PayPal offers convenient ways to store and send money online. But sometimes you may need to move funds out of your PayPal account, such as transferring to a credit card.
There are a few methods to transfer your PayPal balance directly to a linked credit card. This allows you to access the funds for credit card spending or to make payments on your card balance.
Below we will look at the easiest options to transfer money from your PayPal funds to a connected credit card account.
Link a Credit Card to Your PayPal Account
Before being able to move money between PayPal and a credit card, you first need to link the card as a payment method in your PayPal account.
To add a card to your PayPal wallet:
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Log into your PayPal account online or via the mobile app.
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Go to “Wallet” or “Manage Money”
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Select “Link a card” or “Add a card”
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Enter your credit card details and confirm.
The card will now show up as a funding source when sending money or making PayPal purchases. You can also select it as a withdrawal destination.
Note that prepaid and debit cards connected to Visa or Mastercard networks can also be linked. This allows transfers to those card types as well.
Transfer PayPal Balance to Linked Credit Card
Once your card is linked to your PayPal account, you can transfer funds directly using these simple steps:
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Go to “Transfer Money” or “Withdraw” in your PayPal account
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Select “Transfer to your card” and pick your linked credit card
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Enter the amount you wish to transfer
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Confirm the details and submit the transfer
The money will typically move from PayPal to your card account within minutes. However, depending on the bank it could take up to a few business days to post.
PayPal does not charge a fee for standard transfers to linked cards and bank accounts that deliver within 1-3 business days.
But you can pay an instant transfer fee of 1% to expedite the process to under 30 minutes during weekday daytime hours.
Convert PayPal Balance to Credit Card Purchasing Power
Rather than withdrawing to your bank, another option is using your PayPal balance to fund direct credit card purchases.
When checking out at merchants that accept PayPal, you can choose your linked card as the source instead of your PayPal balance.
This will draw funds from your PayPal account to pay for the transaction on your card. Effectively you are transferring money to the card for immediate spending ability.
Using your PayPal balance this way allows you to take advantage of credit card rewards and benefits that you may not receive when paying directly with PayPal at some merchants.
Things to Know About Transferring to a Credit Card
Here are some key tips to understand when transferring money from your PayPal account to a linked credit card:
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Transfers are typically free and fast using standard 1-3 day delivery time.
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Instant transfers under 30 minutes will incur a 1% fee paid from your PayPal balance.
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Debit cards linked to Visa and Mastercard can also receive transfers from PayPal.
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Always verify the last 4 digits of the recipient card number before submitting a transfer.
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Transferred funds will increase your available credit card balance for purchases or payments.
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Be cautious of overspending if transferring a large PayPal balance to a maxed out credit card.
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PayPal cannot retrieve or cancel a transfer once successfully submitted due to credit card network rules.
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You can only transfer up to your available PayPal balance after holds for pending transactions.
Why Transfer PayPal Funds to a Credit Card?
There are a variety of reasons you may want to move funds from your PayPal wallet to a connected credit card account:
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Earn rewards – Use PayPal balance for card purchases to generate and redeem points or cash back.
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Meet minimum spends – Transfer to new card to quickly fulfill sign-up bonus requirements.
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Pay your bill – Transfer PayPal earnings to make credit card payments.
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Access cash – Withdraw cash from ATMs using transferred balance.
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Temporary holding – Shift large balances to card for spending ability before moving to bank.
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Emergencies – Transfer funds from PayPal to card for quick access as backup payment option.
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Void payments – If card payment fails from bank, use PayPal to fund it instead.
Alternatives to Transferring to a Credit Card
Aside from moving money to a linked credit card, you also have these options to withdraw or use PayPal funds:
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Bank account transfer – Withdraw to checking or savings account.
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PayPal debit card – Spend balances in stores with the PayPal Cash or Business debit cards.
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Pay bills – Pay utilities, rent, or other billers directly through PayPal.
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Buy gift cards – Exchange PayPal money for gift cards to use at retailers.
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Cryptocurrency – Convert balances to Bitcoin or other digital currencies.
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Cash pickup – Withdraw cash at taking part retailers and institutions.
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Checks – Request a mailed paper check to deposit or cash.
Evaluate both the credit card transfer option and these alternatives to choose the best use for your PayPal money.
Steps to Transfer PayPal Funds to a Credit Card
Follow this step-by-step process to quickly and easily transfer money from your PayPal account to any linked credit or eligible prepaid debit card:
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Log into your PayPal account on the website or mobile app.
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Go to the “Transfer Money” or “Manage Money” section.
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Select “Transfer to your card” or a similar option.
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Choose the card you want to transfer funds to.
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Enter the amount you wish to transfer.
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Confirm the recipient card number and details.
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Submit the transfer and review the confirmation.
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Transferred funds will typically post to your card within minutes or 1-3 business days.
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Use the money for purchases, withdrawals, or credit card payments.
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Check your card account to verify the transfer transaction.
Completing these simple steps will securely link your PayPal account and credit card to facilitate quick transfers as needed.
Pros of Transferring PayPal Funds to a Credit Card
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Immediate transfers take just minutes.
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Standard transfers are free (no fee).
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Can earn rewards on spending using PayPal balance.
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Quickly meets minimum spend requirements on new cards.
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Provides backup payment option if primary card fails.
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Easily move large funds without visiting ATMs.
Cons of Transferring PayPal Funds to a Credit Card
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Instant transfers have a 1% fee on amount moved.
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Risk of overspending PayPal balance you transferred.
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Can’t dispute or cancel transfer if sent to wrong card.
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Paying card bills via transfer still incurs interest charges.
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Limits cash back compared to spending directly from bank account.
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Withdrawals incur fees and interest unlike bank transfers.
Evaluate both the pros and cons before deciding if transferring your PayPal money directly to a credit card makes sense instead of alternate withdrawal options.
The Bottom Line
Transferring funds from your PayPal account to an eligible linked credit or debit card is a simple and fee-free process. It enables quick access to your money for credit card spending and payments.
Just be aware of the risks and limitations compared to alternatives like standard bank account withdrawals. With prudent use, though, PayPal transfers give useful flexibility managing your funds.
