PayPal and Cash App are two of the most popular digital payment platforms, and while they can’t connect directly, there are several ways to move your money between them. Let me walk you through your options.
The Direct Transfer Challenge
Unfortunately, you can’t send money straight from PayPal to Cash App – they’re like two stores that don’t accept each other’s gift cards. But don’t worry, there are some simple workarounds that I use regularly.
Method 1: Using Your Bank Account as a Bridge
The most reliable way I’ve found is using your bank account as a middle step. Here’s how:
1. First, transfer your PayPal balance to your linked bank account (usually takes 1-3 business days for free transfers)
2. Once the money hits your bank, open Cash App
3. Use the “Add Cash” feature to pull that money into Cash App
Pro Tip:
If you need the money faster, PayPal offers instant transfers to your bank for a small fee (usually about 1.5% of the transfer amount).
Method 2: The Debit Card Solution
If you have a PayPal debit card, you can actually use it to add money directly to your Cash App balance. It’s pretty straightforward:
1. Open Cash App
2. Tap “Add Cash”
3. Enter the amount
4. Input your PayPal debit card information
5. Confirm the transfer
Time and Fee Considerations
Let’s talk about what this means for your wallet. Standard bank transfers are usually free but take a few days. As of 2025, instant transfers typically cost:
– PayPal to bank: 1.5% of the transfer amount
– Cash App instant deposits: 0.5-1.75% of the transfer amount
Safety First
I always remind my friends to be careful about one thing: never use third-party services claiming to transfer between PayPal and Cash App directly. Stick to these official methods to keep your money safe.
The Bottom Line
While there’s no direct pipeline between PayPal and Cash App, moving money between them is totally doable. Just think of your bank account as a friendly middleman helping to bridge the gap. Choose the method that best balances your needs for speed versus cost, and you’ll be all set.
Remember, both services regularly update their features and fees, so it’s worth checking their current terms before making any large transfers. And if you’re moving money frequently, you might want to consider keeping balances in both apps to avoid transfer delays.
