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 them. Money in your Venmo account stays in Venmo unless you move it out first. To get funds from Venmo into PayPal, you must withdraw the money from Venmo to your bank account, then deposit it into PayPal from that same bank account.

This is a two-step process that takes a few business days total. The steps are straightforward, but the timing matters — Venmo transfers to your bank take one to three business days, and PayPal deposits from your bank take another one to three business days.

Key Takeaways

  • Venmo and PayPal do not connect to each other, so you must route money through your personal bank account.
  • Withdraw from Venmo to your bank account first, which takes one to three business days and is free.
  • Once the money lands in your bank, add it to PayPal using your bank account details, which takes another one to three business days.
  • Both services charge fees for instant transfers, so using standard transfers keeps the cost at zero.

Step 1: Withdraw money from Venmo to your bank account

Open the Venmo app and tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the bottom right corner. Select "Transfers" or "Payment Methods." Look for the option that says "Transfer to Bank" or "Withdraw." Enter the amount you want to move and confirm your bank account is listed as the destination.

Venmo will show you two options: a standard transfer (free, takes one to three business days) and an instant transfer (costs 1% of the amount, arrives within minutes). Choose the standard transfer unless you need the money immediately. Confirm the transfer and wait for the money to appear in your bank account — check your bank's app or website to see when it arrives.

Step 2: Add the money to PayPal from your bank account

Log into PayPal on a web browser or open the PayPal app. Go to your Wallet or Account settings and look for "Add Money" or "Link a Bank Account." If your bank account is already linked, select it and enter the amount you want to transfer from your bank into PayPal.

PayPal will process the transfer using the Automated Clearing House (ACH) system, which is the standard way banks move money between accounts. This takes one to three business days. You will see the transfer listed as pending in your PayPal account until it completes. Once it shows as complete, the money is in your PayPal balance and ready to use.

Why you cannot transfer directly between Venmo and PayPal

Both services are owned by PayPal Inc., but they operate as separate platforms with different purposes. Venmo is designed for peer-to-peer payments between people you know, while PayPal is a broader payment system used for online shopping, invoicing, and business transactions. Because they serve different functions, the company has not built a direct connection between them.

This separation also protects user security — each service maintains its own account verification and fraud detection systems. Forcing money through your bank account means both Venmo and PayPal confirm your identity and ownership of that bank account before the transfer completes.

Timing and fees to expect

The entire process takes two to six business days if you use standard transfers throughout. Venmo's standard transfer is free. PayPal's standard transfer from your bank is also free. If you choose instant transfers at either step, you will pay a fee — Venmo charges 1% and PayPal charges a similar percentage, though the exact rate varies.

Business days do not include weekends or federal holidays. If you initiate a transfer on Friday evening, the clock does not start until Monday. Plan accordingly if you need the money by a specific date.

What to do if the transfer gets stuck

If your money does not appear in your bank account after four business days, log into Venmo and check the transfer status under "Transfers" or "Payment Methods." Venmo will show whether the transfer is pending, completed, or failed. A failed transfer usually means a problem with your bank account information — check that the account number and routing number are correct.

If the transfer shows as completed in Venmo but has not reached your bank, contact your bank directly. They can tell you whether the money is in process or if there is a problem on their end. Keep the Venmo transfer confirmation number handy when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send money directly from Venmo to someone's PayPal account?

No. You can only send money from Venmo to other Venmo users, and only to PayPal from PayPal. If someone asks you to send them money via PayPal, you must withdraw from Venmo to your bank first, then add it to PayPal, then send it to them through PayPal.

What if I do not have a bank account linked to Venmo?

You must link a bank account to withdraw from Venmo. You can add a debit card instead, but Venmo will not transfer to a debit card — only to a bank account. Set up your bank account in Venmo's payment methods before you try to withdraw.

Does PayPal charge a fee to receive money from my bank account?

No. PayPal does not charge a fee for standard transfers from your linked bank account. Instant transfers cost a small percentage, but standard transfers are free.

Can I transfer money from PayPal back to Venmo?

Not directly. You would follow the same process in reverse: withdraw from PayPal to your bank account, then transfer from your bank to Venmo. Both services charge the same fees for instant transfers if you choose that option.