Seamlessly Move Funds: Your Ultimate Guide to Transferring Money from PayPal to Cash App

So, you’re looking to bridge the gap between your PayPal and Cash App accounts? You’re in the right place. While a direct transfer isn’t natively supported, there are several effective workarounds to get your money where you need it. The most common method involves using a bank account as an intermediary. You’ll link the same bank account to both your PayPal and Cash App accounts. Then, you’ll transfer the funds from PayPal to your bank account and subsequently transfer them from your bank account to Cash App. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how to make this happen, along with other clever options!

Transferring Funds Through a Bank Account: The Tried-and-True Method

This is the cornerstone method for moving money between PayPal and Cash App, and for good reason. It’s reliable, relatively straightforward, and often incurs minimal fees, depending on your bank and the transfer speeds you choose.

Step 1: Linking Your Bank Account to PayPal

If you haven’t already, the first step is to link your bank account to your PayPal account. Here’s how:

1. Log in to your PayPal account on a web browser (the app also works, but the web interface is often clearer for this process).
2. Click on the “Wallet” tab.
3. Select “Link a bank”.
4. Choose your bank from the list or enter your bank details manually using your account number and routing number.
5. PayPal will likely make two small deposits into your bank account to verify it (typically under $1). This process can take 1-3 business days.
6. Once you see these deposits, log back into PayPal and confirm the amounts to complete the linking process.

Step 2: Linking Your Bank Account to Cash App

The process for linking your bank account to Cash App is similar:

1. Open the Cash App on your mobile device.
2. Tap the profile icon (usually a photo or initial) in the upper-right corner.
3. Select “Linked Banks”.
4. Tap “Link Bank”.
5. You can choose to use Plaid for instant verification (which uses your online banking credentials) or enter your bank details manually (account and routing number).
6. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the linking process. Cash App might also make a small verification deposit.

Step 3: Transferring Funds from PayPal to Your Bank Account

Now that your bank account is linked to PayPal, you can withdraw your funds:

1. Log in to your PayPal account.
2. Click on the “Wallet” tab.
3. Select “Transfer Money”.
4. Choose “Transfer to your bank”.
5. Select the bank account you want to transfer to.
6. Enter the amount you want to transfer.
7. Choose your transfer speed: “Instant” (usually a fee applies) or “Standard” (typically free but takes 1-3 business days).
8. Review the details and confirm the transfer.

Step 4: Transferring Funds from Your Bank Account to Cash App

Once the funds are in your bank account, you can transfer them to Cash App:

1. Open the Cash App on your mobile device.
2. Tap the “Banking” tab (house icon).
3. Select “Add Cash”.
4. Enter the amount you want to add.
5. Tap “Add”.
6. Confirm the transaction with your PIN or Touch ID/Face ID.

Other Potential Methods (With Caveats)

While the bank account method is the most reliable, here are a couple of less common, and sometimes more complicated, alternatives:

• Debit Card Linking (Limited): In some instances, you might be able to link a debit card to both PayPal and Cash App. Then, you could theoretically withdraw funds from PayPal to your debit card and then add those funds to Cash App using the same debit card. However, this isn’t always reliable, as Cash App can be picky about which cards it accepts for adding funds. Test this with a small amount first.
• Using a Third-Party Service (Proceed with Caution): There are some third-party services that claim to facilitate transfers between PayPal and Cash App. However, exercise extreme caution when using these services. They often involve sharing your login credentials, which can be a major security risk. Always research the service thoroughly, read reviews, and understand their security policies before entrusting them with your financial information. We do not recommend this option unless absolutely necessary.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about transferring money between PayPal and Cash App:

1. Is there a direct way to transfer money between PayPal and Cash App?

No, unfortunately, there’s no direct, official method to transfer money directly from PayPal to Cash App or vice versa. You’ll need to use a workaround, such as the bank account method described above.

2. What are the fees associated with transferring money from PayPal to Cash App using a bank account?

The fees depend on the transfer speed you choose within PayPal and whether your bank charges any fees for transfers. Standard transfers from PayPal to your bank are usually free, but they take 1-3 business days. Instant transfers on PayPal incur a fee. Adding cash to Cash App from your linked bank account is generally free. Always check the fee details before confirming any transfer.

3. How long does it take to transfer money from PayPal to Cash App using a bank account?

The transfer time depends on the options you choose. Standard transfers from PayPal to your bank account typically take 1-3 business days. Once the funds are in your bank account, adding them to Cash App is usually instant. Choosing “Instant Transfer” on PayPal will get the money to your bank within minutes (for a fee), but then you still need to add it to Cash App.

4. Can I use a prepaid card to transfer money from PayPal to Cash App?

This is unlikely to work reliably. While you might be able to link a prepaid card to both platforms, Cash App often rejects prepaid cards for adding funds. It’s best to stick with a traditional bank account.

5. Is it safe to use third-party services to transfer money between PayPal and Cash App?

We strongly advise against using unverified third-party services. Sharing your login credentials with these services can expose you to significant security risks, including fraud and identity theft. Stick to the safer, more established methods.

6. What are the limits for transferring money from PayPal to Cash App?

PayPal has withdrawal limits, which vary based on your account status. You can often increase these limits by verifying your identity. Cash App also has limits on how much you can add and send, which can be increased by verifying your account. Check the specific limits within your PayPal and Cash App accounts.

7. Can I transfer money from a PayPal Business account to Cash App?

Yes, the process is the same regardless of whether you’re using a personal or business PayPal account. You’ll still need to link a bank account to both platforms.

8. What if my bank account is not supported by Cash App?

If Cash App doesn’t support your bank, you’ll need to use a different bank account. Consider opening an account with a more widely supported bank if transferring funds to Cash App is a frequent need.

9. I’m having trouble linking my bank account to either PayPal or Cash App. What should I do?

Double-check that you’ve entered your account number and routing number correctly. Contact PayPal or Cash App support directly for assistance. They can often help troubleshoot linking issues. Also, ensure your bank account is in good standing and allows electronic transfers.

10. Can I use Venmo to transfer money from PayPal to Cash App?

While Venmo is owned by PayPal, there’s no direct integration with Cash App. You could theoretically withdraw funds from PayPal to your bank account, then send them to a Venmo account, and then withdraw them from Venmo to the same bank account, then add to Cash App. This is a very long workaround and not recommended. If you can just link the bank account to PayPal and CashApp, you can avoid this long unnecessary workaround.

11. My PayPal account is limited. Can I still transfer money to Cash App?

If your PayPal account is limited, you might not be able to withdraw funds until you resolve the limitation. Contact PayPal support to understand the reason for the limitation and what steps you need to take to remove it.

12. Is it possible to send money from PayPal to Cash App using a Cash App card?

No, you can’t directly send money from PayPal to a Cash App card. The Cash App card is primarily used for spending funds that are already in your Cash App balance. It doesn’t function as a direct conduit for receiving funds from other platforms like PayPal. You will need to use your bank as an intermediary to transfer the funds from PayPal to your Cash App account and then you can use your Cash App card as needed.