If you use PayPal for online transactions, freelancing, or eCommerce, you probably want to know how to withdraw money from PayPal safely and easily. Whether you’re transferring funds to your bank account, debit card, or using other withdrawal options, this guide will walk you through everything — step-by-step.
By the end of this article, you’ll clearly understand:
- How PayPal withdrawals work
- How to link your bank account or card
- How to withdraw money from PayPal (mobile or desktop)
- Common problems and how to fix them
- And answers to the most asked questions about PayPal withdrawals
Let’s begin.
What Is PayPal and How Does It Work?
PayPal is one of the most trusted online payment platforms that allows users to send, receive, and store money digitally. Millions of freelancers, online sellers, and businesses worldwide use PayPal to get paid safely.
When you receive payments, the money sits in your PayPal balance until you transfer it to your bank account or card. That’s where knowing how to withdraw money from PayPal becomes important.
Why You Need to Withdraw Money from PayPal
While you can leave your money inside PayPal, it’s often better to withdraw it for these reasons:
- Avoid currency conversion fees (especially for international transactions).
- Get faster access to cash for personal or business use.
- Earn interest if you move money to your savings account.
- Keep your PayPal balance secure — in case of account limitations or issues.
So, let’s see how to move that money safely.
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Step 1: Link Your Bank Account or Debit Card
Before you can withdraw money from PayPal, you must link a bank account or card.
Here’s how to do it:
- Login to your PayPal account.
Go to www.paypal.com or open the mobile app. - Go to Wallet.
On the top menu, click on “Wallet.” - Click “Link a bank” or “Link a card.”
- For a bank account, enter your account number and IFSC code (if in India).
- For a debit card, enter card number, expiry, and CVV.
- Confirm your bank/card.
PayPal will send small deposits (usually ₹1–₹2 or a few cents) to verify your account. - Verify the amounts.
Enter the exact deposit amounts in PayPal to confirm linking.
Once confirmed, you can use this bank or card to withdraw funds.
Step 2: Check Your PayPal Balance
After linking your account, make sure your PayPal balance shows available funds.
- If you received money from a client or website, check if it’s marked as “Completed.”
- Sometimes payments stay “On Hold” for up to 21 days, especially for new sellers or accounts.
Once the payment is cleared, it becomes eligible for withdrawal.
Step 3: How to Withdraw Money from PayPal (Step-by-Step)
Here’s the main process on how to withdraw money from PayPal to your bank account.
For Desktop:
- Login to PayPal.
- Go to Wallet.
- Click “Transfer Money.”
- Choose “Transfer to your bank.”
- Select your linked bank account or card.
- Enter the amount you wish to withdraw.
- Click Next → Confirm.
That’s it! You’ll receive a confirmation email from PayPal.
For Mobile App:
- Open the PayPal app.
- Tap your PayPal balance.
- Select “Transfer” → “Transfer to bank.”
- Choose your bank account.
- Enter the amount and confirm.
Pro Tip: Withdraw in the same currency as your bank account to avoid conversion charges.
Step 4: Wait for the Transfer to Complete
PayPal transfers usually take:
- Instant transfer: Within minutes (with a small fee).
- Standard transfer: Within 1–3 business days (free in most countries).
In India, PayPal automatically transfers your balance to your local bank daily — but it’s still good to know the process in case you want manual control.
Step 5: How to Withdraw Money from PayPal in Different Countries
The process can vary slightly depending on your country. Here’s a quick breakdown:
1. United States:
- Withdraw to bank account (ACH transfer) — free.
- Instant transfer to debit card — small fee applies.
- You can also request a PayPal Debit Mastercard for easy withdrawals.
2. India:
- PayPal automatically transfers money to your linked bank.
- You must provide PAN, bank account, and purpose code.
- Withdrawals take 1–3 business days.
3. United Kingdom:
- Withdraw to UK bank account (via Faster Payments).
- Usually instant or same-day transfer.
