How to Move Money From PayPal to Your Bank Account

PayPal gives you four ways to get money into your bank account, and the fastest takes one to two business days

You can transfer money from PayPal to a linked bank account through the PayPal website or mobile app. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the money and whether you want to pay a fee. Standard transfers are free but take three to five business days. when ready transfers cost between 25 cents and $2 depending on the amount, and the money lands in your account within 30 minutes. You can also withdraw cash at an ATM using a PayPal debit card, or request a check mailed to your address.

Before you transfer anything, you must link a U.S. bank account to your PayPal account and confirm it. PayPal will deposit two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into that account, and you have to enter those amounts back into PayPal to verify ownership. This takes two to three business days the first time.

Key Takeaways

• Standard transfers from PayPal to a linked bank account are free and take three to five business days.
• when ready transfers cost 25 cents to $2 and arrive within 30 minutes, but are only available if your account is in good standing.
• You must link and verify a bank account before any transfer can happen, which requires confirming two small deposits PayPal sends.
• PayPal debit cards and checks are alternatives if you cannot or do not want to use a bank transfer.

How to link your bank account to PayPal

Go to the PayPal website and sign in. Click the gear icon in the top right, then select Wallet or Settings depending on your account type. Look for Banks and Cards or Linked Banks. Click Link a Bank Account and enter your routing number and account number. You can find both on a check, or log into your bank's website to locate them.

PayPal will then send two small deposits to that account within two to three business days. Log back into PayPal, go to the same Banks and Cards section, and click Confirm next to your bank. Enter the two amounts PayPal deposited. Once you confirm, the account is linked and you can transfer money.

If you use the PayPal mobile app instead, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), select Wallet, then Link a Bank Account, and follow the same steps.

Standard transfers: free but slower

A standard transfer is free and takes three to five business days. This is the default option when you initiate a transfer. Go to Wallet, find your linked bank account, and click Transfer Money. Enter the amount you want to move and confirm. PayPal will show you the expected arrival date before you complete the transfer.

The three to five business days starts the day after you request the transfer. Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days, so a transfer requested on a Friday afternoon may not arrive until the following Wednesday. If you need money faster, use an when ready transfer instead, though it will cost you.

when ready transfers: fast but with a fee

An when ready transfer moves money to your bank account within 30 minutes, but PayPal charges a fee. The fee is a percentage of the amount transferred, ranging from 25 cents on small amounts to around $2 on larger transfers. The exact fee appears on the screen before you confirm, so you know the cost before you commit.

when ready transfers are only available if your PayPal account is in good standing — meaning no recent disputes, chargebacks, or violations of PayPal's user agreement. If you have had account problems, PayPal may restrict when ready transfers temporarily. You can still use standard transfers in that case.

To use when ready transfer, go to Wallet, select your linked bank account, and click Transfer Money. If when ready transfer is available, you will see it as an option with the fee displayed. Select it, confirm the amount, and the money will be on its way.

Using a PayPal debit card to withdraw cash

If you have a PayPal Cash or PayPal Cash Plus account, you can order a debit card that draws directly from your PayPal balance. Once the card arrives, you can withdraw cash at any ATM that accepts Mastercard. There is no fee for withdrawals at most ATMs, though some ATM operators charge their own fees (usually $2 to $3).

To order a card, go to Wallet, click Cards, and select Order a Debit Card. The card takes five to seven business days to arrive by mail. This method does not move money to your bank account, but it does give you access to your PayPal balance without a transfer fee.

Requesting a check from PayPal

PayPal will mail you a check for your balance if you request one. Go to Wallet, find your bank account, and look for a Request Check option (this is available on some account types but not all). Enter the amount and confirm. PayPal will mail the check to the address on file, which typically takes seven to ten business days.

This method is slower than any transfer option and requires you to deposit the check yourself at your bank. It is most useful if you have closed your linked bank account and need to move money before you can link a new one.

What to do if a transfer fails or is delayed

If a transfer does not arrive within the promised timeframe, log into PayPal and check the Activity or Transaction History section. Look for the transfer and click on it to see its status. If it shows Completed but the money is not in your bank account, contact your bank — the delay is usually on their end, not PayPal's.

If the transfer shows Pending or Failed, PayPal may be holding it for review. This sometimes happens if you are transferring a large amount for the first time or if there is unusual account activity. PayPal will usually resolve this within 24 hours, but you can contact PayPal Support through the app or website if it takes longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. PayPal transfers only go to a bank account linked to your own PayPal account. To send money to another person, use PayPal's Send Money feature, which transfers funds directly to their PayPal account or email address. They can then transfer it to their own bank account.

Is there a limit to how much I can transfer?

PayPal sets limits based on your account history and verification status. New accounts typically have lower limits than established ones. You can see your transfer limit in the Wallet section. If you hit the limit, you can request an increase through PayPal's website, though approval is not may provide.

What if my bank account information changes?

Go to Wallet, find your linked bank account, and click Edit or the three-dot menu. You can update the account number or remove the account entirely. If you remove it, you will need to link a new account and verify it with the two-deposit method before you can transfer again.

Do I pay taxes on money I transfer from PayPal to my bank?

Transferring your own money from PayPal to your bank is not a taxable event. However, if the money in your PayPal account came from selling goods or services, that income is taxable. PayPal reports payments over $20,000 and 200 transactions to the IRS on Form 1099-K, so keep records of your business income regardless of transfer method.

Why is my when ready transfer option grayed out?

when ready transfers are unavailable if your account is new, has recent disputes or chargebacks, or violates PayPal's policies. They may also be unavailable in certain states or if you have not verified your identity. Try a standard transfer instead, or contact PayPal Support to ask why the option is restricted.