PayPal and Cash App don't connect directly, so you'll need to move money through your bank account

PayPal and Cash App are separate services that don't transfer to each other. The standard path is to withdraw from PayPal to your bank account, then deposit from your bank account into Cash App. This takes two to three business days total, depending on your bank and which transfer method you choose.

You can also use a debit card linked to PayPal to add funds to Cash App when ready, but only if you have a PayPal debit card. Most people don't, so the bank account route is more common.

Key Takeaways

  • PayPal and Cash App do not transfer directly to each other; you must route money through your bank account.
  • Withdrawing from PayPal to your bank takes one to three business days, and depositing into Cash App from your bank takes another one to three business days.
  • If you have a PayPal debit card, you can add it to Cash App as a payment method and move money when ready, though this is less common.
  • Both services charge no fee for bank transfers, but your bank may charge a fee for certain types of transfers.

Withdraw from PayPal to your bank account

Log into PayPal on a computer or the PayPal app. Tap or click Wallet at the top, then select Transfer Money. Choose Transfer to your bank.

PayPal will show you the bank account on file. If you have more than one, select the correct one. Enter the amount you want to withdraw. PayPal shows you the arrival date — usually one to three business days depending on your bank. Confirm the transfer.

PayPal charges no fee for this transfer. Your bank may charge a fee if you have a checking account with monthly transfer limits, though most consumer accounts do not.

Deposit from your bank into Cash App

Open the Cash App and tap the Balance tab at the bottom. Tap Add Cash. Select the amount and confirm.

Cash App will ask how you want to pay. Tap Linked Bank Account. If you haven't linked your bank account yet, tap Add Bank Account, enter your routing and account number, and confirm. Cash App will verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) to your bank. You'll need to confirm those amounts in the Cash App within a few days.

Once your bank account is linked, the deposit from your bank into Cash App is when ready. Cash App charges no fee.

Using a PayPal debit card instead

If you have a PayPal debit card, you can add it directly to Cash App as a payment method. This skips the bank account step and moves money when ready.

In Cash App, tap the Balance tab, then Add Cash. Select the amount. When asked how to pay, tap Debit or Credit Card instead of Linked Bank Account. Enter your PayPal debit card number, expiration date, and CVV. Confirm the payment.

The money appears in your Cash App balance right away. PayPal and Cash App both charge no fee for this transfer. However, most people do not have a PayPal debit card — you need to request one from PayPal, and it takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail.

Timing and what to expect

If you use the bank account route, the full transfer takes two to three business days. PayPal typically sends the money within one business day. Your bank then deposits it, which takes another one to three business days depending on the bank.

Weekends and holidays don't count as business days. If you initiate a transfer on Friday evening, it may not arrive until Wednesday or Thursday.

If you use the PayPal debit card method, the money is in your Cash App within seconds. This is the fastest option, but only works if you have the card.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not assume PayPal and Cash App are connected. Many people try to link their PayPal account directly to Cash App and get stuck when it doesn't work. The services do not offer that option.

Do not withdraw from PayPal and then when ready expect the money in Cash App. The PayPal withdrawal takes one to three days, and the Cash App deposit takes another one to three days. Plan for the full timeline.

If you link your bank account to Cash App for the first time, do not add cash when ready. Wait for the two verification deposits to arrive at your bank (usually two to five business days), then confirm the amounts in Cash App. If you try to add cash before confirming, the transfer may fail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send money directly from PayPal to Cash App?

No. PayPal and Cash App do not have a direct transfer feature. You must withdraw from PayPal to your bank account, then deposit from your bank into Cash App. The PayPal debit card is the only way to skip the bank account step, and it still requires you to have the physical card.

How long does it take to move money from PayPal to Cash App?

Two to three business days using the bank account route. PayPal sends the money in one to three business days, and your bank deposits it in one to three business days. If you have a PayPal debit card, it's when ready.

Are there fees to transfer from PayPal to Cash App?

PayPal and Cash App charge no fees for bank transfers or debit card transfers. Your bank may charge a fee if you exceed monthly transfer limits, though most consumer checking accounts do not have limits.

What if my bank account won't link to Cash App?

Make sure you entered your routing number and account number correctly. Cash App will send two small verification deposits to your bank within a few business days. You must confirm those amounts in the app before you can add cash. If deposits don't arrive after five business days, contact your bank to confirm the account is active.

Can I use a credit card to move money from PayPal to Cash App?

Cash App accepts credit cards as a payment method, but only to add cash to your Cash App balance — not to withdraw from PayPal. You would need to pay Cash App with your credit card using money from somewhere else, which defeats the purpose of moving PayPal funds.