How To Send Money to Someone Using PayPal

With about 430 million active users worldwide, PayPal, one of the top online payment platforms in the world, processes millions of transactions every day. With it, you can quickly and easily send money to your friends, family or business vendors. The platform makes it possible to send money to someone without a bank account. All you need is their email address, phone number or PayPal username.

This article provides step-by-step guides for sending money through the PayPal mobile app and the website. Let’s get right into it!

How To Send Money Through PayPal Mobile App

Sending money to someone through the PayPal mobile app is pretty straightforward. You just need to have a smartphone or tablet, the app, internet connection and your recipient’s details. 

Follow the steps below to send money through the PayPal mobile app:

Step 1: Open the App and Login to Your PayPal Account

Launch the PayPal mobile app on your smartphone. After opening the app, sign in to your PayPal account using your credentials.

Step 2: Click on “Send“

Look for the “Send” option and click it. You should find it on the left side of the toolbar at the bottom of the homepage. 

Step 3: Enter Recipient’s Details

 Input the recipient’s email address or mobile number linked to their PayPal account. You can also access your contacts and pick the recipient from there. 

Step 4: Enter Amount

Specify the amount you want to send and select the currency. After entering the amount and currency, tap “Next”. 

Step 5: Select Payment Type

Select “Friends and Family” when sending money to someone you’re familiar with, or “Goods and Services” when paying for a purchase. Sending money to family and friends is free, while sending to business vendors comes with a fee. 

Step 6: Choose Payment Method:

If the default payment method is not what you want to use, you can change it. The payment method could be your linked bank account, credit card, or PayPal balance.

Step 7: Add Note (Optional): If needed, you can add a note or description for the transaction.

Step 8: Review and Send: Double-check the details, then hit the “Send Now” button to complete the transaction.

Sending Money to Someone Through PayPal Website

Aside from the mobile app, you can also access PayPal via the desktop website and send money. All you need is your computer, which could be a laptop or desktop, the recipient’s details and an internet connection.

Below is a step-by-step process on how to send money using the PayPal desktop website:

Step 1: Visit PayPal Website and Login

 Open your preferred browser on your computer, go to the official PayPal website and log in with your details. 

Step 2: Click on “Send & Request”

Once you’re signed in, tap on “Send & Request” located on the menu bar at the top of the page. 

Step 3: Select Your Payment Type

If you are sending money to someone you know, select “Sending to a Friend”. But if you are sending money to a business vendor, select “Paying for an item or service” which attracts a fee. 

Step 4: Enter Recipient’s Details

Provide the recipient’s email address or mobile number associated with their PayPal account.

Step 5: Specify Amount

Indicate the amount you wish to send and select the currency. You can also choose to add a note. When you’re done, click “Continue”. 

Step 6: Select Payment Method

Your default payment method on PayPal will be automatically picked. If your default method is not what you want to use, click “Change Payment Method” before proceeding.

Step 7: Review and Send: Finally, review all details carefully, and when everything looks good, click “Send Payment Now” to complete the transfer. Once the money has been sent, you will receive a confirmation email.

Understanding PayPal Fees, Transaction Times & Limits

When using PayPal, it’s essential to understand the associated fees, transfer times, and limits to manage your transactions effectively. Here’s a clear breakdown:

PayPal Fees

PayPal charges fees based on the type of transfer, the payment method, and whether the transaction is domestic or international:

Domestic Personal Transfers:

• This is free if funded by your PayPal balance or bank account.
• If funded by a credit or debit card, a 2.9% fee + a fixed fee (based on the currency) applies.

International Transfers:

• This is charged at 5% of the transaction amount (with a minimum fee of $0.99 and a maximum fee of $4.99).
• Additional currency conversion fees may apply, depending on the recipient’s location.

PayPal Transfer Times

PayPal’s processing times depend on the transfer method you choose:

• Instant Transfers: Transfers from PayPal balance to another PayPal balance are completed immediately.
• Bank Transfers: These typically take 1-3 business days, depending on your bank’s processing speed.
• International Transfers: Can take up to 5 business days, especially when currency conversion or cross-border banking systems are involved.

Keep in mind that weekends, public holidays, or verification processes can occasionally extend these timelines.

PayPal Transfer Limits

PayPal transfer limits depend on your account type, verification status, and transaction method. Here’s a simplified breakdown:

Unverified Accounts:

• Single transaction: Up to $4,000 USD.
• Monthly withdrawals: Limited to $500 USD from a linked bank account.

Verified Accounts:

• Single transaction: Up to $60,000 USD, but often capped at $10,000 USD.
• Instant transfers: For debit cards, up to $5,000 per transaction. While the limit is $25,000 for bank accounts.

Troubleshooting Common PayPal Transfer Issues

There are different issues one could encounter while trying to send money using PayPal. Some common errors include:

1. Payment Declined

This could be caused by insufficient funds, incorrect payment details, or a flagged account.

Below are possible solutions:

• Check your PayPal balance and linked bank or card account.
• Verify that the recipient’s email or phone number is correct.
• Contact PayPal support if your account has been flagged.

2. Recipient Not Receiving Money

This could be because you have entered incorrect recipient details or technical issues.

Solutions:

• Confirm the recipient’s email address or phone number is accurate.
• Ask the recipient to check their spam folder or log in to their PayPal account.
• Contact PayPal support for assistance if the issue persists.

3. Transfer delays

These delays are usually caused by bank processing times, international transfers, or PayPal security checks.

Here’s how to tackle this issue:

• Check the estimated transfer time for your payment method (e.g., instant vs. bank transfer).
• Monitor the transfer status in the Activity section of your PayPal account.
• If delayed beyond the expected timeframe, contact PayPal support.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sending Money Through PayPal

1. How long does a PayPal transfer take?

The duration of a PayPal transfer can vary. Typically, it may take a few minutes to a few business days, depending on factors like the type of transfer, whether standard or instant and the banks involved.

2. What is the limit you can transfer on PayPal per day?

PayPal has different limits based on account types and user verification levels. Generally, verified accounts may have higher daily transfer limits, and these can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Check your specific account details for accurate information.

3. How do I add money to my PayPal?

You can add money to your PayPal account by linking a bank account, credit/debit card, or gift card. Once linked, you can transfer funds from your bank or card to your PayPal balance. Additionally, you can receive money from others, and that amount will be added to your PayPal balance.

4. How can I receive money from PayPal?

To receive money on PayPal, you need to provide the sender with your PayPal email address or mobile number associated with your account. 

Once they send the funds, you’ll receive a notification, and the money will be credited to your PayPal balance. You can then choose to keep it in your PayPal account or transfer it to your linked bank account.

5. Can I cancel a PayPal transfer?

Yes, you can cancel a transfer if it’s still pending. Go to your PayPal account, find the transaction under Activity, and select Cancel. Completed transfers cannot be canceled, but you can contact the recipient or PayPal support for assistance.

6. What is the maximum amount I can spend on PayPal?

The maximum amount depends on your account status. Unverified accounts can send up to $4,000 USD per transaction, while verified accounts can send up to $60,000 USD (or $10,000 USD in some cases). Check your account settings for specific limits.

7. How do I know if my PayPal transfer was successful?

You’ll receive a confirmation email from PayPal, and the transaction status will appear as Completed in the Activitysection of your account. If the status shows Pending or Failed, further action may be required.

Conclusion

To wrap it up, sending money through PayPal provides a convenient and secure way to transfer funds to friends, family, or for purchases. Whether using the mobile app or desktop website, the step-by-step process ensures a straightforward experience. 

The process of making transactions through PayPal is simple. However, always remember to double-check the transaction details before confirming your payment.