So you’ve set up your PayPal account and are ready to start transferring money, paying bills, and shopping online. Your options are pretty limited until you add some money to your PayPal balance. Luckily, it just takes a few minutes to do so, and even better, it can be completely free! Let’s show you how it’s done.
Read also:What is PayPal? How do you use it?
QUICK ANSWER
You can add money to PayPal through the official app. Go to PayPal balance > Add money > Add from your bank. Enter the amount you want to transfer, hit Continue, select your bank in the From section, and hit Add Money.
JUMP TO KEY SECTIONS
- Before we get started
- Transfer money to PayPal from a bank account
- Using a debit or credit card
- Add cash to PayPal in person
- Direct deposit and cashing checks
Before we get started
Before we get into the step-by-step for adding money to PayPal, you first need to decide where you want that money to come from. The easiest way is to connect a bank account and transfer from there. You can also connect a credit card, link a debit card, or even add money in person at select locations.
How to transfer money to PayPal from a bank account
Whether you’re using the PayPal website or mobile app, the steps are similar. We’ll show you how to do it on both.
How to connect a bank account to PayPal on the website:
- Go to PayPal.com and log in.
- Click on the Pay & Get Paid tab.
- Select the Bank & Cards option.
- Under Banks, select Link a new bank.
- Choose your bank and log into it.
- Follow instructions to finish linking your account.
How to connect a bank account to PayPal on the app:
- Open the PayPal app and log in.
- Tap on the Wallet icon in the lower-right corner.
- Tap on Add banks and cards.
- Select Banks.
- Choose your bank and log into it.
- Follow instructions to finish linking your account.
Now that your bank account is ready, it’s time to transfer funds to PayPal.
How to add money to PayPal with a bank account on the website:
- Go to PayPal.com and log in.
- Find your PayPal Balance section, and hit the three-dot menu button.
- Click on Add Money
- Select your bank and hit Next.
- Choose how much money you want to add to your PayPal account and click Next.
- Select Transfer Now.
How to add money to PayPal with a bank account on the app:
- Open the PayPal app and log in.
- Tap on the PayPal balance section.
- Tap on Add money.
- Select Add from your bank.
- Choose how much money you want to add to your PayPal account and click Continue.
- Tap on the From section to select the bank you want to use.
- Select Add Money.
This method is easy and free, but it isn’t the fastest. It can take 3-5 days for the funds to appear in your account, so don’t expect to do any shopping right away.
Related: Venmo vs. PayPal
How to add money to PayPal using a debit or credit card
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
The following method we’ll cover uses a debit or credit card. The steps are the same for either type of card, but there is a difference in how things work. You cannot transfer funds from a debit or credit card to your PayPal balance. Instead, any time you purchase something with PayPal, or make a transfer, it will automatically charge that amount to your card.
How to add a debit or credit card to PayPal on the website:
- Go to PayPal.com and log in.
- Click on the Pay & Get Paid tab.
- Select the Bank & Cards option.
- Under Cards, select Link a new card.
- Enter your card info and click on Link Card.
How to add a debit or credit card to PayPal on the app:
- Open the PayPal app and log in.
- Tap on the Wallet icon in the lower-right corner.
- Tap on Add banks and cards.
- Select Debit and credit cards.
- Under Enter your card info, tap on Debit or credit card. Follow instructions.
- You can also log into your bank account to pull all your information automatically.
Now you’re ready to start using your PayPal account. Credit cards might be more limited than bank accounts, but they are more convenient than transferring money in and out of PayPal.
Also: How to use PayPal on Amazon
How to add cash to PayPal in person
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
While it’s not available in every country, the ultimate way to protect your privacy and security is with cash. Thanks to several retail partners, all you need to add cash to PayPal is the app on your phone and a friendly customer service representative. Of course, you also need that cash money!
PayPal’s retail partners in the US include big names like Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, GameStop, Dollar General, and more. It’s important to note that this one has a fee attached, unlike the other methods described above. The amount varies depending on the business, but it’s usually $3.95 per transaction. Walmart is a little cheaper at $3.
Next: How to delete your PayPal account
There’s also a limit to how much cash you can add in a single transaction. The most cash you can add to your PayPal account at once is $500, with a minimum of $20. There’s also a daily limit of $1,500 and a monthly limit of $5,000.
The first thing you want to do is take your phone and cash to one of the physical locations supported. Typically, you want to head over to the customer service desk (not the cashier) and tell the representative you wish to add money to your PayPal account. They may or may not be familiar with the process, so please be patient.
How to add cash to PayPal:
- Go to the customer service counter of a supported store.
- Open the PayPal app and log in.
- Tap on the PayPal balance section.
- Tap on Add money.
- Select Add cash at a store.
- Hit Continue.
- Select the store you want to add the money at.
- Hit Generate Barcode.
- Show the code to the representative. You might be asked for your ID.
- Let the representative work his magic.
Once the process is done, you’ll be charged the amount you want to add to your PayPal account, plus the fee. The transaction should show up on your PayPal account soon after. The time varies, but it should be no more than about 15 minutes.
Direct deposit and cashing checks
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
PayPal is getting much more advanced as a financial tool, and now you can even receive your direct deposits or even cash a physical check straight from the app. Here’s how to do it.
