You cannot transfer money directly from Venmo to PayPal
Venmo and PayPal are separate apps owned by the same parent company, but they do not connect to each other. You cannot push money from your Venmo balance into a PayPal account, and PayPal cannot pull from Venmo. If you need money in PayPal, you have to move it through your bank account — which takes a few extra steps but works reliably.
The process is straightforward: withdraw your Venmo balance to your bank account, then deposit that money into PayPal from the same bank account. Both apps let you link a checking account, and both can move money in and out. The whole thing usually takes three to five business days, depending on your bank's processing speed.
Key Takeaways
- Venmo and PayPal do not transfer to each other directly, even though the same company owns both.
- You move money between them by withdrawing from Venmo to your bank account, then depositing into PayPal from that same account.
- Standard bank transfers take three to five business days; Venmo's when ready transfer option costs a small fee but arrives the same day.
- Both apps require you to link a valid checking account and verify your identity before you can move money out.
How to withdraw money from Venmo to your bank account
Open the Venmo app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Select "Settings," then tap "Payment Methods." You should see your linked bank account listed. If you have not linked one yet, tap "Add Bank Account" and enter your routing number and account number — you can find both on a check or by logging into your bank's website.
Once your account is linked, go back to the main Venmo screen and tap the money icon (circle with a dollar sign) at the bottom. Choose "Transfer to Bank." Select the amount you want to move and confirm. Venmo will show you an expected arrival date — usually three to five business days. If you need the money faster, Venmo offers an when ready transfer option for a small fee (typically 1 percent of the amount), and the money arrives within 30 minutes.
How to deposit money into PayPal from your bank account
Open PayPal and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom left. Select "Wallet," then tap "Link a Bank Account." Enter your routing and account numbers — the same account you used for Venmo works fine. PayPal will verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under a dollar each) into your checking account within a few days.
Once verification is complete, go back to your Wallet and tap "Add Money." Choose your linked bank account, enter the amount, and confirm. PayPal processes bank transfers in three to five business days. Unlike Venmo, PayPal does not offer an when ready deposit option from a bank account, so plan accordingly if you need the money quickly.
What to do if your bank account is not linked to either app
If you have not linked a bank account to Venmo or PayPal yet, you will need to do that first. Both apps require your routing number and account number, which you can find on a check, in your bank's mobile app, or by calling your bank's customer service line. Have your account information ready before you start.
The linking process takes a few minutes in the app, but verification can take several days. Some banks verify when ready; others wait for a small deposit to clear. If verification is taking longer than expected, check your bank account to see if PayPal or Venmo deposited test amounts. You may need to confirm those amounts in the app to complete the link.
Why you might want to use PayPal instead of Venmo
Venmo is designed for splitting bills and sending money to friends. PayPal is broader — it works for online shopping, invoicing, and business payments. If you are selling something online or need to send an invoice, PayPal is often the better choice. If you are just moving money between friends, Venmo is simpler.
Some merchants and services accept PayPal but not Venmo, so having money in both accounts can be useful. Moving money between them is not difficult, but it does take time. If you find yourself doing this regularly, consider keeping a balance in each app rather than transferring back and forth every time.
Fees and timing for transfers
Standard transfers from Venmo to your bank account are free and take three to five business days. Venmo's when ready transfer option costs 1 percent of the amount you are moving, with a minimum fee of around 25 cents. Deposits from your bank account into PayPal are also free and take three to five business days.
Weekends and holidays can add time to any transfer. If you initiate a transfer on Friday evening, it may not arrive until the following Tuesday or Wednesday. Plan ahead if you need the money by a specific date. Both apps show you an estimated arrival date when you confirm the transfer, so you can see exactly when to expect the money.
What to do if a transfer gets stuck or does not arrive
If money does not show up in your account by the date the app promised, log into your bank account first to see if it arrived there. Sometimes the app's estimate is conservative, and the money clears earlier than expected. If it is not in your bank account, check the Venmo or PayPal app for any error messages or holds on the transfer.
Contact your bank if the transfer shows as sent in the app but has not arrived after the promised date. Provide them with the transfer date, amount, and the app's confirmation number. Your bank can trace the transfer and tell you where it is stuck. If the issue is on Venmo or PayPal's side, you can contact their customer support through the app — tap the menu, select "Help," and describe the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money directly from Venmo to someone's PayPal account?
No. Venmo only sends to other Venmo users or to a linked bank account. If someone asks you to send them money via PayPal, you have to move your Venmo balance to your bank account first, then send from PayPal to their PayPal account or email address.
Does it cost money to transfer from Venmo to PayPal?
Standard transfers from Venmo to your bank account are free. Deposits from your bank into PayPal are also free. If you use Venmo's when ready transfer option, there is a 1 percent fee. So the cheapest route is the standard three- to five-day transfer, which costs nothing.
Can I use a debit card instead of a bank account to move money between Venmo and PayPal?
No. Both apps require a checking account to move money out. You can link a debit card to add money into either app, but you cannot withdraw to a debit card. You need an actual bank account with a routing number and account number.
What if I do not have a bank account?
Without a bank account, you cannot transfer money out of Venmo or PayPal. You can receive money in either app and spend it there, but moving it elsewhere requires a checking account. Some banks and credit unions offer accounts with low or no fees if you want to open one for this purpose.
How long does it really take to move money from Venmo to PayPal?
Six to ten business days if you use standard transfers for both steps — three to five days from Venmo to your bank, then three to five days from your bank to PayPal. If you use Venmo's when ready transfer option, you can cut that to three to five days total, but you will pay a 1 percent fee.