Transferring Funds from Venmo to PayPal: A Comprehensive Guide
Have you ever found yourself with funds stuck in your Venmo account while needing to make a payment through PayPal? It's a common scenario, and while Venmo doesn't offer a direct transfer option to PayPal, there are several workarounds you can utilize. This detailed guide will walk you through these methods step-by-step, ensuring you can seamlessly move your money where you need it. Let's get started!
Step 1: Understanding the Limitations and Available Workarounds
Before we dive into the specifics, it's crucial to understand why a direct transfer isn't available. Venmo and PayPal, while both owned by the same parent company at one point, operate as separate platforms with their own distinct features and functionalities. Consequently, they don't have a built-in system for direct fund transfers between user accounts.
However, don't worry! We have several indirect methods you can employ. These primarily involve using a linked bank account as an intermediary or utilizing a debit card. Let's explore these options in detail.
Step 2: Transferring via a Linked Bank Account
This is often the most straightforward and generally fee-free method, assuming you have a bank account linked to both your Venmo and PayPal accounts.
Sub-step 2.1: Withdrawing Funds from Venmo to Your Bank Account
First, you need to transfer the funds from your Venmo balance to your linked bank account.
- Open the Venmo App: Launch the Venmo application on your smartphone.
- Access Your Balance: Look for your Venmo balance, usually displayed at the top of the screen. Tap on it.
- Initiate the Transfer: You should see an option like "Transfer to bank" or a similar phrase. Tap on this.
- Enter the Amount: Carefully enter the amount of money you wish to transfer to your bank account. Double-check the amount to avoid any errors.
- Choose Your Bank Account: If you have multiple bank accounts linked, select the one you want to use for the transfer.
- Select Transfer Speed (Optional): Venmo typically offers two transfer speeds:
- Standard Transfer: This is usually free and takes 1-3 business days to process.
- Instant Transfer: This option incurs a small fee but delivers the funds to your linked debit card or eligible bank account within minutes. Choose the option that suits your urgency.
- Confirm the Transfer: Review all the details – the amount, the bank account, and the transfer speed – and then tap "Transfer" or a similar confirmation button.
- Wait for the Funds to Arrive: Keep an eye on your bank account. The time it takes for the funds to appear will depend on the transfer speed you selected.
Sub-step 2.2: Depositing Funds from Your Bank Account to PayPal
Once the funds have landed in your bank account, you can then transfer them to your PayPal account.
- Open the PayPal Website or App: Go to the PayPal website (
) or open the PayPal app on your device.www.paypal.com - Log In to Your Account: Enter your PayPal email address and password to log in.
- Navigate to "Wallet" or "Balance": Look for a section labeled "Wallet," "Balance," or similar. Click or tap on it.
- Choose "Add Funds" or "Top Up": You should find an option to add money to your PayPal balance. Select this.
- Select Your Linked Bank Account: If your bank account is already linked to PayPal, it should appear as an option. Select it. If not, you'll need to link your bank account first by following the on-screen instructions (usually involving verifying small test deposits).
- Enter the Amount: Enter the exact amount of money you transferred from Venmo to your bank account.
- Review and Confirm: Double-check the amount and the selected bank account, and then click "Add Funds," "Continue," or a similar button to confirm the transfer.
- Wait for the Funds to Appear in PayPal: PayPal usually processes bank transfers within 1-3 business days. You'll likely receive an email notification once the funds are available in your PayPal balance.
Step 3: Transferring via a Linked Debit Card (Potentially Faster but May Incur Fees)
If you need the funds in your PayPal account more quickly, and you have a debit card linked to both Venmo and PayPal, this method might be suitable. However, be aware that Venmo charges a fee for instant transfers to debit cards.
Sub-step 3.1: Withdrawing Funds from Venmo to Your Linked Debit Card
- Open the Venmo App: Launch the Venmo application.
- Access Your Balance: Tap on your Venmo balance at the top.
- Initiate the Transfer: Select "Transfer to bank" or a similar option.
- Enter the Amount: Specify the amount you want to transfer.
- Choose Your Linked Debit Card: Instead of selecting a bank account, you should see your linked debit card as an option (if you have one linked). Select it. If not, you'll need to link your debit card first by going to the "Me" tab, then "Payment Methods," and adding your card details.
- Select "Instant Transfer": To transfer to your debit card, you'll typically need to choose the "Instant" transfer option. Be mindful of the associated fee, which will be displayed before you confirm.