How to set up direct deposit or cash a check on the PaPal app:
- Go to the customer service counter of a supported store.
- Open the PayPal app and log in.
- Tap on the PayPal balance section.
- Tap on Add money.
- Select either Direct deposit or Cash a Check.
- Follow instructions to finish the process.
Next: How to check your PayPal balance from any device
FAQs
There are four main methods for adding money to your PayPal account. You can use your bank, add cash at a store, set up direct deposit, or cash a check.
Not exactly. You can link debit or credit cards to PayPal and use them as your primary payment method when making purchases or sending transfers. No money coming from cards will sit in your PayPal account, though.
Yes! We didn’t add this method to the list because it isn’t exactly adding your own money to your account. That said, if someone owes you, wants to give you money, or you want to sell them something, they can transfer money directly to your PayPal account.
Not always. Adding money to PayPal from banks will take three to five days. Adding cash at the store is nearly instant, but it might take about 15 minutes. PayPal to PayPal transfers are usually immediate.
If you want your funds flowing in the opposite direction, from PayPal to your bank account, just tap or click “Transfer” and follow the instructions.
C
Yes – you can add a prepaid Visa, Mastercard, or American Express gift card to your PayPal account and use it as a payment method.
Next: Can you send money from PayPal to Cash App?
Guides
How-to's
PayPal
FAQs
How to add money to PayPal: Say goodbye to physical cards? ›
Tap Add Cash at Stores. Select a retailer and tap Generate Barcode. Bring the barcode on your smartphone to your selected retail store and the amount of cash you want to add. The cashier will scan your barcode to load money into your PayPal Balance Account.
How do I add money to my PayPal account physically? ›Tap Add Cash at Stores. Select a retailer and tap Generate Barcode. Bring the barcode on your smartphone to your selected retail store and the amount of cash you want to add. The cashier will scan your barcode to load money into your PayPal Balance Account.
Can I transfer PayPal money to prepaid card? ›Yes. Once you've confirmed your email address, you can transfer money to any eligible Visa or Mastercard debit card or prepaid card.
What stores can I add cash to my PayPal account? ›PayPal's latest app update includes the PayPal Cash feature, which allows users to add cash to their current balances at any CVS or Rite Aid store.
How do I add money to my PayPal account with a debit card? ›- Go to your Wallet.
- Click Transfer Money.
- Choose "Add money from your bank or debit card.' Enter the amount.
- Choose either 'In seconds with debit' or 'in 3-5 days with your bank'.
There may be a limitation on your PayPal account that prevents the transfer. Remove the limitation to restore your full account functionality. Your debit card or bank account may not be eligible to process the instant transfer. Select a different bank or card that supports instant transfer from PayPal.
What prepaid cards work with PayPal? ›PayPal accepts any prepaid card that has a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover logo. They do not accept store-specific gift cards, even if the purchase is being made with that store.
How do you put money on a prepaid card? ›You may also be able to load cash at ATMs, bank branches, and retail locations, or add money from checks by using the mobile check deposit feature on your card issuer's mobile app. Check with your card issuer to confirm which of these features are offered.
Can I transfer money from Cash App to PayPal prepaid card? ›With Your Cash App Card
The card works like any debit card you would get from a bank, so you can use your Cash App balance on PayPal. Because it's a debit card, you'll need to add the card as a payment method in PayPal. You won't be able to transfer money to your balance since it isn't a bank account, though.
Can I withdraw money from PayPal without a bank account? Depending on your jurisdiction that your PayPal account is in, you can request a paper check to a destination of your choice, or you can withdraw your account balance to a PayPal Debit Card where you can then withdraw cash from any ATM.
Can you deposit money into PayPal through ATM? ›
PayPal is not a bank and does not itself take deposits.
Can you cash out instantly with PayPal? ›Use Instant Transfer* to move your money from PayPal to your bank account in minutes, with a linked Visa® debit card. Don't have PayPal? Sign up here. *Instant Transfers typically occur in minutes, and may take up to 30 minutes and vary by bank.
Can you send money to yourself on PayPal? ›- Sending money to yourself on PayPal may violate PayPal's terms of service, depending on your purpose and frequency. - Sending money to yourself on PayPal may trigger security checks or limitations on your account, depending on the amount and frequency.
Does Walmart accept PayPal QR code? ›They can then select PayPal as a payment option at checkout and scan the QR code displayed on the terminal to complete the transaction. To use PayPal for online purchases, shoppers can select PayPal as a payment method during checkout on the Walmart website or app.
Why can't I add money to my PayPal account? ›Why can't I add money to my PayPal account? If you are unable to add money to your PayPal balance, it could be because there is a limitation placed on your account or the feature you're trying to use is not available for your country or region. Or you simply haven't set up a PayPal Cash or PayPal Cash Plus account.
What methods of payment does PayPal accept? ›PayPal allows you to make payments using a variety of methods including: PayPal balance, a bank account, PayPal Credit, debit or credit cards, and rewards balance.
How much money can I deposit into my PayPal account? ›When loading cash into your PayPal account, you can load up to $1,500 daily or $5,000 monthly. If you reach either of these limits, you will not be able to load additional cash to your account until your limit is reset the next day or next month.