How to Send Money Using PayPal

PayPal transfers work differently depending on who you're sending to and what type of account you have

PayPal lets you send money to another person's email address or phone number, to a linked bank account, or to a PayPal balance. The steps change based on whether you're sending to someone in the same country, whether they have a PayPal account, and whether you're using the website, app, or a linked card. Most transfers between PayPal accounts happen when ready or within minutes. Transfers to a bank account take one to three business days.

You'll need a PayPal account with a verified payment method — a debit card, credit card, or linked bank account. The person receiving the money needs either a PayPal account or a bank account in their name, depending on how you send it.

Key Takeaways

• Transfers to another PayPal account or PayPal balance happen in minutes; transfers to a bank account take one to three business days.
• You can send money using someone's email address, phone number, or PayPal username if they have a PayPal account.
• PayPal charges no fee for transfers between PayPal accounts in the same country, but charges a fee for transfers to bank accounts or international sends.
• You must have a verified payment method on file — a debit card, credit card, or linked bank account — before you can send money.

Sending money to another PayPal account

Open PayPal on the website or app and log in. Click or tap the "Send" button. Enter the recipient's email address, phone number, or PayPal username. Type the amount you want to send and add a note if you want to (optional). Review the details and click "Send Now."

The money moves to their PayPal account when ready. They'll see a notification that they received the transfer. If they don't have a PayPal account yet, they'll get an email or text asking them to open one to claim the money. PayPal holds the funds for a limited time — usually 30 days — before the transfer expires.

Sending money to a bank account

You can transfer money from your PayPal balance directly to a U.S. bank account. Go to "Wallet" on the website or app, then select "Transfer Money." Choose "Transfer to your bank" and enter the amount. Select which bank account you want the money to go to (you must have already linked it to PayPal). Confirm the transfer.

The money will arrive in one to three business days. PayPal charges a fee for this type of transfer — the amount depends on whether you're using a standard transfer (slower, lower fee) or an when ready transfer (faster, higher fee). Check the fee before you confirm, as it will be shown on the confirmation screen.

Sending money internationally

PayPal lets you send money to people in over 200 countries and regions, but the process and fees vary by destination. From the "Send" screen, enter the recipient's email address. PayPal will ask what country they're in. Enter the amount in your home currency — PayPal will show you the exchange rate and any fees before you send.

International transfers take longer than domestic ones, usually three to five business days. The recipient receives the money in their local currency if they have a PayPal account in that country. If they don't have a PayPal account, they can claim the money by opening one. PayPal charges a fee for international transfers; the exact amount depends on the destination country and the amount you're sending.

Using PayPal on a linked card or account

If you've linked a debit card or credit card to PayPal, you can use that card to fund transfers without keeping a PayPal balance. When you send money, PayPal will charge the card you've designated as your primary payment method. The transfer still goes to the recipient's PayPal account or bank account the same way — the only difference is where PayPal pulls the money from.

You can change which card or bank account PayPal uses by going to "Wallet" and selecting "Payment Sources." Choose which one you want to be primary. PayPal will use that method for all future transfers unless you change it again.

Fees and limits on PayPal transfers

PayPal charges no fee for sending money to another PayPal account in the same country. Transfers to a bank account cost money — the fee is either a flat amount or a percentage of the transfer, depending on whether you choose standard or when ready delivery. International transfers also have a fee, which varies by country.

PayPal limits how much you can send in a single transfer and how much you can send in a month. These limits depend on your account age, history, and whether you've verified your identity. New accounts have lower limits. You can see your current limit by going to "Account Settings" and looking at "Limits and Holds." If you need to send more than your limit allows, you may be able to request a higher limit by verifying additional information.

What happens if a transfer fails or the recipient doesn't claim it

If you send money to someone who doesn't have a PayPal account, they have 30 days to claim it. If they don't, the money returns to your PayPal account automatically. You'll see a notification when the refund processes.

If a transfer fails — for example, because the recipient's bank account information is wrong — PayPal will notify you and the money will stay in your account. You can then try sending again with corrected information. If you sent money to the wrong person by mistake, contact PayPal right away; they may be able to cancel the transfer if it hasn't been claimed yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a PayPal transfer take?

Transfers between PayPal accounts happen in minutes. Transfers to a bank account take one to three business days. International transfers take three to five business days. The exact time depends on the receiving bank and whether you chose standard or when ready delivery.

Can I send money to someone without a PayPal account?

Yes. If you send to an email address or phone number that isn't linked to a PayPal account, PayPal will send them a notification asking them to open an account to claim the money. They have 30 days to do so. If they don't claim it, the money returns to you.

What payment methods can I use to fund a PayPal transfer?

You can use a PayPal balance, a linked debit card, a linked credit card, or a linked bank account. You must have at least one of these verified before you can send money. PayPal will use whichever one you've set as your primary payment method.

Is there a limit to how much I can send?

Yes. PayPal sets monthly and per-transaction limits based on your account age, history, and verification status. New accounts have lower limits. You can see your current limit in "Account Settings" under "Limits and Holds." You may be able to request a higher limit by verifying your identity.

What should I do if I sent money to the wrong person?

Contact PayPal when ready through the Resolution Center on the website or app. If the transfer hasn't been claimed yet, PayPal may be able to cancel it. If it has been claimed, you'll need to contact the recipient directly and ask them to send the money back.