What is PayPal direct deposit and how to set it up?

PayPal direct deposit allows you to get your salary or other regular payments deposited into your PayPal account automatically. That means no need to receive and deposit a check, and no waiting while your payment is processed - you’ll get the funds in your PayPal account right away.

This guide tells you all you need to know to get started with PayPal direct deposit. We’ll also touch on Wise as a great way to send payments and shop internationally, for lower fees and with the real mid-market exchange rate. If you’re remitting money home, or plan to shop online with your favorite overseas ecommerce stores once you get paid, you need Wise.

Get a free Wise account

Can you use Direct Deposit with PayPal?

If you’re based in the US and have a PayPal Cash Plus account, you’ll be able to sign up for direct deposit payments¹. You’ll find your direct deposit details in your profile, when you log into your PayPal account. Customers with a PayPal Cash Card are automatically enrolled in direct deposits. Sound good? Learn more about the PayPal Cash Card here.

It’s good to know that direct deposits to PayPal are only available if the depositor is based in the US, and can only be used for incoming payments. You can not use your direct deposit details to make outgoing payments.

Direct Deposit is only available on for those PayPal customers who have enrolled for a PayPal Cash Card are auto enrolled for Direct Deposit.

How do I set up Direct Deposit on PayPal?

When you receive your PayPal Cash Card, you’ll also get preprinted direct deposit forms, which you can use to arrange direct deposit payments to your PayPal account. Complete the PayPal Cash Card direct deposit form and hand it to your employer to arrange direct deposits into PayPal.

If you don’t have the printed forms, you can also²:

• Log into your PayPal account and select Settings
• Click Set up or view direct deposit
• You’ll be given your PayPal assigned account and Paypal routing number
• Give these details to your employer to set up direct deposit payments

What time does Direct Deposit hit PayPal?

It’s helpful to know that setting up PayPal direct deposit might take up to 2 pay cycles³. However, once it’s all arranged, your payments should arrive in your PayPal account without you needing to take any further action.

PayPal offers eligible customers the opportunity to receive their direct deposit payments up to 2 days early⁴. This depends on when the depositor releases the funds - but can mean you get paid faster thanks to direct deposit.

If you don’t have PayPal’s direct deposit 2-day early access, you should get your payment by 8pm EST on the day your money is released by your employer or other payer.

Meet Wise - A faster and smarter way to send money abroad

If you’re planning on sending money abroad or shopping online with international retailers after your direct deposit payment arrives, check out Wise.

Wise offers low cost currency conversion which uses the real mid-market exchange rate every time. Make payments quickly and conveniently all over the world, or open a Wise account for free online, get your linked debit card, and start shopping.

However you choose to send money online with Wise, you’ll always get the best available exchange rate and transparent fees which beat the banks - and can be 7x cheaper than other providers for your overseas transactions.

Save up to 7x with Wise

Use this guide to get started with PayPal direct deposits - and get your money quickly, conveniently and safely, every time.