- Confirm the Transfer: Review the amount, the debit card details, and the fee, and then tap "Transfer" or a similar confirmation button.
- Funds Arrive Quickly: The funds should typically appear in your bank account associated with the debit card within minutes.
Sub-step 3.2: Adding Funds to PayPal Using the Same Debit Card
Once the funds are in your bank account linked to the debit card, you can add them to PayPal using that same card.
- Open the PayPal Website or App: Go to PayPal and log in.
- Navigate to "Wallet" or "Balance": Find the section related to your balance or payment methods.
- Choose "Add Funds" or "Top Up": Select the option to add money.
- Select Your Linked Debit Card: Your linked debit card should be listed as a funding source. Choose it. If it's not linked, you'll need to add it by going to "Wallet" and linking a card.
- Enter the Amount: Enter the amount you transferred from Venmo (which should now be in your bank account).
- Review and Confirm: Verify the amount and the selected debit card, and then confirm the transfer.
- Funds Available in PayPal: Funds added via a linked debit card usually become available in your PayPal balance relatively quickly.
Step 4: Exploring Other Potential (Less Direct) Options
While the bank account and debit card methods are the most common, here are a couple of other, less direct approaches you might consider, although they may involve more steps or potential fees:
- Using a Payment App as an Intermediary: Some third-party payment apps might allow you to receive funds from Venmo and then send them to PayPal. However, this often involves linking both accounts to the intermediary app and could incur fees. Research specific apps to see if they offer this functionality and what their terms are.
- Sending Money to a Mutual Contact: If you and the recipient both have Venmo and PayPal, you could potentially send the money from your Venmo to the recipient's Venmo, and then have them send the equivalent amount to your PayPal. This relies on trust and might not always be convenient.
Important Considerations:
- Linking Accounts: Ensure you have your bank account and/or debit card correctly linked to both your Venmo and PayPal accounts before attempting any transfers.
- Verification: Both Venmo and PayPal may require you to verify your identity and linked accounts for security purposes. Follow their verification processes if prompted.
- Fees: Be aware of potential fees, especially for instant transfers on Venmo or if using certain third-party services.
- Transfer Limits: Both platforms may have daily or transaction limits on transfers. Check their respective help centers for information on these limits.
- Processing Times: Standard bank transfers typically take 1-3 business days on both platforms. Instant transfers are faster but usually come with a fee.
How to FAQs:
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about transferring funds from Venmo to PayPal:
How to link a bank account to Venmo? Quick Answer: Go to the "Me" tab in the Venmo app, tap "Payment Methods," then "***Add a bank or card...***" and select "Bank." Follow the on-screen instructions to link your bank account.
How to link a debit card to Venmo? Quick Answer: Similar to linking a bank account, go to "Me" > "Payment Methods" > "***Add a bank or card...***" and select "Card." Enter your debit card details.
How to withdraw money from Venmo to my linked bank account? Quick Answer: Tap your Venmo balance, select "Transfer to bank," enter the amount, choose your bank, select transfer speed, and confirm.
How to add funds to PayPal from my linked bank account? Quick Answer: Go to your PayPal "Wallet," select "Add Funds," choose your linked bank account, enter the amount, and confirm.
How to do an instant transfer from Venmo to my debit card? Quick Answer: Tap your Venmo balance, select "Transfer to bank," enter the amount, choose your linked debit card, select "Instant" transfer, and confirm (note the fee).
How to add funds to PayPal using my linked debit card? Quick Answer: Go to your PayPal "Wallet," select "Add Funds," choose your linked debit card, enter the amount, and confirm.
How to check the fees for instant transfers on Venmo? Quick Answer: The fee will be displayed before you confirm an instant transfer. You can also find information on Venmo's help center.
How to check my transfer limits on Venmo? Quick Answer: You can usually find information on your transfer limits in the Venmo app's settings or help center.
How to check my transfer limits on PayPal? Quick Answer: Log in to your PayPal account and look for information on your account limits, often found in your profile or account settings.
How to troubleshoot if my bank transfer is taking too long? Quick Answer: Check the processing times for both Venmo and PayPal (usually 1-3 business days). If it has been longer, contact the customer support of the platform where the transfer originated (either Venmo or your bank).
While directly transferring funds from Venmo to PayPal isn't possible, by utilizing the methods outlined above – primarily through linked bank accounts or debit cards – you can effectively move your money between these platforms. Remember to be mindful of potential fees and processing times. Good luck with your transfers!