How to Withdraw Money from PayPal: 7 Methods (Complete 2025 Guide)
Looking to withdraw money from PayPal in a way that fits your schedule and fees? You’re not alone. With over 426 million users worldwide, PayPal’s versatility has made it a top choice for freelancers, business owners, and everyday consumers. If you need a refresher on adding funds before taking them out, check out our guide on adding money to PayPal without a bank account. This article covers fees, timelines, and security checks for 2025 so you can get your funds quickly and effectively—no matter which withdrawal method you choose.
Understanding PayPal Withdrawals in 2025
PayPal currently holds about 45% of the global payments market share and processes trillions in payment volume every year. As of 2025, several factors shape the withdrawal experience:
Flexible Options: You can withdraw using standard bank transfers, instant transfer to a debit card, checks, PayPal debit cards, and more.
Regional Variations: Some withdrawal methods aren’t available in every country, particularly checks and cryptocurrency features.
Security Measures: PayPal requests account verification—like linking a bank account or supplying ID—to reduce fraud. Verified users often access higher withdrawal limits.
Fees & Wait Times: Standard transfers are generally free but can take a couple of business days. Faster methods may charge a small percentage.
If you’re juggling personal versus business transactions, you might be curious about differences between the two. Check out this comparison on PayPal Business vs. Personal accounts to determine which setup aligns better with your withdrawal preferences.
PayPal Withdrawal Fees and Limits
PayPal’s fees vary by method:
Standard Bank Transfer: Typically free in most regions. Processing time is 1–3 business days.
Instant Transfer: Often about 1% of the amount, capped at a set fee. Funds can arrive within minutes.
Check by Mail: Around $1.50 per check in the U.S., with delivery in 5–10 business days.
PayPal Debit Card ATM Withdrawals: ATM fees vary. Daily limits often hover around $400 USD.
Currency Conversion: Usually 3–4% above the base exchange rate for cross-border or multi-currency withdrawals.
Withdrawal Limits: There can be daily or per-transaction limits (e.g., $5,000 for instant transfers). Unverified accounts may have lower limits.
7 Methods to Withdraw Money from PayPal
1. Standard Bank Transfer
What It Is
This is the go-to choice for most users. You move money from your PayPal balance to a linked bank account, waiting about 1–3 business days for processing.
How It Works
Log into PayPal and select Transfer Money or Withdraw.
Pick your linked bank account.
Enter the amount to transfer and confirm.
Pros
Almost always free.
Widely available.
Cons
Takes a few days.
Requires a verified bank account in the same name as your PayPal account.
2. Instant Transfer to Bank or Debit Card
What It Is
If you need quick access to funds—with minimal wait—instant transfer could be your best bet. Many users find this valuable, despite a small percentage fee.
How It Works
Log in and choose Instant Transfer.
Pick an eligible bank account or card.
Pay the fee (usually 1% of the amount).
Pros
Money arrives within minutes (up to 30).
Ideal for emergencies or quick bill payments.
Cons
Carries fees you won’t see with standard transfers.
Not available for all bank accounts or card issuers.
3. Check by Mail
What It Is
PayPal can mail you a paper check. This is handy if linking a bank account isn’t possible or if you prefer a tangible payment form.
How It Works
Request a check from your PayPal dashboard.
Confirm the mailing address.
Wait 5–10 business days to receive it.
Pros
Straightforward for users who appreciate paper transactions.
Good fallback if you don’t have a bank or card option.
Cons
Delivery fees may apply.
Not available in all countries.
Processing and mailing can take up to two weeks or more outside the U.S.
4. PayPal Debit Card (Business Accounts)
What It Is
U.S.-based business accounts (and selected other regions) can use a PayPal Debit Card to withdraw directly at ATMs or spend PayPal funds offline.
How It Works
Order the PayPal Debit Card if eligible.
Activate the card and set a PIN.
Withdraw from ATMs up to your daily limit (often $400 USD).
Pros
Immediate access to your balance.
Convenient payment method for everyday expenses.
Cons
Fees from ATM operators may apply.
Only for certain account types and regions.
5. PayPal Credit Card
What It Is
Some users and businesses may qualify for a PayPal-branded credit card, which you can pay off from your PayPal balance.
How It Works
Apply for a PayPal Credit Card if offered in your location.
Upon approval, purchases and cash advances can be repaid using PayPal funds.
Pros
Lets you link your PayPal balance to a credit line.
Potential cashback or rewards.
Cons
Approval depends on credit checks.
Cash advance fees and interest may offset benefits.
