× FreshBooks App Logo
FreshBooks
Official App
Free - Google Play
Get it
You're currently on our US site. Select your regional site here:
5 Min. Read

How to Send Money on PayPal?

How to Send Money on PayPal?

Whether you’re paying a contractor or giving to friends and family, here’s your ultimate guide to sending money on PayPal.

PayPal has made it so simple to send money nowadays. Within minutes, you can settle an invoice from a contractor, pay your friend back for last night’s pizza and donate to your favorite charity.

How does this differ from the traditional bank transfer? How can you make the most of PayPal’s powerful international money transfer features? Here is everything you need to know to be a PayPal pro

Here’s What We’ll Cover:

How to Send Money on PayPal: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Send International Payments Using PayPal

How to Send Money on PayPal Without a PayPal Account

Key Takeaways

How to Send Money on PayPal: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1. Send and Request

There are two ways to start the transfer to someone using PayPal

  1. The person can send a payment request or invoice which goes directly to your email inbox. Simply click the link in your email notification to start the payment.
  2. You can start the process manually by clicking “send and request” on your PayPal homepage. You can then select the type of payment you are making;

    – “pay friends and family”
    – “pay for goods and services”

Step 2. Enter Your Friend’s Email Address or Cell Phone Number

Most people link their PayPal accounts to their email address, so this is normally the easier route. 

Step 3. How Much Do You Want to Send?

If your friend has sent a direct payment request, then the amount you’ll pay will be there for you. Sending manually? You will need to enter the amount you’re sending. A domestic transfer will be fee-free. An international transfer has an additional cost but we’ll discuss that later in the article. 

Step 4. Choose How You Want to Pay

Now for the method of payment. What is your flavor today? Maybe you’ll combine two payment types.

Each of the payment methods has its own teething snags (by that I mean fees). Here’s what you need to know: 

  • PayPal Balance
    This is the money that is in your PayPal Wallet (if you have any). 

If you have money in your PayPal wallet but not enough for the entire transfer, you can also use your bank account or credit/debit card to make up the rest.

– If you fully fund your transfer with your PayPal balance, it’ll be completely free.
– If you split the transfer with your bank account, it’ll also be free.
– Splitting the transfer with your debit card is where they get you. You’ll have a processing fee of 2.9% + a fixed fee of 0.30 USD.

  • Bank Transfer

    PayPal makes it simple to make a fast, fee-free bank transfer.
    As long as you are paying in your local currency, there will be zero fees.
  • Debit/Credit Cards

    You will be charged 2.9% of the total transfer plus a fixed fee of 0.30 USD to send money using your cards. 

Step 5. Review Your Details and Confirm

On the last screen, you can review the currency, amount, method of payment and payee details. Once you click “confirm”, you will get a receipt in your inbox. Simple!

How to Send International Payments Using PayPal

The beauty of PayPal is that it deals in dozens of currencies. It is easy to make an international transfer using your account. The issue is the exchange rate and additional fees. 

Sending Foreign Currency to Friends and Family

  • PayPal Balance

    You will be charged a 5% fee. Min fee is 0.99 USD. Max fee is 4.99 USD
  • Debit cards or Credit cards

    You will be charged a 5% currency conversion fee + 2.9% card payment processing fee

Paying for International Goods and Services Using PayPal

  • PayPal Balance/Debit cards/Credit cards

    You will be charged a 4% fee to pay for goods and services in a currency that is not your own. 

How to Send Money on PayPal Without a PayPal Account

PayPal is a great processor because it enables you to send money even if you don’t have an account! For you online rebels, here is how to send money.

Step 1. Open Your Payment Request

Your payee will send an invoice or payment request to your email address. Simply click the link to start the process. 

Step 2. Enter Your Card Details

The con of not having an account is you have to use your debit or credit card to pay. There will always be a fee of 2.9% to process your card payment. You can avoid that if you sign up for a PayPal account and link an eligible bank instead. 

Step 3. Double Check Your Details and Click Confirm

The final screen will show you the amount you are paying and your card details. Once you confirm, you’ll receive a receipt to your email address. 

Key Takeaways

PayPal makes it so easy to send online payments. Overseas payments. Bank transfers. Charity donations. Friends and family loans. Whatever you need to send, with or without an account, PayPal has you covered.


RELATED ARTICLES