PayPal has long been a trusted platform for online payments, and since 2020, it has expanded its services to support cryptocurrencies. Users can now buy, sell, send, and receive digital assets directly through their PayPal accounts. This guide walks you through the complete process of transferring Bitcoin and other supported cryptocurrencies to and from PayPal, as well as withdrawing funds securely.
Does PayPal Support Cryptocurrency Transfers?
Yes, PayPal supports cryptocurrency transfers, but with certain limitations. Currently, users in the United States and the United Kingdom can send and receive crypto directly within the PayPal ecosystem. Supported cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), and PayPal USD (PYUSD).
While early adopters relied on third-party exchanges to move funds, PayPal now allows direct internal transfers. However, sending crypto to external wallets still requires account verification and incurs blockchain network fees.
👉 Discover how to securely manage your crypto transfers today.
How to Receive Cryptocurrency on PayPal
To receive Bitcoin or other digital assets via PayPal, you must first generate a wallet address. Unlike traditional crypto wallets, PayPal doesn’t provide a permanent public address. Instead, it generates a one-time-use address tied to a specific cryptocurrency and blockchain network.
Here’s how to get your receiving address:
- Log in to your PayPal account or create one if you don’t have it.
- Go to the "Wallet" section and select your cryptocurrency balance.
- Click the two-arrow transfer icon and choose “Receive.”
- Select the cryptocurrency you wish to receive (e.g., Bitcoin).
- Copy the generated wallet address or scan the QR code.
- Share this address with the sender.
Important: Each address is network-specific. Sending Bitcoin Cash (BCH) to a Bitcoin (BTC) address will result in permanent loss of funds. Always double-check the network compatibility before initiating any transfer.
Once generated, your receiving address remains accessible in PayPal’s transaction history, allowing you to reuse it for future deposits of the same crypto type.
How to Send Bitcoin from PayPal
Sending Bitcoin from PayPal is straightforward if you're based in an eligible region. You can transfer BTC to another PayPal user or an external crypto wallet.
Sending to Another PayPal User
- Log in to your PayPal account.
- Navigate to “Wallet” > “Cryptocurrencies.”
- Select Bitcoin and click “Send.”
- Enter the recipient’s email or phone number linked to their PayPal account.
- Input the amount in BTC or USD.
- Review the details and confirm with “Send Now.”
The recipient will receive a notification and can claim the funds instantly.
Sending to an External Wallet
Transferring Bitcoin to an external wallet (like Trust Wallet or Ledger) follows a similar process but requires extra caution:
- Open your external wallet app and copy your Bitcoin receiving address.
- In PayPal, go to “Cryptocurrencies” > “Bitcoin” > “Send.”
- Paste the external wallet address into the recipient field.
- Enter the transfer amount.
- Confirm the transaction after reviewing network fees.
⚠️ Note: External transfers require identity verification and may take longer due to blockchain processing times.
How to Withdraw Funds from PayPal
There are two primary ways to cash out your cryptocurrency holdings via PayPal:
Option 1: Convert Crypto to Fiat Within PayPal
If you’re in the U.S. or U.K., you can convert your Bitcoin or other cryptos into fiat currency directly in your PayPal account:
- Go to “Wallet” > “Cryptocurrencies.”
- Choose the asset you want to convert (e.g., BTC).
- Select “Convert” and pick your desired fiat currency (e.g., USD).
- Enter the amount and confirm the exchange rate.
- Complete the transaction.
The converted funds will appear in your PayPal balance and can be transferred to your linked bank account or used for purchases.
Option 2: Use a Third-Party Exchange
For users outside supported regions or those seeking better rates, using a cryptocurrency exchange offers more flexibility:
- Transfer your crypto from PayPal to a supported exchange (e.g., OKX).
- Sell the cryptocurrency for fiat (USD, EUR, etc.).
- Withdraw the fiat to your PayPal-linked bank account—or use PayPal as a payment method if supported by the exchange.
👉 Learn how top platforms streamline crypto-to-fiat conversions effortlessly.
Limits and Fees for Crypto Transfers on PayPal
Understanding transfer limits and fees is crucial for efficient fund management.
Transfer Limits
- Internal transfers (PayPal to PayPal): Minimum of $0.01 per transaction.
External transfers (to external wallets):
- Bitcoin: Minimum 0.001 BTC
- Ethereum: Minimum 0.01 ETH
- Bitcoin Cash: Minimum 0.1 BCH
- Weekly limit: Up to $25,000 in combined internal and external transfers.
If your balance falls below the minimum threshold, PayPal will block the transaction.
Transaction Fees
- Internal transfers: No fees.
- External transfers: Subject to dynamic blockchain network fees based on network congestion. PayPal displays an estimated fee before confirmation.
These fees ensure timely processing on the respective blockchains but can vary significantly during peak usage periods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I send Bitcoin from PayPal to Trust Wallet?
Yes. First, copy your Bitcoin receiving address from Trust Wallet. Then, in PayPal, go to “Send,” paste the address, enter the amount, and confirm the transfer. Ensure both networks match (Bitcoin to Bitcoin) to avoid irreversible losses.
Is it possible to send Bitcoin from PayPal to MetaMask?
Not directly. MetaMask is an Ethereum-based wallet and does not support Bitcoin. To move BTC to MetaMask, convert it first:
- Send BTC from PayPal to a crypto exchange.
- Trade BTC for ETH or another ERC-20 token.
- Withdraw the converted asset to your MetaMask wallet.
Why can’t I send Bitcoin through PayPal?
Several factors may prevent sending:
- You're in a region where crypto features are restricted.
- Your account isn’t fully verified.
- Insufficient balance after accounting for fees.
- Temporary service outages or maintenance.
Contact PayPal support if issues persist after checking these points.
How long do PayPal crypto transfers take?
Internal transfers are instant. External transfers typically take 10 minutes to several hours, depending on blockchain congestion.
Are there tax implications when transferring crypto via PayPal?
Yes. Any sale or conversion of cryptocurrency may trigger capital gains taxes. Keep detailed records of all transactions for tax reporting purposes.
Can I transfer crypto from Cash App to PayPal?
No direct transfer exists. Use an intermediary exchange:
- Withdraw BTC from Cash App to an exchange.
- Transfer funds from the exchange to your PayPal-linked bank account—or sell and deposit fiat into PayPal directly.
By understanding these processes, you can leverage PayPal’s growing crypto capabilities while maintaining security and compliance. Whether sending peer-to-peer or cashing out large holdings, proper planning ensures smooth and successful transactions.
👉 Start managing your digital assets with confidence—explore secure transfer solutions now.