4 Easy Ways to Add Money to Your PayPal Account in 2024

PayPal is a renowned payment service provider serving millions of users around the world. As it’s secure and reliable, PayPal has been a leading payment method for decades. But how does one keep their PayPal account well-funded to meet the demands of fast-paced online transactions? Rest assured, you’re in the right place.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about adding money to your PayPal account. Additionally, at the end of this article, we will introduce you to alternative payment solutions to PayPal.

How To Add Money To Your PayPal Account

You can add funds to your PayPal account through one of four methods:

1. Transferring money from your linked bank account
2. Adding funds from your linked debit card
3. Adding cash at a retail store
4. Receiving money from others with PayPal.

It’s important to note that PayPal requires you to confirm your identity to hold, spend, and send your PayPal balance. Confirm your identity by adding and verifying a bank account or by getting approved for a PayPal Credit product.

1. Add Money From Your Linked Bank Account

First and foremost, you need to connect your bank account with your PayPal account. Remember, the name on your PayPal matches your bank accounts to ensure successful transfers. 

Here are the steps to add funds:

1. Log into your PayPal account and click ‘Wallet’
2. Click ‘Transfer Money’
3. On the next page, select ‘Add money from your bank or debit card’
4. Enter the amount and choose ‘In 3-5 days with your bank’

These steps can be completed through both the website and the mobile application. 

Typically, your funds should be added within 5 business days after the transaction has been verified and processed through the ACH system before being released to PayPal.

PayPal does not charge any service fees for this option. However, your bank might apply fees.

2. Add Money From Your Linked Debit Card

Alternatively, you can top-up your PayPal balance instantly with your preferred debit card.

Once your Visa or Mastercard® debit card is linked, you can also add money through the PayPal website and the mobile app.

Follow the following steps to add funds:

1. Log into your PayPal account and click ‘Wallet’
2. Click ‘Transfer Money’
3. On the next page, select ‘Add money from your bank or debit card’
4. Enter the amount and choose ‘In seconds with debit’

It's essential to remember that PayPal imposes limits on the amount you can add to your balance via a debit card:

• Up to USD 5,000 per day,
• Up to USD 10,000 per week,
• And up to USD 20,000 per month.

3. Add Cash at Partner Stores

You can easily add cash to PayPal at 90,000 stores across the US, such as Walmart, 7-Eleven, Dollar General, Rite Aid, and GameStop.

You can do so by using your PayPal debit card or barcode from the mobile app.

Here are the steps to load cash at stores using your PayPal debit card

1. Visit the participating store
2. Ask the cashier to add money to your PayPal account.
3. Provide the cash you want to add along with your PayPal debit card to the cashier
4. The cashier will complete the process, and the money will be added to your PayPal balance.

Here’s how to load cash using the generated barcode.

1. Log into your PayPal account
2. Tap ‘Finances’ or  ‘Wallet’ at the bottom of the homepage.
3. Choose a preferred store and click ‘Generate Barcode’
4. Show the barcode to the cashier, and indicate the amount of cash you want to add.
5. Let the cashier scan the barcode on your phone.
6. The money will be added to your PayPal balance.

It's important to note that adding money at partner stores comes with a fee, which varies based on the store. Ensure to check with your selected store before proceeding with the transaction. However, you can generate a barcode for free.

Finally, please be aware of these important limits:

• You can add between USD 20 and USD 500 in each transaction.
• The daily limit for adding cash is USD 1,500, and you can't exceed USD 5,000 in a month.
• You're limited to 4 transactions per day, 7 per week, and 20 per month.
• Once you hit any of these limits, you'll need to wait for them to reset before you can add more cash.

4. Receive Money From Others

Receiving funds from friends or family is a convenient alternative, especially if you're unable to add money directly to your PayPal account.

This method is easy and straightforward. Complete the following instructions to receive money into your account.

1. Share your PayPal-linked email address or mobile number with the sender.
2. The sender initiates the transfer through their PayPal account.
3. Once they complete the transaction, PayPal will notify you that you have money available.
4. Choose ‘Keep it in your balance’ on your PayPal account home page.

📌 Note: To receive funds with PayPal, you must confirm your email address.

PayPal also provides an option for senders to share the payment link with recipients to access and redeem their money–enhancing transparency.

Typically, transactions are free of charge if the sender uses their PayPal balance or linked bank accounts and sends money in your currency.

However, the fees will apply if:

• The sender uses a credit or debit card;
• If currency conversion is involved – making international transactions.

💡 Tip: Learn how to make a payment via PayPal, even without an account.

Can I Add Money Automatically?

Yes, PayPal enables users to easily set up recurring transfers to automatically top up their PayPal balance.

To set up for automatic money addition, follow these steps:

1. Open your PayPal application and tap on ‘Finance’.
2. Choose ‘Set up’ beside ‘Auto-add Money’.
3. Select how much money you want to add, how often, and from which option the money should be taken.
4. Confirm your setup.

Why I Can’t Add Money to My PayPal Balance?

If you keep trying to add money to your PayPal account but it’s not successful. This could be because:

1. Unverified Account: PayPal requires users to verify their identity to prevent fraud. If your account is not verified, you may be restricted from adding money.
2. Account Limitations: PayPal may place limitations on your account due to suspected unauthorized or fraudulent activity. If your account is limited, you won't be able to add money until the issue is resolved.
3. Regional Restrictions: Some features of PayPal, including adding money, may not be available in all regions due to local regulations.
4. Exceeding Transfer Limits: PayPal has specific limits on how much money you can add at a time or in a given period. Reaching these limits means you'll have to wait for them to reset before adding more money.

💡 Tip: Looking to withdraw funds? Learn how to withdraw money from PayPal with our step-by-step guide.

Alternative Solutions to PayPal