cost 2% to 3% of the amount transferred.

Some countries are not supported at all. PayPal does not currently offer transfers to Iran, Syria, North Korea, or a small number of other nations under international sanctions. If your destination country is not on PayPal's supported list, you will not be able to withdraw directly to a bank account there. In that case, you would need to find an alternative service or transfer the money to someone else's PayPal account in a supported country.

PayPal also offers express transfers in select countries—usually the UK, Canada, and some European nations—which arrive the same day or next business day but cost more. Check PayPal's withdrawal page for your specific country to see which methods are available and what the current fees and timelines are.

How to set up a bank account for withdrawal

Before you can transfer money to a bank account, you must add that account to your PayPal profile and verify it. Log into your PayPal account, go to Wallet (or Money on mobile), and select Link a bank account. Enter your bank's name, your account number, and your routing number or SWIFT code—the format depends on your country. PayPal will ask you to confirm the account is in your name.

After you add the account, PayPal will send two small deposits (usually under $1 USD each) to your bank account. This typically takes three to five business days. Once the deposits arrive, you must log back into PayPal and confirm the exact amounts of both deposits. This step proves you own the account and can receive money there. Until you complete this verification, you cannot withdraw to that account.

If your bank account is in a different country than your PayPal account, PayPal may ask for additional documents—such as a copy of your passport, a utility bill, or a bank statement showing your name and address. This is part of PayPal's anti-fraud process and is more common for accounts that have not been active for long or that are transferring large amounts.

Fees and exchange rates for international transfers

PayPal charges two separate costs for international transfers: a transfer fee and an exchange rate markup. The transfer fee is what PayPal charges to move the money; the exchange rate markup is the difference between the real market rate and the rate PayPal gives you.

Transfer fees vary by destination country and are usually listed as either a flat amount or a percentage. A transfer to Canada might cost $2 USD flat. A transfer to India might cost 2% of the amount you send. Some countries have both—for example, a $1 flat fee plus 1.5% of the transfer. PayPal shows you the exact fee before you confirm the transfer, so you can see the total cost.

The exchange rate markup is harder to see upfront. If you are transferring USD to a bank account in euros, pounds, or another currency, PayPal will convert the money at its own rate, which is typically 1% to 2% worse than the mid-market rate you would see on Google or XE.com. This markup is not listed as a separate fee; it is built into the exchange rate PayPal quotes you. For large transfers, this can add up to more than the transfer fee itself.

How long a transfer actually takes

PayPal's stated timelines are usually accurate, but real-world delays happen. A standard transfer to a supported country typically takes one to five business days from the moment you confirm it in PayPal. The clock starts when you click the transfer button, not when you request it. Weekends and bank holidays in either country can add extra days.

The receiving bank also plays a role. Some banks process incoming transfers immediately; others batch them once a day or once a week. If you transfer money on a Friday evening, it may not reach your bank account until the following Tuesday or Wednesday, even if PayPal sends it within one business day.

If a transfer does not arrive within the stated timeframe, log into PayPal and check the transaction status. PayPal will show you whether the money has been sent, is pending, or has been returned. If it has been sent but your bank has not received it, contact your bank with the PayPal transaction ID and ask them to trace it. If PayPal shows the transfer was returned, the money will be refunded to your PayPal balance, usually within three to five business days.

Limits on how much you can transfer

PayPal sets withdrawal limits based on your account history, verification status, and country. New accounts typically have lower limits—sometimes as low as $500 USD per transaction or $2,000 per month. As your account ages and you complete more transactions, these limits usually increase. Fully verified accounts with a long history may have limits of $10,000 or more per transaction.

Some countries also have their own limits. For example, India has restrictions on how much money can leave the country in a single transfer, and PayPal's limit there may be lower than your account limit. Similarly, if you are transferring to a country with currency controls, your bank may reject transfers above a certain amount or may require you to provide documentation of the source of the funds.

You can check your withdrawal limit by going to your PayPal settings and looking for Limits and Holds or Account Limits. If you need to transfer more than your current limit, you can request a limit increase, but PayPal may ask for additional verification or documentation before approving it.

What to do if a transfer fails or is delayed

If PayPal shows a transfer as failed or returned, the money goes back to your PayPal balance automatically. This usually happens because the bank account details were incorrect, the account was closed, or the receiving bank rejected the transfer for a compliance reason. Check the error message PayPal provides—it often tells you why the transfer failed. Common reasons include a mismatched account name, an invalid routing or SWIFT code, or a bank that does not accept international transfers.

If the error is on your end (wrong account number, for example), correct the bank account details in your PayPal profile and try again. If the error is on the bank's end (the bank rejected it), contact your bank and ask why. Some banks require you to notify them in advance that you are expecting an international transfer, or they may have a daily limit on incoming international payments.

If a transfer shows as sent but never arrives, wait at least five to seven business days before contacting PayPal. International transfers can be slow, and your bank may be processing it behind the scenes. After a week, contact PayPal's support team with the transaction ID and ask them to trace the transfer with the receiving bank. PayPal can usually tell you whether the money reached the bank or was rejected somewhere in the process.

Alternatives if PayPal transfer is not available or too expensive

If PayPal does not support transfers to your country, or if the fees are too high, you have other options. Wise (formerly TransferWise) is a popular alternative for international transfers and often has lower fees and better exchange rates than PayPal, especially for larger amounts. Remitly, OFX, and MoneyGram also offer international transfers to many countries.

If you have a PayPal balance but cannot withdraw it directly, you can transfer the money to another PayPal account (yours or someone else's) in a supported country, then withdraw from there. This adds an extra step and may involve fees, but it can work if your destination country is not supported. You can also use PayPal's PayPal.Me link to request money from others, though this does not help you withdraw your own balance.

For very large transfers, a traditional bank wire or international money transfer through your own bank may be cheaper than any online service, even though it is slower. Ask your bank what they charge for an outgoing international wire and compare it to PayPal and other services before you decide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer money from PayPal to someone else's bank account?

No. PayPal transfers go only to a bank account registered in your own name. You cannot send money directly to another person's bank account through PayPal's withdrawal feature. If you want to send money to someone else, you can transfer it to their PayPal account (if they have one) or use PayPal's Send Money feature, though that also requires their PayPal account or email address.

Do I have to pay tax on money I withdraw from PayPal?

That depends on your country and the source of the money. If you earned the money through business or freelance work, it is usually taxable income in your country. If you are withdrawing a refund or money someone sent you as a gift, it may not be taxable. Check your country's tax laws or consult a tax professional. PayPal does not withhold taxes on withdrawals, so you are responsible for reporting and paying any taxes owed.

What if PayPal holds my transfer for review?

PayPal sometimes holds transfers for 24 to 72 hours if the transaction looks unusual—for example, if it is much larger than your normal transfers, or if your account is new. You will see a message in your transaction history saying the transfer is under review. You can contact PayPal support to ask why, but usually you just have to wait. Once the review is complete, the transfer will go through or PayPal will tell you why it was declined.

Can I transfer money from PayPal to a business bank account?

Yes, as long as the business account is registered in your name or you are an authorized signatory on it. PayPal requires that the account holder's name match the name on your PayPal account. If you are transferring to a business account in a different name, PayPal will likely reject it during verification.

Is it cheaper to transfer a large amount all at once or split it into smaller transfers?

Usually, one large transfer is cheaper than multiple small ones. If PayPal charges a flat fee per transfer (like $2), splitting the money means paying that fee multiple times. However, if PayPal charges a percentage fee, the total cost is the same either way. Check PayPal's fee structure for your destination country before you decide.