You cannot transfer money directly from Venmo to PayPal
Venmo and PayPal are separate services owned by the same parent company, but they do not have a direct transfer feature between accounts. Money in your Venmo balance cannot move straight into PayPal. Instead, you move money out of Venmo first — either to your bank account or debit card — and then deposit it into PayPal from there.
The process takes two separate steps and usually takes one to three business days total, depending on your bank and which transfer method you choose. Understanding which route is fastest for your situation will save you time.
Key Takeaways
- Venmo and PayPal do not connect directly; you must withdraw from Venmo to your bank account first, then move that money into PayPal.
- Transferring from Venmo to your bank account is free if you use the standard transfer option, which takes one to three business days.
- Instant transfers from Venmo to a debit card cost 1% of the amount (minimum 25 cents) but arrive within 30 minutes.
- Once money reaches your bank account, you can add it to PayPal by linking your bank account or depositing via direct deposit.
- PayPal does not accept transfers from Venmo directly, so you cannot skip the bank account step.
Step 1: Move money from Venmo to your bank account
Open the Venmo app and tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the bottom right corner. Select "Transfer Money," then choose "Transfer to Bank." Enter the amount you want to move and confirm your linked bank account. Venmo will show you the expected arrival date — usually one to three business days depending on your bank.
This transfer is free. Venmo does not charge a fee for moving money to your bank account using the standard option. If you need the money faster, you can choose "Instant Transfer" instead, which costs 1% of the amount (with a minimum charge of 25 cents) and delivers within 30 minutes to a linked debit card.
Standard transfers process on business days only. If you initiate a transfer on a Friday evening or weekend, it will not begin processing until Monday. Plan accordingly if you have a time-sensitive need.
Step 2: Add that money to PayPal
Once the money lands in your bank account, you have two ways to get it into PayPal. The simpler route is to link your bank account to PayPal directly. Log into PayPal, go to "Wallet," select "Link a bank account," and follow the prompts to connect the same account where your Venmo transfer arrived. PayPal will verify the account with two small deposits (usually within one to two business days), and then you can transfer money from that bank account into your PayPal balance whenever you need it.
The second route is to set up a direct deposit from your employer or another source to deposit money into PayPal directly, but this only works if you are receiving regular paychecks or other recurring deposits. For a one-time transfer of the money you just moved from Venmo, linking your bank account is the standard path.
Why the two-step process exists
Venmo is designed primarily for peer-to-peer payments between individuals — splitting rent, paying back a friend for dinner. PayPal is a broader payment platform used for online shopping, invoicing, and business transactions. Even though PayPal owns Venmo, the two systems run on separate infrastructure and do not share a direct pipeline.
This separation also protects your account security. Requiring you to move money through your bank account means each service only holds what you actively need in that moment, rather than keeping large balances sitting in multiple places.
Timing and what to expect
| Transfer Method | Cost | Speed | How It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venmo standard transfer to bank | Free | 1–3 business days | Money moves to your linked bank account; then you link that account to PayPal |
| Venmo instant transfer to debit card | 1% (minimum 25¢) | Within 30 minutes | Money goes to debit card; you then deposit into PayPal from there |
| PayPal direct bank link | Free | Immediate (once linked) | After bank account is verified, you can transfer from bank to PayPal anytime |
If you are moving a small amount and do not need it immediately, the free standard transfer is the most economical choice. If you need the money in PayPal within hours, the instant transfer option costs more but is faster — though you will still need to wait for PayPal's bank verification process if you have not linked that account before.
The total time from Venmo to PayPal depends on which method you choose and whether your bank account is already verified in PayPal. If both accounts are already set up, you can complete the entire process in one to three business days at no cost.
Common issues and what to do
If your Venmo transfer is taking longer than expected, check whether it initiated on a business day. Transfers that start on weekends or holidays will not process until the next business day. You can also check your Venmo transaction history to see the exact status and expected delivery date.
If you are trying to link your bank account to PayPal and it keeps failing, make sure you are using the exact same account where your Venmo money landed. PayPal will reject mismatched account numbers or routing numbers. You can find your routing number on a check or by calling your bank directly.
If you have already set up PayPal but have not linked a bank account yet, you will need to complete that verification before you can move money in. The verification process involves PayPal making two small test deposits to your bank account, which you then confirm in the PayPal app. This usually takes one to two business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money from PayPal to Venmo instead?
Yes, the process works in reverse. You withdraw from PayPal to your bank account, then transfer from your bank account into Venmo. Both services allow you to link the same bank account, so the steps are the same but in opposite order.
What if I do not have a bank account linked to Venmo yet?
You cannot withdraw from Venmo without a linked bank account or debit card. If you have not set one up, go to the Venmo app menu, select "Settings," then "Payment Methods," and add your bank account or debit card. This takes a few minutes and requires your routing number and account number.
Does PayPal charge a fee to receive money from my bank account?
No. PayPal does not charge you to link a bank account or to transfer money from that account into your PayPal balance. The only fees come from Venmo's instant transfer option if you choose that route.
How long does PayPal's bank verification actually take?
PayPal makes two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to your bank account and asks you to confirm the amounts in the app. This typically takes one to two business days for the deposits to show up. Once you confirm them, your account is verified and you can transfer money immediately.
Can I transfer money from Venmo to PayPal on weekends?
You can initiate the transfer on a weekend, but Venmo will not process it until the next business day. The clock starts on Monday morning. If you need the money in PayPal by a specific date, plan to start the transfer by Thursday or Friday to account for processing time.