How to send money from PayPal to Wise

Alexis Konovodoff

PayPal® and Wise are convenient international money transfer providers. If you're in the US, you may be able to move money from PayPal to Wise. Your options depend on your PayPal account, your Wise USD account details, and the currency you want to receive.5

In this article, we take a look at exactly how to send money from PayPal to Wise, including international fees, exchange rates, and transaction limits. Let’s dive in!

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Can you transfer money from PayPal to Wise?

You can't send a direct PayPal-to-Wise balance transfer in the same way you might send money to another PayPal user. But you may still be able to move money from PayPal to Wise.1,5

You can try linking your Wise account details to PayPal. You can also withdraw from PayPal to a bank account first, then add money to Wise from that bank account.1,5

For US customers, PayPal may let you manually add your Wise USD account details. If PayPal does not accept the details, you may need to contact PayPal support or use the bank-account route instead.5

If PayPal does not accept your Wise USD account details, the simplest fallback is usually to use a linked US bank account. Withdraw from PayPal to your bank, then add money to Wise from that account.

How to send money from PayPal to Wise

There are 2 common ways to move money from PayPal to Wise:

  1. Link your Wise account details to PayPal, if PayPal accepts them for your currency
  2. Withdraw funds from PayPal to your bank account, then add money to Wise from your bank account

Let's look at the bank-account route first.

Step 1. Log in to your PayPal account and go to Wallet

Step 2. Click Transfer Money

Step 3. Select Transfer to your bank

Step 4. Choose an instant transfer or a standard transfer. Instant transfers usually arrive in minutes and have a fee. Standard bank transfers usually take 1 to 3 business days. They have no PayPal fee when no currency conversion is involved13

Step 5. Follow the on-screen instructions to withdraw money to your linked bank account

Step 6. Log in to your Wise account

Step 7. Click Add money, enter the amount, and choose the currency you want to add

Step 8. Select your payment method and follow the on-screen instructions to complete your Wise transaction

You can also add money to Wise using a regular bank transfer. Log in to your online banking, set up a transfer, and enter the Wise account details shown in your Wise account.

If you're receiving money into Wise from PayPal, make sure you use the right Wise account details for the currency. For example, if you're moving US dollars, you'll need your USD account details.

In the US, you may be able to manually add your Wise USD account details to PayPal. PayPal may ask you to verify the account with microdeposits or Direct Debit. Availability can vary, so check the instructions shown in PayPal and Wise before you send money.5

Going the wrong way? Learn how to transfer money from Wise to PayPal in our full guide.

Can I send money with PayPal to someone else’s Wise account?

You may be able to send money from PayPal to someone else's Wise account if they give you usable account details for the currency and country involved. PayPal and Wise availability can vary.5

The sender should follow PayPal's instructions. The Wise account holder should share the correct account details from Wise.5

If PayPal won't accept the Wise account details, you can withdraw money from PayPal to your own bank account. Then you can send a bank transfer to your recipient's Wise account.

How much can I send from PayPal to Wise?

f you've verified your PayPal account, PayPal says there's no total sending limit, but you can send up to 60,000 USD in a single transaction. PayPal may limit this to 10,000 USD, and limits can vary by currency.2

PayPal also limits instant bank transfers to 25,000 USD per withdrawal.3

Wise limits depend on the currency, payment method, and route. For example, you can send up to 1,600,000 USD per international Swift transfer when paying from an external bank account. Route and account conditions apply.7

PayPal to Wise transfer fee

It's free to withdraw money from PayPal to a linked US bank account using the standard transfer option, as long as no currency conversion is involved. Standard bank transfers usually take 1 to 3 business days.13

If you choose an instant PayPal withdrawal, you'll pay 1.75% of the amount transferred. For USD withdrawals, PayPal lists a 0.25 USD minimum fee and a 25 USD maximum fee.3

If your PayPal payment involves an international personal transaction, PayPal charges 5% for US accounts, with a 0.99 USD minimum international fee and a 4.99 USD maximum international fee.3

Currency conversion can add another cost. PayPal's consumer fees page says the transaction exchange rate includes a currency conversion spread.

The spread is 4% for many payment conversions where the recipient receives a different currency from the one you pay with. For all other transactions, the spread is 3%, unless PayPal discloses another amount during the transaction.3

Wise uses transparent fees and the mid-market exchange rate for currency conversion. Fees vary by currency, amount, and payment method. You'll see the full cost before you confirm your transfer.6

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PayPal vs Wise for sending money abroad

You can use both PayPal and Wise for international money transfers, including convenient digital payments to friends and family across the world.

However, there are some key differences between the two providers. Let’s take a look at how to use Wise vs PayPal to send money abroad.

CurrenciesTransfer feesExchange ratesTransaction limits
Wise40+ currenciesFees start at 0.23% per transaction*Wise uses the standard mid-market exchange rate – no markups or hidden feesDepends on the currency and transfer method.

For example, you can send 1,600,000 USD per global Swift transfer

PayPal25 currencies⁴PayPal charges 5% for international transactionsPayPal charges a 3% to 4% currency conversion spreadDepends on the currency and transfer method.

For example, verified PayPal accounts can send up to 60,000 USD in a single transaction, though PayPal may limit this to 10,000 USD2

PayPal can be a handy digital transfer solution – but you may end up spending more than expected for foreign transfers, especially if you need to convert currencies.

PayPal adds a markup – also known as a currency conversion spread – to make money from foreign currency transactions.

In comparison, Wise uses the standard mid-market exchange rate to facilitate low-fee transfers across the globe.

This is the only fair exchange rate out there, with no added markups, spreads, or hidden fees. At Wise, you’ll only pay for what you spend. No more, no less.

Access USD bank details or send money to over 150 countries, all thanks to Wise’s flexible multi-currency options. Everything you need in just one global account!

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PayPal to Wise FAQs

Sending money abroad? Let’s take a look at some common questions about transferring money from PayPal to Wise.

How much does it cost to get a Wise account?

It’s free to open a personal Wise account and there are no ongoing charges or minimums.

You won’t pay a charge to hold over 40 currencies in your account – and you can get account details in 22 currencies for free.

How much is it to get a PayPal account?

t's free to open a PayPal US account. However, exchange rate charges and international transaction fees may apply to foreign payments.3

You'll pay 1.75% for an instant withdrawal to your linked bank account or eligible card. Standard domestic withdrawals to an eligible linked bank account have no PayPal fee when no currency conversion is involved.3

How do I send money to Wise?

You can add money to your Wise account by connecting a bank account or card, or by making a transfer from another provider.

If you want to receive money into your Wise account, you can give the sender your local account details for the relevant currency, if available. You can also request a payment in the Wise app

Can PayPal send money internationally?

Yes, you can send money in 25 currencies with PayPal. However, the provider charges a 5% international transaction fee.

You’ll also pay a 3% to 4% markup for currency conversion, so make sure to think before you spend.

To explore your low-cost international spending options, check out Wise!

Wise Business vs Personal

Open a Wise Business account online
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**Sources**
  1. PayPal - How do I get money out of my PayPal account?
  2. PayPal - What's the maximum amount I can send with my PayPal account?
  3. PayPal - PayPal consumer fees
  4. PayPal - PayPal global country and currency list
  5. Wise Help - How do I receive money from PayPal with Wise?
  6. Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up-to-date pricing and fee information
  7. Wise Help - Guide to USD transfers

Sources checked 03.09.2026


*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.

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