The most direct way to add cash to PayPal is a bank transfer from your checking or savings account
You can move money into PayPal by linking a bank account and transferring funds directly. PayPal calls this a bank transfer, and it typically takes one to two business days to arrive. The money goes into your PayPal balance, where you can hold it, send it to others, or use it to pay for things online.
You can also add cash at certain retail locations — Walmart, CVS, and other stores participate in a service called PayPal Cash — but a bank transfer is faster and works from home. A third option is to have someone send you money through PayPal directly, which arrives when ready if both accounts are verified.
The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the money, whether you have a bank account, and whether you want to pay a fee. Bank transfers are free. Retail cash deposits charge a fee that varies by location.
Key Takeaways
- Bank transfers from your checking or savings account are free and take one to two business days to show up in your PayPal balance.
- You must link your bank account to PayPal first, which requires your routing number and account number from a check or your bank's website.
- PayPal will make two small test deposits to your bank account to verify you own it; you confirm the amounts in the PayPal app to complete the link.
- If you do not have a bank account, you can add cash at participating retailers like Walmart or CVS, though this charges a fee between $0.50 and $1.50 depending on the store.
- Money sent to you by another PayPal user arrives when ready if both accounts are verified, but you cannot request money this way — the sender must initiate it.
How to link your bank account to PayPal
Before you can transfer money from your bank, you need to connect your bank account to your PayPal account. Open the PayPal app or website and go to your wallet or settings. Look for an option to add a bank account or payment method.
PayPal will ask for your bank's routing number and your account number. You can find both on a check from your account, or log into your bank's website and look for account details. Enter both numbers into PayPal and confirm your bank's name.
PayPal will then send two small deposits — usually between $0.01 and $0.99 — to your bank account. This takes two to three business days. Once the deposits arrive, you go back into PayPal and enter the exact amounts of both deposits. This confirms you own the bank account. After PayPal verifies the amounts, your bank account is linked and ready to use.
Transferring money from your bank to PayPal
Once your bank account is linked and verified, open PayPal and go to your wallet. Look for a button or menu option that says "Transfer money" or "Add money." Select the option to transfer from your bank account.
Enter the amount you want to move into PayPal. PayPal will show you the fee (usually zero for bank transfers) and the expected arrival date. Confirm the transfer. The money leaves your bank account when ready, but it takes one to two business days to appear in your PayPal balance.
If you transfer money on a Friday evening or weekend, it will not arrive until the following Tuesday or Wednesday, because banks only process transfers on business days. If you need the money faster, a retail cash deposit is the only option, though it costs money.
Adding cash at retail locations
PayPal Cash allows you to add money at stores without using a bank account. Participating retailers include Walmart, CVS, Family Dollar, and others. The fee ranges from $0.50 to $1.50 depending on which store you use and how much you deposit.
To use this service, open PayPal and look for "Add Cash" or "PayPal Cash" in your wallet. PayPal will give you a barcode and a reference number. Take this to a participating store, go to the customer service desk, and tell them you want to add money to your PayPal account. Give them the barcode or reference number and the cash amount you want to deposit.
The store will charge you the fee and give you a receipt. The money appears in your PayPal balance within minutes. This is the fastest way to add cash if you do not have a bank account, but you pay for the speed.
Receiving money from another PayPal user
If someone sends you money through PayPal, it arrives in your PayPal balance when ready if both accounts are verified. You do not need to do anything — the sender initiates the transfer and it lands in your account.
You cannot request money this way yourself. Only the person sending the money can start the transfer. If you need someone to send you money, you have to ask them directly and provide your PayPal email address or phone number.
Money received from another PayPal user is different from a bank transfer because it comes from their PayPal balance, not their bank account. It does not go through the banking system, so there is no delay.
What happens after money arrives in your PayPal balance
Once money is in your PayPal balance, you can use it to pay for things on websites that accept PayPal, send it to other PayPal users, or transfer it back to your bank account. You can also leave it sitting in PayPal and use it whenever you need it.
If you want to move money from your PayPal balance back to your bank account, go to your wallet and select "Transfer to your bank." Enter the amount and confirm. This also takes one to two business days and is free.
PayPal does not pay interest on money sitting in your balance, so if you are holding a large amount for a long time, keeping it in your bank account instead might be a better choice.
Fees and timing for different methods
| Method | Fee | Time to arrive | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank transfer | Free | 1–2 business days | Linked and verified bank account |
| Retail cash deposit | $0.50–$1.50 | Minutes | Cash and participating store nearby |
| Money from another PayPal user | Free | when ready | Verified PayPal account; sender must initiate |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to verify my bank account?
PayPal sends two test deposits to your bank, which takes two to three business days to arrive. Once you see them, you enter the amounts into PayPal, which confirms the link when ready. The entire process usually takes three to five business days from start to finish.
Can I transfer money to PayPal from a savings account?
Yes. PayPal accepts transfers from both checking and savings accounts. You link the account the same way — with your routing number and account number — and the process is identical.
What if my bank transfer fails?
If PayPal cannot complete the transfer, you will see an error message in your account. Common reasons include an incorrect routing or account number, a closed account, or insufficient funds. Check your bank details and try again. If the problem continues, contact your bank to confirm the account is active and set up to receive transfers.
Can I add money to PayPal with a credit card instead of a bank account?
No. PayPal does not allow you to transfer money from a credit card into your balance. You can use a credit card to pay for things through PayPal, but you cannot load cash that way. Your options are a bank account or a retail cash deposit.
Is there a limit to how much I can transfer at once?
Limits vary based on your account history and verification status. New accounts typically have lower limits than established ones. Check your PayPal account settings or contact PayPal directly to see your personal transfer limit.