PayPal has become one of the most trusted digital payment platforms in the world, allowing millions of users to send, receive, and manage money with ease. If you have funds available in your PayPal balance and want to transfer money to another PayPal account, the process is simple, secure, and instant in most cases. Below, we provide a step-by-step guide with detailed insights to help you complete this transaction smoothly.
Why Transfer Money from PayPal Balance to Another PayPal Account?
There are multiple scenarios where you might need to send money from your PayPal balance to another user’s account:
- Paying for goods or services purchased online.
- Sending money to family or friends either domestically or internationally.
- Settling business payments without using a credit card or linked bank account.
- Instant transfers when the recipient needs quick access to funds.
The key benefit is that transfers within PayPal are faster than traditional bank transactions, and you don’t need to expose sensitive bank or card information.
Step-by-Step Guide to Transfer Money from PayPal Balance
1. Log in to Your PayPal Account
Start by visiting the official PayPal website or opening the PayPal mobile app. Enter your registered email address and password to log in securely. For added protection, enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
2. Access the “Send & Request” Section
Once logged in, navigate to the "Send & Request" option located on the top menu (web) or at the bottom of the app interface. This section is specifically designed for sending or requesting money.
3. Enter the Recipient’s Email or Phone Number
Type in the email address or mobile number linked to the recipient’s PayPal account. Ensure the details are correct, as sending money to the wrong account could result in irreversible transactions.
4. Choose the Payment Type
PayPal offers two primary types of payments:
- Friends and Family – Used for personal transfers such as sending money to relatives or splitting bills. Usually free within the same country.
- Goods and Services – Best for business payments, purchases, or freelance transactions. The recipient may incur a small PayPal transaction fee.
5. Enter the Amount to Transfer
Type in the exact amount you wish to send from your PayPal balance. You can also add a note or message to clarify the purpose of the transfer.
6. Select the Funding Source – PayPal Balance
On the payment confirmation page, ensure that PayPal Balance is selected as the funding source. If your balance is insufficient, PayPal may pull funds from your linked bank account or credit card.
7. Review and Confirm the Transaction
Before finalizing, double-check all details:
- Recipient’s email or phone number.
- Payment amount.
- Currency selected.
- Payment type (Friends/Family or Goods/Services).
Once reviewed, click “Send Payment Now” or the equivalent confirmation button.
8. Transaction Completion
The recipient should receive the funds instantly in their PayPal account. You and the recipient will both get email confirmations regarding the transfer.
Understanding PayPal Fees for Transfers
While PayPal is a convenient platform, it’s important to know about associated fees:
- Domestic Friends & Family transfers using PayPal balance – Free.
- International transfers – Subject to conversion fees and international transfer charges.
- Goods & Services payments – The recipient pays a standard transaction fee (usually around 2.9% + fixed fee depending on the country).
Always review the fee structure on PayPal before sending money to avoid unexpected charges.
Currency Conversion in PayPal Transfers
If you are sending money internationally, PayPal automatically handles currency conversion. However, PayPal applies its own exchange rates with an added margin. To minimize conversion costs:
- Transfer money in the recipient’s currency whenever possible.
- Compare exchange rates before confirming the transaction.
- Consider using PayPal alternatives if exchange rate fees are too high.
Security Measures When Sending Money via PayPal
PayPal has built a strong reputation for security, but users must also take precautions:
- Always verify the recipient’s email or phone number.
- Use the Goods & Services option when dealing with unknown sellers.
- Enable two-step verification for additional account protection.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links or responding to fraudulent payment requests.
Following these steps ensures your money reaches the intended recipient safely and securely.
How Long Does a PayPal Transfer Take?
- Domestic transfers between PayPal accounts are typically instant.
- International transfers may take a few minutes to several hours depending on currency conversion.
- If PayPal detects unusual activity, transfers may be placed under temporary review for security checks.
Can I Cancel a PayPal Transfer?
If the payment is still marked as Pending, you may be able to cancel it manually from your PayPal activity page. However, once the funds have been received by the other PayPal account, the transfer cannot be reversed unless the recipient issues a refund.
Alternatives to Sending Money via PayPal Balance
In some cases, you may prefer different methods:
- Linked Bank Account – Pay directly from your bank account using PayPal.
- Credit/Debit Card – Use cards for payments if your PayPal balance is insufficient.
- PayPal Instant Transfer – Send money instantly to another PayPal account or bank card (with applicable fees).
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
Sometimes users face challenges when transferring money from PayPal balance:
- Insufficient Balance – Ensure you have enough funds before initiating transfer.
- Recipient Not Registered – If the recipient doesn’t have a PayPal account, they will need to sign up to claim the money.
- Account Limitations – Verify your PayPal account to lift sending restrictions.
- Technical Glitches – Clear browser cache, update the app, or try again later.
If problems persist, contact PayPal support for personalized assistance.
Final Thoughts
Transferring money from your PayPal balance to another PayPal account is a fast, secure, and convenient process. By following the correct steps, reviewing details carefully, and understanding PayPal’s fees and policies, you can complete transactions smoothly whether for personal or business purposes.