How to transfer money from PayPal to bank

Transferring money from your PayPal account to your bank is easier than you might think. You can transfer money from PayPal to bank online or via the app. Both processes are straightforward, but going through the app is faster.

It's important to know that some banks charge a fee for the transfer. The transfer will also be subject to a currency conversion fee if you are sending money abroad.

With a service like Wise, you can take advantage of the mid-market rate when you send money abroad. You could save on average nearly 19x compared to PayPal.

💡 Check the Wise currency conversion calculator, and see how much money you can save on your next international transfer.

See how much you can save

How to transfer money from PayPal to bank online

If you want to transfer money from your PayPal account to your bank online, you just need to follow a straightforward two-step process.

Step 1: Link your bank account to PayPal

The first thing you’ll need to do - if you haven’t already - is link your bank account to PayPal.¹

You can do so following these steps:

• Go to your Wallet
• Click on ‘Add a card or bank account’
• Choose ‘Add a bank account’
• Enter your sort code and account number
• Confirm your information and click ‘Agree and add’

Step 2: Transfer money from PayPal to your bank account

It’s a simple process to transfer money from PayPal to your bank account on the website.²

Here are some step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process:

• Go to your Wallet
• Click on ‘Transfer Money’
• Choose the ‘Transfer to your Bank’ option
• Select the appropriate bank account and click ‘Continue’
• Enter the amount you wish to transfer and click ‘Next’
• Confirm everything is correct then click ‘Transfer Now’

PayPal app: How to transfer PayPal money to bank

Using the PayPal app to transfer money to your bank account is a breeze.

The two-step process is quick and easy, so you can make transfers in no time at all:

• Tap on your PayPal balance
• Tap the ‘Withdraw Money’ option

How long does it take to transfer money from PayPal to bank?

Usually, it only takes one business day to transfer money from PayPal to your bank account.³

Though this isn’t always the case. Depending on the bank, the process can take up to five business days, so don’t panic if it doesn’t show up after the first day.

Should there be an issue with the transfer, it can take up to a week for a bank to notify PayPal. PayPal will then return the money to your account.

Can I transfer money from PayPal to my bank account instantly?

If you’re wondering how to transfer money from PayPal to bank account instantly, you’ll be pleased to know it's possible. But there’s a catch: this fast money transfer is only available for eligible debit cards or bank accounts.

PayPal’s Instant Transfer allows you to transfer money to your bank account in just minutes. This rapid transfer comes at a cost, though, incurring a fee of 1.50%, with a maximum fee of $15.⁴

Here are the eligible banks:

• Bank of America
• BNY Mellon
• BB&T
• Citibank
• JPMorgan Chase
• Keybank
• PNC
• Suntrust
• Wells Fargo

If you need to make a fast transfer, then try Wise. When you transfer with Wise, you can choose the fastest payment method. For many currency routes, paying using credit cards, Apple Pay or your balance are faster than bank transfer or SWIFT.

All transfers should be instant — Wise is on a mission to bring you just that.

Why can't I transfer PayPal money to my bank?

If you’re wondering why you can’t transfer PayPal money to your bank account, here are some of the most common issues holding it up:⁵

PayPal has detected unusual activity on your account

Unusual activity on your account could be the reason why you’re unable to make a transfer. In this case, you’ll need to confirm your identity with PayPal. PayPal will ask you to complete a security check, in which you can choose to respond to a text, a call, or answer your security questions.

Your bank account or debit card isn’t eligible for instant transfer

Not all bank accounts and debit cards are eligible for PayPal’s Instant Transfer. If your bank account isn’t on the list, then you will need to change to one that is.

The information you entered doesn’t match what your bank has on file

If you can’t make a transfer to your account, it could be that the information you entered doesn’t match what your bank has on file. If so, you’ll need to go over the bank information and re-enter any incorrect details.

You have a limitation on your PayPal account

It could be that you have a limitation placed on your PayPal account. In this instance, you can solve the issue by heading to the Resolution Center, which will tell you what information is missing from your account.

Fees for transferring money from PayPal to your bank

Even though PayPal itself doesn’t charge fees for transferring money to your bank, that doesn’t mean the transaction will be free.

There are three types of fees that may be added to a PayPal transaction: electronic fund transfer fees, withdrawal fees, and cross-border conversion fees.

Electronic fund transfer fees

Depending on the bank, you may have to pay an electronic fund transfer fee. To find out whether this is the case for you, it’s worth checking with your bank.

Withdrawal/Transfer fees

To withdraw or transfer money from a personal PayPal account to a bank account, you will have to pay a fee of 1.5% of the amount. If you are transferring the money to a different currency, then there will also be a currency conversion fee applied.⁶

Currency conversion fees

If you transfer to a foreign currency, you can expect to pay a currency conversion fee. This fee is calculated according to the sender’s country, the currency received, and the PayPal currency conversion fee.

First, you will have to pay a percentage fee of 5%, (up to a maximum of $4.99) for sending an international transaction. This fee applies if you are paying by PayPal balance or a bank account.

If you pay by card the fee will be 5% + 2.99%.

Finally, there’s the PayPal currency conversion fee which is between 3-4% (or such other amount as may be disclosed to you during the transaction) above the Base Exchange Rate for converting what you receive into another currency.⁶

If this all seems overwhelming, don’t worry, the Wise team has created a simple PayPal Fees Calculator, which you can use to work out what you have to pay.

Save money on international transfers with Wise

When you send an international transfer with PayPal, there are some fees you have to take into account.

With Wise, you only pay a small, transparent fee. Sound too good to be true? You can compare PayPal international transfer fees and exchange rates, and get a better deal for sending money abroad.

Try Wise today

Sources:

1. PayPal - Link account
2. PayPal - Transfer money
3. PayPal - Time for transfer
4. PayPal - Instant transfer, Page 7,8.
5. PayPal - Common issues
6. PayPal - Currency Conversion Fees, Page 6.
7. PayPal merchant fees

Sources checked 26 February 2021