You can transfer your PayPal balance to a bank account in just a few taps, either through the PayPal app or website. PayPal offers two options: a free standard transfer that takes one to three business days, or an instant transfer that arrives within minutes for a small fee. Here’s exactly how to do it.
Transfer From the PayPal App
Most people will use the mobile app, and the process takes under a minute:
- Tap your PayPal balance on the home screen.
- Tap Transfer.
- Tap Transfer to bank at the bottom of the screen.
- Enter the amount you want to transfer.
- Choose In minutes (fee applies) or In 1-3 days (no fee).
- Tap Transfer Now.
If you only see one transfer speed option, it’s likely because your linked bank or card isn’t eligible for instant transfers. You’ll still be able to use the free standard option.
Transfer From the PayPal Website
If you prefer using a computer, the steps are nearly identical:
- Go to your Wallet.
- Click Transfer Money.
- Select Transfer to your bank.
- Choose either Instant Transfer or Standard Transfer.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to enter your amount and confirm.
Standard vs. Instant Transfer
The standard transfer is free and typically completes in one to three business days. If you initiate it on a Friday evening, for example, the money might not show up in your bank account until the following Tuesday or Wednesday. There’s no fee as long as no currency conversion is involved.
The instant transfer delivers funds within minutes, though your bank’s clearing process can stretch that to around 30 minutes. The fee is 1.75% of the transfer amount, with a minimum charge of $0.25 and a cap of $25. So if you transfer $500 instantly, you’ll pay $8.75. If you transfer $2,000, you’ll pay the maximum $25. For small amounts under about $15, you’ll just pay the $0.25 minimum.
The maximum you can send via instant transfer is $25,000 per transaction, and PayPal does not allow you to increase that limit.
Link Your Bank Account First
Before you can transfer anything, you need a bank account connected to your PayPal profile. PayPal gives you two ways to do this:
The fastest method is to enter your bank’s online login credentials directly through PayPal. This links and verifies your account immediately, so you can start transferring right away.
If you’d rather not share your bank login, you can manually enter your routing and account numbers. PayPal will then send two small deposits (usually a few cents each) to your bank account within three business days. Once they appear, you log back into PayPal and confirm the exact amounts to verify ownership. You can have up to eight bank accounts linked to a single PayPal account at once.
Why Your Transfer Might Be Delayed
PayPal automatically reviews every withdrawal before releasing it. Most go through without a hitch, but some get flagged for additional review, which can add up to 72 hours to your transfer time. Common reasons for a hold include:
- Unusual activity: A large or sudden payment hitting your account right before you try to withdraw.
- Unfamiliar device or network: Logging in from a new phone, computer, or public Wi-Fi.
- Incomplete verification: Your account hasn’t been fully verified, or you recently had limitations placed on it.
- Mismatched bank details: The name or information on your linked bank account doesn’t line up with what PayPal has on file.
In rare cases, a withdrawal can be declined outright rather than just delayed. If that happens, double-check that your bank account is still active, your PayPal account is in good standing, and the information matches. You can also try transferring a smaller amount to see if it goes through.
Tips for Smooth Transfers
If you’re not in a rush, the standard transfer saves you money every time. The instant transfer fee is reasonable for one-off urgent needs, but it adds up if you’re transferring frequently. Someone who moves $1,000 a week to their bank account would pay roughly $17.50 per transfer, or over $900 a year, just in fees.
Keep your bank details current. If you close a bank account or switch banks, remove the old account from PayPal and link the new one before trying to transfer. Sending money to a closed account can result in a failed transfer that takes days to sort out.
If your PayPal balance comes from selling goods or receiving payments, note that PayPal may hold incoming funds for a period before they become available to withdraw. This is separate from the withdrawal review process. Your available balance (the number you see when you tap “Transfer”) reflects what you can actually move to your bank right now.