Sending money via PayPal is a straightforward process, whether you’re splitting a bill with friends, paying for goods online, or sending a gift to family. As a leading online money transfer service, PayPal offers multiple convenient methods to send funds securely. This guide will walk you through the various ways you can send money on PayPal, ensuring you can confidently navigate each option.
Sending Money via the PayPal Website
The PayPal website provides a robust interface for managing your finances, including sending money. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to send money through the website:
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Navigate to Send & Request: First, log in to your PayPal account on your web browser. Once logged in, locate and click on the “Send & Request” tab at the top of the page. This will take you to the money transfer section.
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Enter Recipient Details: In the designated field, you’ll need to enter the recipient’s information. You can use their name, PayPal username, email address, or mobile number. After entering the details, click the “Next” button to proceed. PayPal will search its database to find the recipient associated with the information you provided.
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Specify Amount and Currency: On the next screen, you’ll be prompted to enter the amount of money you wish to send. Choose the currency from the dropdown menu to ensure the correct amount is sent in the appropriate currency. You also have the option to add a note to the recipient, which can be helpful for indicating the purpose of the payment. Click “Continue” to move to the next step.
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Choose Payment Type: PayPal offers two primary payment types: “For Goods and Services” and “For Friends and Family”. Select the option that best describes your transaction.
- For Goods and Services: Choose this option when you are paying for a purchase, such as items bought online or services rendered. This option provides buyer protection, but the seller typically incurs a fee.
- For Friends and Family: Select this when sending money to someone you know personally, like a friend or family member, for occasions such as gifts or shared expenses. This option is generally free for the sender when using a PayPal balance or bank account, but may have fees depending on the funding source and if it’s an international transaction.
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Select Payment Method: Choose your preferred payment method. This could be your PayPal balance, a linked bank account, credit card, or debit card. The available options may vary depending on your PayPal account setup and the type of payment you are making. Click “Next” after selecting your payment method.
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Review and Send: Before finalizing the transaction, carefully review all the details on the confirmation page. This includes the recipient’s information, the amount, currency, payment type, and payment method. If everything is correct, click “Send Payment Now” to complete the money transfer.
Sending Money Using the PayPal Mobile App
For users on the go, the PayPal mobile app offers a convenient way to send money directly from your smartphone or tablet. The process is similar to using the website, but optimized for mobile use.
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Tap “Send/Request”: Open the PayPal app and log in to your account. On the main screen, you will see a “Send/Request” button, usually located prominently on the bottom navigation or main dashboard. Tap this button to start the money sending process.
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Enter Recipient Information: Just like on the website, you need to enter the recipient’s details. You can search for contacts by name, PayPal username, email address, or mobile number. Alternatively, you can select a recipient directly from your contact list if they are already saved.
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Specify Amount, Currency, and Note: Enter the amount you wish to send and select the currency. You also have the option to add a note for the recipient. After filling in these details, tap “Next” to continue.
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Choose Payment Type: Select between “Goods and Services” or “Friends and Family” depending on the nature of your transaction, as described in the website instructions.
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Review and Send: Review all the transaction details carefully, including the recipient, amount, payment type, and funding source. Once you have verified everything, tap “Send” to finalize and send the payment.
Sending Money via PayPal.Me Links
PayPal.Me links offer an even quicker way to send money, especially when someone has shared their personal PayPal.Me link with you. This method streamlines the process, making it incredibly user-friendly.
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Open PayPal.Me Link: If you’ve been given a PayPal.Me link, simply click on it. Alternatively, you can type the PayPal.Me link into your web browser’s address bar and press enter. This will take you directly to the sender’s PayPal.Me page.
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Click “Send”: On the PayPal.Me page, you will typically see a “Send” button. Click this button to initiate the payment process.
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Enter Amount and Optional Note: Enter the amount you intend to send. You can also add an optional note to provide context for the payment. Click “Continue” to proceed.
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Select Payment Type: Choose between “For Goods and Services” or “For Friends and Family” based on the transaction type.
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Choose Payment Method: Select your preferred payment method from the available options, such as PayPal balance, bank account, or card. Click “Next”.
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Review and Send Payment: Review all the details of your payment on the confirmation page. Ensure everything is accurate, and then click “Send Payment Now” to complete the transaction.
Important Considerations When Sending Money on PayPal
- Choosing the Right Payment Type: Always select the appropriate payment type—”For Goods and Services” or “For Friends and Family”—as it impacts fees and buyer/seller protection. Incorrectly choosing “Friends and Family” for a purchase can forfeit your buyer protection.
- Fees: Be aware of potential fees. Sending money to friends and family is often free when using your PayPal balance or bank account within the same country. However, credit or debit card transactions, international transactions, or sending money for goods and services may incur fees. Refer to PayPal’s fee structure for detailed information.
- Irreversible Transactions: Once you send money via PayPal, the transaction is generally irreversible. If you make a mistake, you will need to contact the recipient directly to request a refund. PayPal cannot cancel or reverse payments on your behalf.
- Recipient Account Requirements: The recipient will receive an email notification once you send money. If they don’t have a PayPal account, PayPal will guide them through the sign-up process. They will need to confirm their email address and may need to complete identity verification to access the funds.
- International Transfers: For sending money internationally to friends and family, consider using PayPal or Xoom, another PayPal service specializing in international money transfers. Compare fees and exchange rates to find the most cost-effective option.
By understanding these different methods and considerations, you can confidently and efficiently send money on PayPal for various needs. Whether you are using the website, mobile app, or PayPal.Me links, PayPal provides secure and convenient ways to transfer funds.
