How to Transfer Money From PayPal to Venmo

You cannot transfer money directly from PayPal to Venmo

PayPal and Venmo do not connect to each other, so you cannot move money from one account to the other in a single step. However, you can move money out of PayPal and into Venmo by routing it through your bank account. The process takes two separate transfers: first from PayPal to your bank, then from your bank to Venmo.

This method works because both PayPal and Venmo link to the same bank account. Once you add your bank details to both apps, you can pull money from PayPal into your bank account, then push that money from your bank account into Venmo. The whole process typically takes one to three business days, depending on your bank's processing speed.

Key Takeaways

• PayPal and Venmo do not transfer to each other directly — you must route money through your bank account instead.
• You need your bank's routing number and account number to link both PayPal and Venmo to the same checking account.
• Transfer money from PayPal to your bank first, then from your bank to Venmo — each step takes one to three business days.
• If you need the money faster, use a debit card withdrawal from PayPal at an ATM, then send that cash to Venmo through a friend or deposit it yourself.

How to link your bank account to PayPal

Open the PayPal app or website and go to your account settings. Look for a section called "Wallet" or "Bank and Cards" — the exact name varies depending on whether you use the app or desktop version. Select "Link a Bank Account" or "Add Bank Account."

Enter your bank's routing number, your account number, and your account type (checking or savings). PayPal will then send two small deposits to your bank account, usually within one to two business days. Once those deposits arrive, return to PayPal, enter the exact amounts of those two deposits, and PayPal will confirm the account is yours. After confirmation, you can transfer money to and from that bank account.

How to link your bank account to Venmo

Open Venmo and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Select "Settings," then "Payment Methods," then "Add Bank Account." Enter your bank's routing number and your account number, then confirm your account type.

Venmo will verify your account when ready in most cases, though some banks take up to one business day. Once verified, your bank account will appear in your list of payment methods. You can now transfer money from Venmo to this account or from this account to Venmo.

Transfer money from PayPal to your bank account

Open PayPal and go to your Wallet. Select "Transfer Money" or "Move Money," then choose "Transfer to Your Bank." Select the bank account you linked, enter the amount you want to move, and confirm the transfer.

PayPal will show you the expected arrival date — usually one to three business days depending on your bank. Standard transfers are free. If you need the money faster, PayPal offers an when ready transfer option for a small fee (typically 1% of the amount, with a minimum fee of around $0.25). Check the fee before you confirm, as it will be deducted from the amount you receive.

Transfer money from your bank account to Venmo

Once the money arrives in your bank account, open Venmo and tap the "☰" menu icon. Select "Add Money" or "Transfer Money," then choose "From Bank Account." Select your linked bank account, enter the amount, and confirm.

Venmo will show you the expected arrival date — typically one to three business days. The transfer is free. The money will appear in your Venmo balance, and you can then send it to friends or keep it there for future payments.

Timing and what to expect

The entire process from PayPal to Venmo usually takes two to six business days. The first transfer (PayPal to bank) takes one to three days, and the second transfer (bank to Venmo) takes another one to three days. Weekends and bank holidays add extra time, so a transfer initiated on a Friday may not complete until the following Tuesday or Wednesday.

If you need money in Venmo urgently, consider withdrawing cash from PayPal using a linked debit card at an ATM, then depositing that cash into your bank account directly. This bypasses the transfer delay, though you may pay an ATM fee depending on your bank and the ATM operator.

Alternatives if you do not want to use your bank account

If you do not have a bank account or prefer not to link one, you have limited options. PayPal allows you to withdraw money to a PayPal debit card, which you can then use to send money to Venmo through a friend (they pay you with Venmo, you pay them with the debit card). This is slower and less direct than a bank transfer.

Another option is to use PayPal's cash-out feature to get money onto a PayPal debit card, then use that card to pay for things Venmo users might reimburse you for. This is not a true transfer but a workaround if you need access to the money quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer from Venmo to PayPal instead?

Yes, the process is the same in reverse. Link your bank account to both apps, transfer from Venmo to your bank, then from your bank to PayPal. It takes the same two to six business days.

Do I pay a fee to transfer between PayPal and Venmo?

The bank transfers themselves are free. PayPal charges a fee only if you choose when ready transfer instead of standard transfer. Venmo transfers to and from bank accounts are always free.

What if my bank account is not verified yet?

You must wait for verification to complete before you can transfer money. PayPal verification takes one to two business days after you enter the deposit amounts. Venmo usually verifies when ready but can take up to one business day with some banks.

Can I transfer money if I only have a savings account?

Yes. Both PayPal and Venmo accept savings accounts. Select "Savings" when you enter your account type during setup, and the process works the same way as with a checking account.

Why is my transfer taking longer than three business days?

Delays usually happen over weekends, bank holidays, or if your bank processes transfers slowly. Some smaller banks take up to five business days. Contact your bank if a transfer has been pending for more than five business days.