How to Transfer Money From PayPal to Your Bank Account

How to move money from PayPal to your bank account

You can transfer money from PayPal to a linked bank account in a few minutes using PayPal's transfer tool. The money does not arrive when ready — it typically takes one to three business days, depending on your bank. PayPal does not charge a fee for standard transfers to a U.S. bank account, though some banks may charge you on their end.

The process is straightforward: you log into PayPal, go to your Wallet, select your bank account, and choose how much to transfer. PayPal will show you the expected arrival date before you confirm. Once you send the transfer, you can track it in your PayPal activity history.

Key Takeaways

• Standard transfers from PayPal to a U.S. bank account take one to three business days and cost nothing through PayPal.
• You must link your bank account to PayPal before you can transfer money, which requires your routing number and account number.
• PayPal offers an when ready transfer option that moves money the same day, but charges a flat fee (the amount varies by transfer size).
• You can only transfer money that sits in your PayPal balance — money held for disputes or pending sales cannot be transferred.

Link your bank account to PayPal first

Before you can transfer money out, you need to add your bank account to PayPal. Go to your PayPal account settings, find the "Wallet" or "Bank and Cards" section, and select "Link a Bank Account." PayPal will ask for your bank's routing number, your account number, and the account type (checking or savings).

You can find your routing number on the bottom left of any check, or by calling your bank. Your account number appears on the bottom center of your check. PayPal may verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under one dollar) into your bank account — you will then confirm those amounts in PayPal to prove you own the account. This verification step can take a few business days.

Transfer money using the standard method

Once your bank account is linked and verified, log into PayPal and click "Wallet" at the top of the page. You will see your PayPal balance and any linked bank accounts. Select the bank account you want to transfer to, then click "Transfer Money."

PayPal will ask how much you want to transfer. Enter the amount and review the details — PayPal shows you the expected arrival date (usually one to three business days out). Confirm the transfer, and the money leaves your PayPal balance when ready. Your bank account will receive it by the date shown, though it often arrives sooner.

Use when ready transfer if you need money the same day

PayPal offers an when ready transfer option that moves money to your bank account within 30 minutes on most business days. This service costs a flat fee that depends on the amount you transfer — smaller transfers cost less than larger ones. You can see the exact fee before you confirm the transfer.

To use when ready transfer, follow the same steps as a standard transfer, but look for the "when ready" option when you choose your transfer method. PayPal will show you the fee and the expected arrival time. Not all bank accounts may have access to for when ready transfer — PayPal will tell you if yours does not.

Understand what money you can and cannot transfer

You can only transfer money that is available in your PayPal balance. Money that is on hold — such as funds from a recent sale, a disputed transaction, or a payment under review — cannot be transferred until the hold is released. PayPal shows your available balance separately from your total balance in your Wallet.

If you received money through PayPal's goods and services protection, that money may be held for a set period before it becomes available. Refunds you issued to buyers also reduce your available balance. Check your Wallet to see exactly how much you can transfer right now.

Track your transfer and troubleshoot delays

After you send a transfer, you can track it in your PayPal activity. Click "Wallet," then "Recent Transfers," and select the transfer you sent. PayPal shows the status (pending, in progress, or completed) and the expected arrival date. Once your bank receives the money, the status will show as completed.

If a transfer does not arrive by the date PayPal promised, contact your bank first — the delay is usually on their end, not PayPal's. Your bank can tell you whether the transfer has been received. If your bank confirms it has not arrived and the date has passed, contact PayPal's support team with your transfer confirmation number (shown in your activity history).

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 to transfer to their PayPal account or email address, or use a different payment method.

What if my bank account is not linked yet?

You must link and verify your bank account before any transfer can happen. The verification process takes a few business days. If you need money urgently, consider using when ready transfer once your account is verified, or withdrawing cash at an ATM if PayPal offers that option in your country.

Does PayPal charge a fee for transfers to my bank?

Standard transfers are free. when ready transfers charge a flat fee that varies by amount. Some banks may charge you a fee on their end for receiving an external transfer, though most do not — check with your bank if you are unsure.

How long does a transfer actually take?

Standard transfers take one to three business days. when ready transfers arrive within 30 minutes on most business days. Weekends and bank holidays can add time. PayPal shows the expected date before you confirm, so you will know the timeline for your specific transfer.

Can I cancel a transfer after I send it?

Standard transfers can usually be canceled within 30 minutes of sending. when ready transfers cannot be canceled once sent. Check your transfer status in your activity history — if it still shows "pending," you may be able to cancel it.