How to Move Money From PayPal to Your Bank Account

PayPal lets you send money to a linked bank account in two ways: a standard transfer that takes one to three business days, or an when ready transfer that arrives within 30 minutes but costs a small fee

To move money from PayPal to your bank, you first connect your bank account to PayPal, then request a transfer from your PayPal balance. PayPal calls this "withdrawing" your money. The standard method is free but slower. The when ready method costs between 1% and 2% of the amount you transfer, depending on your account history and the size of the transfer.

You can only transfer money that sits in your PayPal balance — money that PayPal is holding for you right now. If you received a payment but it is still "pending" or "on hold," you cannot transfer it yet. Money from credit cards or debit cards linked to your account cannot be transferred; only actual PayPal balance funds move to your bank.

Key Takeaways

• Standard transfers from PayPal to your bank account are free and take one to three business days to arrive.
• when ready transfers cost 1% to 2% of the amount but arrive within 30 minutes on weekdays and weekends.
• You must link your bank account to PayPal first by providing your routing number and account number.
• Only money in your PayPal balance can be transferred; pending payments and credit card funds cannot move to your bank.
• If a transfer fails, PayPal usually returns the money to your balance within three to five business days.

How to link your bank account to PayPal

Before you can transfer money, PayPal needs to know which bank account to send it to. Log into your PayPal account on a computer or the mobile app. On a computer, go to Settings (the gear icon in the top right), then select Wallet. On the mobile app, tap the menu icon, then Wallet.

Click or tap "Link a bank account." PayPal will ask for your bank's name, your account type (checking or savings), your routing number, and your account number. Your routing number is a nine-digit code specific to your bank; you can find it on a check, on your bank's website, or by calling your bank. Your account number appears on checks and in your online banking portal.

After you enter this information, PayPal may make two small test deposits to your bank account — usually less than $1 each — within one to two business days. You will then need to log back into PayPal and confirm the amounts of those deposits to verify you own the account. This step prevents fraud. Once confirmed, your bank account is linked and ready for transfers.

Steps to transfer money using the standard method

Open PayPal and go to your Wallet (Settings > Wallet on desktop, or Menu > Wallet on mobile). Look for your PayPal balance at the top. Click or tap "Transfer money," then select "Transfer to your bank."

PayPal will show you the bank account you linked and ask how much you want to transfer. Enter the amount. You can transfer your entire balance or any portion of it. Review the amount and confirm. PayPal will tell you the transfer is complete and show you an estimated arrival date — usually one to three business days from the date you request it.

The money will land in your bank account as a deposit. Your bank statement will show it came from PayPal. If you transfer on a Friday evening or over a weekend, the clock starts on the next business day. Transfers initiated on a holiday may take longer.

Steps to transfer money using the when ready method

The when ready transfer process is nearly identical to the standard method, except you select "when ready transfer" instead of the regular transfer option. PayPal will show you the fee — usually 1% to 2% of the amount you are transferring — before you confirm. The fee is deducted from your PayPal balance, so if you transfer $100 with a 1% fee, $99 arrives in your bank account and $1 goes to PayPal.

Once you confirm, the money typically arrives within 30 minutes on weekdays and weekends. PayPal will send you a notification when the transfer is complete. The money will show up in your bank account as a deposit from PayPal, just as it does with standard transfers.

when ready transfers are available to most PayPal users, but PayPal may restrict them if your account is new, if you have had disputes or chargebacks, or if you are transferring a very large amount. If the when ready option does not appear, use the standard transfer instead.

What to do if your transfer fails or is delayed

A transfer can fail for several reasons: your bank account information is incorrect, your bank rejected the deposit, or PayPal detected suspicious activity on your account. If a transfer fails, PayPal will notify you and return the money to your PayPal balance within three to five business days. Check your PayPal transaction history to see the reason for the failure.

If a transfer is straightforward delayed — it has been more than three business days and the money has not arrived — contact your bank first. Give them the transfer date and the amount. Your bank can tell you whether the deposit arrived and was rejected, or whether it is still in process. If your bank says they never received it, contact PayPal with the transfer confirmation number from your PayPal account.

Do not request the transfer again while the first one is pending. Duplicate transfers can cause confusion and may result in the money being held or returned.

Fees and limits on PayPal transfers

Standard transfers to your bank account are free. when ready transfers cost between 1% and 2%, though PayPal may charge different rates based on your account age, transfer history, and the amount you are moving. There is no stated maximum transfer amount, but PayPal may limit how much you can transfer at once if your account is new or if you have had problems in the past.

Some banks charge their own fees for receiving deposits from PayPal, though most do not. Check with your bank if you are unsure. PayPal does not charge a fee to link your bank account or to receive test deposits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a standard transfer actually take?

PayPal says one to three business days. Most transfers arrive within one business day if you request them on a weekday before 5 p.m. Eastern time. Transfers requested after 5 p.m. or on weekends start processing the next business day. Holidays add extra time.

Can I transfer money from a credit card linked to PayPal?

No. You can only transfer money that is in your PayPal balance — money PayPal is holding for you. Credit cards and debit cards are payment methods, not sources of funds. If you want to move money from a credit card to your bank, you would need to do that through your credit card company, not PayPal.

What if I enter the wrong bank account number?

PayPal will send the money to the account number you provided. If that account belongs to someone else or does not exist, the transfer may fail and the money will return to your PayPal balance. If the money went to the wrong person's account, contact PayPal when ready with your transfer confirmation number.

Do I have to transfer my entire PayPal balance?

No. You can transfer any amount from $0.01 up to your full balance. Many people keep some money in PayPal for future purchases and transfer only what they need to their bank.

Can I cancel a transfer after I request it?

For standard transfers, you may be able to cancel within a short window — usually a few minutes after you request it. For when ready transfers, cancellation is not possible because the money is already on its way. Check your PayPal transaction history to see if a cancel button is available.