How To Put Money In A PayPal Account

To add money to your PayPal account, you can transfer funds from a linked bank account or eligible debit card, add cash at participating stores, receive money directly from other users, or cash a check through the app. The most common way to add money to PayPal is by using a linked bank account or debit card, which you can do from the website or the mobile app in just a few steps.

How to add money to PayPal from a bank account or debit card

This is the primary method for funding your PayPal balance. You can choose between a standard bank transfer, which takes a few business days, or an instant transfer from an eligible debit card. Here is how to do it on the website and in the app.

On the PayPal website

1. Log in to your PayPal account and go to your Wallet.
2. Click "Transfer Money."
3. Select "Add money from your bank or debit card."
4. Enter the amount you want to transfer.
5. Choose either "In seconds with debit" for an instant transfer from an eligible Visa or Mastercard debit card, or "in 3-5 days with your bank" for a standard bank transfer.
6. Confirm the transfer.

In the PayPal app

1. Open the PayPal app and tap your "PayPal balance" (or the "Me" tab).
2. Tap "Add Money."
3. Choose your bank or debit card as the funding source.
4. Enter the amount and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the transfer.

Transfers from a linked bank account typically take 3-5 business days to be available in your balance. Transfers from an eligible Visa or Mastercard debit card are usually available in seconds.

How to add cash to your PayPal balance at a store

If you have physical cash and want to add it to your digital wallet, you can use the "Add Cash at Stores" feature at participating retailers. This is a good option if you do not want to link a bank account or if you need to use cash you have on hand. Note that there is a fee of up to $3.95 for this service, and the fee amount varies by store.

1. Open the PayPal app and tap your "PayPal balance" (or the "Accounts" tab).
2. Tap "Add Cash at Stores."
3. Select a retailer to generate a barcode. The barcode expires after 15 minutes.
4. Present the barcode and your cash to the cashier at the register. You can also swipe your PayPal-branded Debit Card and provide the cash directly.
5. The money is typically added to your balance within 15 minutes.

You can add between $20.00 USD and $500.00 USD per transaction. There are also daily, weekly, and monthly limits: $1,500.00 USD per day, $5,000.00 USD per month, with a maximum of 4 transactions per day, 7 per week, and 20 per month.

How to receive money directly into your PayPal account

Receiving money from another PayPal user is a simple way to add funds to your balance. This method is useful when you need to get paid by a client, split a bill with friends, or receive a gift. The funds are added to your balance instantly.

1. Log in to your PayPal account.
2. Navigate to the "Request Money" feature.
3. Enter the email address or mobile number of the person you are requesting money from.
4. Specify the amount and currency, and optionally add a note.
5. Send the request. The recipient will receive a notification and can complete the payment.

There are no fees for receiving money from another PayPal user if the funds come from their PayPal balance or linked bank account. However, if the sender uses a credit or debit card, the standard PayPal fee for goods and services may apply.

How to cash a check into your PayPal account

You can deposit endorsed checks directly into your PayPal balance using the "Cash a Check" feature in the app. This is a convenient alternative to visiting a bank or using a check-cashing service. You must have a PayPal Balance account to use this feature.

1. Open the PayPal app and go to "Accounts."
2. Choose "Cash a Check."
3. Enter the amount of the check.
4. Take pictures of the front and back of your endorsed check.
5. Select how quickly you want access to your money. You can choose an instant access option for a fee, or a slower option (for example, 10 days) with no fee if the check is not returned unpaid.

Link a bank account to add money to PayPal

Before you can transfer money from your bank or debit card, you must link and verify the account. This is a prerequisite step that also increases your transaction limits and enhances security. Verifying your account by adding and confirming a bank account or debit or credit card is essential to fully use your account, including for larger transactions or to use PayPal credit for purchases.

1. Select "Link a bank account" or "Link a card."
2. Enter your bank account details (account and routing number) or your debit card information.
3. Follow the verification process, which may involve confirming small test deposits or providing a code. Once verified, you can initiate transfers.

Keep in mind that if you choose an instant transfer from your debit card, the PayPal instant transfer fee will apply. Understanding these costs helps you choose the most economical method for your needs.