6. Cryptocurrency Withdrawal (If Supported)
What It Is
In select regions, PayPal allows cryptocurrency holdings (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). Users can often sell crypto and move the resulting fiat to a bank or card.
How It Works
Open PayPal’s Crypto section.
Sell your crypto for a supported currency (USD, for example).
Withdraw the converted balance via standard or instant transfer.
Pros
Extends PayPal’s functionality beyond fiat.
Allows near-real-time conversions depending on crypto market activity.
Cons
Not available everywhere.
Involves potential crypto trading fees plus usual withdrawal charges.
7. Mobile Wallet Transfer (e.g., Apple Pay or Google Pay)
What It Is
Linking PayPal to a mobile wallet is another direct route to spend or move funds. Some wallets allow transferring balances from PayPal for in-store transactions.
How It Works
Access PayPal in your wallet settings (e.g., Apple Pay).
Authorize PayPal as a source of funds.
Move money to your wallet balance or use PayPal at checkout.
Pros
Convenient mobile-based solution.
Quick for everyday payments.
Cons
Exact features vary by wallet.
Not all wallets permit cash-out to bank accounts.
International Withdrawals and Currency Conversion
Cross-border withdrawals are a major driver for PayPal transactions. In 2024, about 17% of PayPal’s total volume was international. If you’re transferring to a non-domestic bank, watch for:
Currency Conversion Fees: Often 3–4% above wholesale rates.
Extended Timelines: International bank transfers sometimes take 3–5 business days.
Verification: PayPal might request additional documents for cross-border transactions to reduce fraud.
For high-volume merchants, the cumulative conversion fees can become significant. Some businesses use alternative platforms to reduce markups.
Mural Pay: A Business-Focused Alternative
While PayPal is widely known, some business owners prefer solutions like Mural Pay for specialized features. Mural Pay supports batch payments to multiple recipients, stablecoin on/off-ramps for countries like those in LATAM, and robust currency conversion tools. This can be pivotal if you’re looking for:
Faster Cross-Border Funding: Mural Pay settles multi-currency payouts quickly.
Compliance: It includes full KYB/KYC integration for businesses dealing with large contractor networks.
Cost Efficiency: Many companies find Mural Pay’s FX rates more attractive than typical providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a PayPal standard bank withdrawal actually take?
In most cases, you’ll see funds in 1–3 business days, though it can stretch to 5 days if there’s a weekend or a security hold.
Do all PayPal users have withdrawal limits?
Yes. Limits differ based on verification level, history, and location. Instant transfers, for example, might be capped at $5,000 per transaction.
Why can’t I find PayPal checks as an option?
Check withdrawals aren’t available in all countries. If you have a business or personal account in a region that restricts check issuance, the feature won’t appear.
I’m withdrawing in a different currency—will I see a conversion fee?
Yes. PayPal’s conversion fees typically run 3–4% above base exchange rates. This can add up for large transfers.
Is PayPal still competitive compared to newer services?
It depends on your volume and location. PayPal stands out for accessibility and ease, but alternatives like Mural Pay, Wise, and others may be cheaper for frequent cross-border payouts.
Final Insights
Choosing how to withdraw your PayPal balance hinges on your location, time sensitivity, and cost tolerance. For a straightforward process with minimal fees, standard bank transfers are a longtime favorite. Meanwhile, instant transfers can save precious hours if you’re willing to absorb a small percentage fee. PayPal debit and credit options bring convenience to business account holders—especially those in the U.S. If you’re venturing internationally, be mindful of currency conversion fees and potential delays.
If your focus is large-scale, multi-currency payouts or stablecoin options, you might explore additional payment solutions that cater to these advanced needs. PayPal remains reliable for many, but always weigh your total costs and speed requirements. If you want more insights into popular payment methods abroad, feel free to explore Popular Payment Methods for International Trade. Whatever your approach, planning withdrawals strategically can save you both money and time.
References
Helplama.com. (2023). “PayPal Revenue & Users Statistics.” Available at: https://helplama.com/paypal-revenue-users-statistics/
Exiap. (2025). “PayPal Fees for International Transfers.” Available at: https://www.exiap.com/guides/paypal-fees
ValueAddedResource. (2025). “PayPal Fee Hikes for January 2025.” Available at: https://www.valueaddedresource.net/paypal-hikes-fees-january-2025/
Wise.com. (2025). “PayPal Fees to Cash Out.” Available at: https://wise.com/us/blog/paypal-fees-to-cash-out
Chargeflow.io. (2023). “PayPal Statistics & Facts.” Available at: https://www.chargeflow.io/blog/paypal-statistics-facts