4. Philippines / Other Asian Countries:
- Can withdraw to a local bank or GCash in some regions.
- Fees vary, usually ₱50–₱250 depending on the method.
Fees for Withdrawing Money from PayPal
PayPal doesn’t usually charge for standard transfers to bank accounts. However:
| Type of Transfer | Fee | Processing Time |
| Standard Bank Transfer | Free | 1–3 business days |
| Instant Transfer (to card) | 1% (max $10) | Within minutes |
| Currency Conversion | Varies (2.5%–4%) | Immediate |
| Cross-border Fees | Country-based | Immediate |
Tip: Always check fees before transferring large amounts, especially in different currencies.
Common Problems When Withdrawing Money from PayPal (and Fixes)
Even though the process is easy, sometimes you might face issues. Let’s look at a few and how to fix them.
1. Withdrawal Not Showing in Bank
- Wait 3 business days.
- If still missing, check with your bank or contact PayPal support.
2. Account Not Verified
- Make sure your email and bank account are verified.
- Unverified accounts have withdrawal limits.
3. Payment On Hold
- Keep good transaction history.
- Add tracking info or mark the order as delivered to speed up release.
4. Currency Mismatch
- Convert to your local currency before withdrawing.
Or link a multi-currency bank account if available.
How to Keep Your PayPal Account Secure
When withdrawing money, security should always come first.
Here are some quick safety tips:
- Enable 2-Step Verification (2FA) on your PayPal account.
- Never share your login credentials with anyone.
- Always use PayPal’s official website or app.
- Avoid clicking suspicious email links pretending to be from PayPal.
- Keep your browser and device updated.
These small steps protect your funds from fraud or phishing.
Online security isn’t just about passwords — it’s also about protecting your brand identity. You can use a BIMI record checker to ensure your business emails stay trusted and verified.
Tips to Maximize Your PayPal Withdrawals
- Withdraw larger amounts at once — to reduce currency conversion fees.
- Keep some balance in PayPal if you make frequent payments.
- Use the same name on your PayPal and bank accounts to avoid errors.
- Check withdrawal limits — new accounts may have daily caps.
- Track your transfer — you can see the status in your Activity tab.
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Alternative Ways to Withdraw Money from PayPal
Apart from direct bank transfer, here are a few alternative options:
1. PayPal Debit Card
In the U.S. and select regions, PayPal offers a Debit Mastercard you can use to withdraw money at ATMs or spend directly.
2. Transfer to Another Wallet
In some countries, PayPal allows transfer to partner wallets like GCash (Philippines) or Paytm (India, previously).
3. Send to Another Account
You can also send money to another verified PayPal account and let them withdraw locally — though this is not recommended unless you trust them fully.
Example: How Freelancers Withdraw Money from PayPal
If you’re a freelancer working on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or directly with clients — you likely receive payments via PayPal.
Here’s how you can withdraw it efficiently:
- Link your verified freelance PayPal account to your bank.
- Withdraw in USD (or your working currency) if your bank supports it.
- Keep track of PayPal transaction history for tax records.
- Avoid small daily withdrawals — withdraw weekly or monthly to reduce fees.
How Long Does It Take to Withdraw Money from PayPal?
- Instant Transfer: Usually within 5–10 minutes.
- Standard Bank Transfer: 1–3 business days.
- Cross-border Withdrawals: 3–5 business days (depending on the country).
If the money doesn’t arrive after 5 business days, it’s best to contact PayPal Support.
Conclusion: Withdraw Your PayPal Money Safely and Smartly
Learning how to withdraw money from PayPal is simple — once your bank or card is linked and verified.
To recap:
- Link your verified bank or card.
- Check your PayPal balance.
- Transfer funds using “Transfer Money.”
- Choose Instant or Standard withdrawal.
- Wait for confirmation — and your money is in your bank!
With these steps, you can move your PayPal funds easily, save on fees, and enjoy secure, fast access to your hard-earned money.
