A Complete Guide on How to Pay Someone via PayPal

 

PayPal has become one of the most popular and secure platforms for sending and receiving money globally. Whether you're paying a friend, family member, freelancer, or business, learning how to pay someone through PayPal is quick and straightforward. This guide walks you through every method and option available, ensuring you complete transactions safely and efficiently.

 

How to Pay on PayPal

To pay someone using PayPal, all you need is their email address or mobile number linked to their PayPal account. You can complete a payment via the PayPal website or mobile app using your PayPal balance, linked bank account, or debit/credit card.

Steps to Pay on PayPal:

1.      Log in to your PayPal account.

2.      Click on “Send & Request” from the top menu.

3.      Enter the recipient’s email or mobile number.

4.      Choose between “Paying for an item or service” or “Sending to a friend.”

5.      Enter the amount, add a note if desired, and click “Send Payment Now.”

That’s it—your payment is instantly sent, and the recipient receives an email confirmation.

 

How to Pay Someone through PayPal

Paying someone through PayPal is designed to be simple and user-friendly. Follow this step-by-step process:

Step 1: Log in to Your PayPal Account

Access PayPal from your browser or mobile app.

Step 2: Click “Send & Request”

This option is available on the top menu bar.

Step 3: Enter Recipient Details

Provide the PayPal email address or mobile number of the person you want to pay.

Step 4: Select the Payment Type

·         Friends & Family: For personal transfers with no fee if using PayPal balance or a bank.

·         Goods & Services: Includes buyer protection for purchases.

Step 5: Enter Amount and Choose Payment Source

Input the amount and choose from:

·         PayPal balance

·         Linked bank account

·         Debit or credit card

Step 6: Review and Send

Double-check the details and click “Send Payment Now.”

 

Easy Ways to Pay Someone Using PayPal Safely

To ensure a safe PayPal transaction, always follow best practices:

·         Only send money to trusted contacts.

·         Use Friends & Family for personal payments to avoid fees.

·         Use Goods & Services for purchases to get PayPal’s Purchase Protection.

·         Confirm the email address or number of the recipient to avoid errors.

·         Enable two-factor authentication for account security.

Using a verified and secure internet connection also prevents unauthorized access.

 

How to Send Money and Pay Someone on PayPal Instantly

PayPal allows for instant money transfers in most cases. Payments made from your PayPal balance or linked debit card are generally received by the recipient within minutes.

To send money instantly:

1.      Use your PayPal balance or eligible debit card.

2.      Avoid using bank transfers, as they may take 1–3 business days.

3.      Ensure both accounts are verified and active.

💡 Instant transfers may incur a small fee, especially when using cards.

 

A Complete Guide on How to Pay Someone via PayPal

Paying someone on PayPal can be done in a few different ways depending on your needs.

1. Using PayPal.me Link

If the recipient has a PayPal.me link, simply click it, enter the amount, and confirm the payment.

2. Sending an Invoice or Request

Businesses or freelancers may send a PayPal invoice or payment request, which you can pay by clicking on the provided link.

3. From Your PayPal App

·         Open the PayPal app.

·         Tap “Send”.

·         Enter the recipient’s email/number.

·         Choose payment type, enter amount, and tap “Send Now.”

4. Email Payment

Clicking on a payment request received in your email will redirect you to PayPal to complete the transaction.

 

How to Pay Friends or Businesses through PayPal Easily

Paying Friends:

·         Use “Send to a Friend” option.

·         Free when paid via PayPal balance or bank account.

·         Fast and without any buyer/seller protection.

Paying Businesses:

·         Choose “Paying for an Item or Service.”

·         Enables Purchase Protection.

·         Sellers may pay a small transaction fee.

✅ Always choose the correct payment type based on your relationship with the recipient.

 

How to Send Money to PayPal from Bank Account

If you need to add funds to PayPal before sending money:

1.      Go to “Wallet.”

2.      Click “Add Money.”

3.      Select your linked bank account.

4.      Enter the amount and confirm.

💡 Funds may take 3–5 business days to appear in your PayPal balance.

Alternatively, skip this process by paying directly from your linked bank during the transaction.

 

How to Pay Someone Using PayPal

Paying someone using PayPal can be summarized into these simple actions:

·         Log in > Send & Request > Enter email/number > Choose payment type > Select funding source > Confirm & send.

Use the mobile app or desktop version—the process is almost identical on both.

 

How to Transfer Money from PayPal to Debit Card Instantly

If you’ve received money and want to move it to your debit card instantly:

1.      Click “Transfer Money” under your PayPal balance.

2.      Choose “Transfer to your bank or card.”

3.      Select your debit card (linked Visa or Mastercard).

4.      Choose Instant Transfer.

5.      Confirm the transfer.

💲 A small fee (usually 1.75%) applies for instant card withdrawals.

 

Conclusion

Paying someone through PayPal is one of the most convenient, secure, and efficient ways to manage digital transactions. Whether you're sending money to a friend, paying a freelancer, or shopping online, PayPal offers flexible options tailored to your needs. From instant transfers to payment protection, it provides everything to ensure seamless transactions—right from your phone or computer.

Make sure your account is verified, always double-check the recipient’s information, and understand the fee structure for each payment method. With this guide, you're now equipped to use PayPal confidently and safely.

 

FAQs

1. Is it free to send money through PayPal?

Yes, sending money to friends and family using your PayPal balance or bank account is free. Using a credit or debit card may incur a fee.

2. How long does it take for someone to receive money on PayPal?

Payments are usually instant if using PayPal balance or card. Bank transfers may take 1–3 business days.

3. Can I cancel a PayPal payment after sending?

You can only cancel a pending payment. Completed payments must be refunded by the recipient.

4. What happens if I send money to the wrong person?

If the payment is unclaimed, you can cancel it. If it’s claimed, you must request a refund or contact PayPal support.

5. How do I fund my PayPal account?

Link a bank account or debit card and use “Add Money” in your Wallet. You can also send money directly without preloading funds.

6. Can I pay someone without a PayPal account?

No. Both sender and recipient must have a PayPal account. However, a recipient can sign up for free when receiving funds.

7. Is it safe to send money on PayPal?

Yes, PayPal uses end-to-end encryption, fraud protection, and buyer protection for eligible transactions.

8. What is the PayPal fee for sending money?

·         Friends & Family (balance/bank): Free

·         Friends & Family (card): ~2.9% + fixed fee

·         Goods & Services: Seller pays ~2.9% fee