Alright, let's get you started on sending money from your PayPal account to another! It's a pretty straightforward process, but let's walk through it step-by-step to make sure you've got it down pat.
Step 1: Getting Started - Are You Logged In?
First things first, are you already logged into your PayPal account? Go ahead and open your web browser and navigate to the PayPal website (
- If you're already logged in, fantastic! You can skip ahead to the next step.
- If you're not logged in yet, take a moment to do that now. Make sure you're on the official PayPal site to keep your information secure.
Once you're logged in and looking at your PayPal dashboard, you're ready to move on!
Step 2: Initiating the Payment - Where's the 'Send' Button?
Now that you're inside your account, you need to find the option to send money. PayPal's interface can sometimes change slightly, but generally, you'll be looking for a button or link that says something like:
- Send
- Send & Request
- Pay or Send Money
This button is usually located prominently on your dashboard, often near your balance or in a menu at the top or side of the page. Click on it!
Step 3: Identifying the Recipient - Who Are You Sending To?
After clicking the 'Send' button, you'll be prompted to enter the recipient's information. PayPal offers a few ways to identify who you want to send money to:
3.1 Using Email Address or Mobile Number
This is the most common way to send money. Simply type the email address or mobile phone number associated with the recipient's PayPal account into the designated field. Double-check that you've entered it correctly to avoid sending money to the wrong person!
3.2 Using the Recipient's Name (Sometimes)
In some cases, PayPal might allow you to search for a recipient by their name, especially if you've sent money to them before or if they are in your contacts. However, it's generally more reliable to use their email address or mobile number to ensure you're sending to the correct account.
3.3 Selecting from Your Contacts
If you've previously sent money to someone, their information might be saved in your PayPal contacts. You might see an option to browse your contacts and select the person you want to pay.
Once you've entered the recipient's information, click 'Next' or a similar button to proceed.
Step 4: Specifying the Amount and Currency - How Much and What Kind?
On the next screen, you'll need to enter the amount of money you want to send.
4.1 Entering the Amount
Carefully type in the numerical value of the payment. Make sure you get the decimal point in the right place!
4.2 Choosing the Currency
PayPal usually defaults to your primary currency, but if you need to send money in a different currency, you should see a dropdown menu or an option to select the currency. Be aware that currency conversions might involve fees.
Step 5: Choosing the Payment Type - Friends and Family or Goods and Services?
This is a crucial step as it determines whether fees might apply and the level of buyer/seller protection offered. PayPal typically offers two main types of payments:
5.1 Sending to Friends and Family
This option is generally used when sending money to people you know personally, like for a gift, splitting a bill, or repaying a friend. In many cases, there are no fees for this type of transfer if you use your PayPal balance or bank account. However, there might be fees if you use a credit or debit card.
5.2 Paying for Goods and Services
If you're paying for something you bought from someone (even an individual), you should choose this option. This provides buyer protection in case you don't receive the item or it's not as described. The seller typically pays a fee for receiving payments for goods and services.
Be very careful when selecting this option. Some sellers might ask you to send money as "Friends and Family" to avoid fees, but this could mean you lose your buyer protection.
Select the appropriate option based on the nature of your payment.
Step 6: Adding a Note (Optional) - Say Something Nice!
PayPal usually gives you the option to add a note or message to the recipient. This can be useful for:
- Identifying the payment: For example, "For the movie tickets" or "Birthday gift."
- Sending a personal message: A quick "Hope you're doing well!"
This step is optional, but it can be helpful for the recipient.
Step 7: Reviewing the Details - Double-Check Everything!
Before you finalize the payment, you'll be presented with a summary of the transaction. Take a moment to carefully review all the details:
- Recipient's email address or mobile number: Is it definitely correct?
- Amount: Is it the amount you intended to send?
- Currency: Is it the right currency?
- Payment type: Did you select the correct option (Friends and Family or Goods and Services)?
- Funding source: Check which payment method PayPal will use (e.g., your PayPal balance, linked bank account, or card). Ensure you have sufficient funds.
- Fees (if any): Review any transaction fees that might apply.
This is your last chance to catch any errors!
Step 8: Confirming and Sending - The Final Click!
If everything looks correct, click the final button to send the money. This button will likely say something like:
- Send Money Now
- Pay Now
- Confirm
Once you click this button, the transaction is usually processed almost instantly, and the recipient will receive a notification from PayPal. You should also see a confirmation on your screen and receive an email confirmation from PayPal.
Step 9: Checking the Transaction History - Keeping Track
After sending the money, it's a good idea to check your PayPal transaction history to ensure the payment went through successfully. You can usually find this under an option like "Activity," "History," or "Transactions" on your PayPal dashboard. Here, you'll see a record of the payment, including the date, recipient, amount, and status.
Step 10: Notifying the Recipient (Optional but Recommended) - Let Them Know!
While PayPal will notify the recipient that they've received money, it can sometimes be helpful to also send them a separate message (via email, text, etc.) to let them know you've sent the payment, especially if you included a note that you want to make sure they see.
And that's it! You've successfully sent money from your PayPal account to another.
How to... Frequently Asked Questions
How to find someone's PayPal email address?
You'll need to ask the person directly for the email address or mobile number associated with their PayPal account. PayPal doesn't publicly list this information for privacy reasons.
How to add a funding source to my PayPal account?
Log in to your PayPal account, go to "Wallet," and you'll see options to link a bank account, credit card, or debit card. Follow the on-screen instructions to add your preferred funding methods.
How to change the funding source for a PayPal payment?
During Step 7 (Reviewing the Details), you should see the selected funding source. There's usually an option to "Change" or "Edit" the funding source before you confirm the payment.
How to cancel a PayPal payment?
You can only cancel a payment if the recipient hasn't yet accepted it (if it was sent as an eCheck) or if it hasn't been claimed. Go to your "Activity" or "History," find the pending transaction, and see if there's a "Cancel" option. Once a payment is completed, you usually can't cancel it directly.
How to check the fees for sending money via PayPal?
PayPal's fee structure can vary depending on the type of payment, currency, and your location. You can usually see the estimated fees on the review screen before you send the money. You can also find detailed fee information on PayPal's official website under their "Fees" section.
How to send money internationally via PayPal?
The process is similar to sending domestic payments, but you'll need to ensure you select the correct currency in Step 4. Be aware that international payments often involve currency conversion fees and might take slightly longer to process.
How to request money from someone via PayPal?
Instead of clicking "Send," look for an option like "Request" or "Request Money." You'll then enter the requester's email address or mobile number and the amount you're requesting.
How to know if someone has received my PayPal payment?
You can check the status of your payment in your PayPal "Activity" or "History." It will usually show as "Completed" once the recipient has received the funds. The recipient will also receive a notification from PayPal.
How to resolve issues if money is sent to the wrong PayPal account?
If you've accidentally sent money to the wrong person, you should immediately contact them if you know them and ask them to send it back. If you don't know them, contact PayPal's customer support as soon as possible to report the error. They may be able to help, but there's no guarantee of recovering the funds.
How to secure my PayPal account to prevent unauthorized transactions?
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of security. Use a strong, unique password and avoid sharing your login details. Regularly review your account activity and report any suspicious transactions to PayPal immediately.