How to Transfer Money to Your PayPal Account

The three ways to move money into PayPal

You can transfer money into PayPal from a bank account, a debit card, or a credit card. The method you choose depends on which account you have linked to PayPal and how fast you need the money to arrive. Bank transfers are free but take one to three business days. Debit and credit card transfers happen when ready but may carry a fee depending on your card issuer.

Before you transfer anything, you need to link a funding source to your PayPal account. This means giving PayPal permission to pull money from your bank or card. PayPal will verify the connection by depositing two small amounts into your bank account (usually under $1 each) and asking you to confirm the numbers. This verification step protects you from fraud and typically takes one to two business days.

Key Takeaways

• You must link a bank account or card to PayPal before you can transfer money in, and PayPal verifies new bank accounts by depositing two small test amounts.
• Bank transfers are free but take one to three business days, while debit and credit card transfers are when ready but may include a fee from your card issuer.
• You can transfer money through the PayPal website or mobile app by going to your Wallet, selecting your funding source, and entering the amount.
• PayPal holds some transfers for review, especially large amounts or transfers from new accounts, which can delay access to your money by up to 24 hours.

Linking a bank account to PayPal

Open PayPal on a web browser or the mobile app and sign in. Go to Settings (the gear icon) and select Wallet or Linked Accounts, depending on which version you are using. Choose "Link a Bank Account" and enter your routing number and account number. You can find both on the bottom left of a check, or log into your bank's website to find them.

PayPal will then deposit two small amounts into your account within one to two business days. When they arrive, return to PayPal, go back to your linked accounts, and enter the two amounts to confirm the connection. Once verified, that bank account is ready to use for transfers. If you want to transfer from a debit or credit card instead, the process is faster — PayPal verifies cards when ready using your card's security code.

Transferring money from your bank account

Sign into PayPal and click Wallet (on the website) or tap the Wallet icon (in the app). Look for a button that says "Transfer Money" or "Add Money" — the exact wording varies by app version. Select the bank account you want to transfer from, enter the dollar amount, and confirm. The transfer will show as pending when ready, but the money will not appear in your PayPal balance until one to three business days have passed.

PayPal processes bank transfers on business days only, so a transfer you request on Friday evening will not begin until Monday. If you need the money faster, use a debit card instead. Bank transfers are always free, regardless of the amount.

Transferring money from a debit or credit card

The steps are the same as a bank transfer: go to Wallet, select "Add Money," and choose your card from the list of linked funding sources. Enter the amount and confirm. The money will appear in your PayPal balance within minutes. However, your card issuer may charge a fee for this type of transaction — PayPal itself does not charge, but some banks and card companies treat it as a cash advance or balance transfer and add their own fee. Check your card's terms or call the number on the back to ask whether this type of transfer carries a fee.

Credit cards and debit cards are verified when ready when you link them, so you do not have to wait for test deposits like you do with a bank account.

When PayPal holds transfers for review

PayPal sometimes places a hold on transfers, especially if the amount is large, if your account is new, or if the transfer pattern looks unusual. During a hold, your money arrives in your PayPal account but you cannot spend it. The hold typically lasts up to 24 hours, though it can be longer in rare cases. You will see a message in your transaction history explaining that the transfer is under review.

There is no way to speed up a hold once it has started. If you have questions about why a specific transfer was held, contact PayPal Support through the Help Center in your account settings. Holds become less common as your account ages and you build a history of regular transfers.

Transferring money to PayPal from outside the United States

If you are outside the U.S., your options depend on which country you are in and what PayPal services are available there. Some countries allow bank transfers and card transfers just like the U.S. process. Others require you to use a local payment method or a third-party service. Log into your PayPal account, go to Settings, and look for your country's specific funding options — PayPal displays only the methods that work in your location.

International transfers often take longer and may carry higher fees than domestic ones. If you are moving money between countries, ask PayPal Support which method is fastest and cheapest for your specific route.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take money to show up in PayPal after I transfer it?

Bank transfers take one to three business days. Debit and credit card transfers appear within minutes. PayPal may hold any transfer for up to 24 hours for review, especially if it is a large amount or your account is new.

Can I transfer money to PayPal without linking a bank account first?

No. You must link either a bank account or a debit or credit card before you can transfer money in. Cards are verified when ready, while bank accounts require PayPal to deposit two test amounts first, which takes one to two business days.

Is there a limit to how much I can transfer to PayPal at once?

PayPal does not publish a single transfer limit that applies to all accounts. Limits depend on your account age, history, and the funding source you are using. If you try to transfer an amount that exceeds your limit, PayPal will tell you. Contact PayPal Support if you need to transfer a large amount and want to know your specific limit beforehand.

What should I do if my bank transfer to PayPal never arrived?

Check your PayPal transaction history to confirm the transfer was sent. If it shows as completed but the money is not in your balance, wait one more business day — bank transfers sometimes take the full three days. If it has been longer than three business days, contact your bank and PayPal Support with your transfer confirmation number.

Do I pay a fee to transfer money into PayPal?

Bank transfers are always free. Debit and credit card transfers are free from PayPal's side, but your card issuer may charge a fee. Check your card's terms or call the number on the back to ask whether transfers to PayPal count as cash advances or balance transfers, which often carry fees.