How to Send Money from PayPal to Wise: A Complete Guide for 2025

Sending moneyfrom paypal to wise

In today's globally connected world, sending and receiving money internationally has become part of everyday life. Whether you're a freelancer getting paid from clients abroad, a business owner managing global vendors, or someone sending money to family overseas  platforms like PayPal and Wise (formerly TransferWise) have made cross-border transactions easier than ever.

But what if you want to move money from PayPal to Wise?

Well, here's the catch: PayPal doesn’t support direct transfers to Wise. But don’t worry there's a simple workaround that millions of people use, and this guide will walk you through how to send money from PayPal to Wise in 2025, step by step.

Let’s break it all down in this practical, up-to-date guide.

Why Transfer Money from PayPal to Wise?

Before diving into the how, let’s understand why you might want to send money from PayPal to Wise in the first place.

PayPal vs. Wise: A Quick Comparison

Feature	PayPal	Wise
Transfer Fees	Higher (often includes hidden conversion rates)	Transparent and low fees
Currency Exchange Rates	Marked-up	Real mid-market rate
Global Reach	Available in 200+ countries	70+ countries (and growing)
Bank Transfers	Takes longer and costly	Fast and affordable
Ideal For	Online payments, eCommerce	International bank transfers

Real-World Scenario:

Let’s say you’re a freelancer in India who gets paid in USD via PayPal. But PayPal’s exchange rates and withdrawal fees eat up a chunk of your income. On the other hand, Wise offers better exchange rates and faster transfers to your local bank account. Naturally, you’d want to move that money over.

Can You Send Money from PayPal to Wise Directly?

Short answer: No, not directly.

PayPal does not allow sending money to Wise accounts directly, because Wise accounts are treated as virtual bank accounts, and PayPal restricts transfers to these in some regions.

But don’t lose hope  there's a workaround using a linked traditional bank account as a bridge between PayPal and Wise.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Transfer Money from PayPal to Wise (2025 Method)

Here’s how you can transfer funds indirectly:

Step 1: Set Up Your Wise Account (If You Haven’t Already)

• Go to wise.com

• Sign up for a multi-currency account

• Verify your identity (upload your documents  takes a few minutes)

• Once set up, Wise will give you local bank details in multiple currencies like USD, EUR, GBP, etc.

These are called Wise receiving accounts, and they work like real bank accounts.

Step 2: Link a Traditional Bank Account to Both PayPal and Wise

Here’s where the magic happens:

1. Link a bank account to PayPal

   • Log in to PayPal

   • Go to Wallet > Link a Bank Account

   • Enter your bank’s details (e.g., your US bank account if you're dealing in USD)

2. Link the same bank account to Wise

   • Log in to Wise

   • Go to Recipients > Add a Bank Account

   • Add the same bank account

Why this works: You’re using this account as a bridge between PayPal and Wise.

Step 3: Transfer Money from PayPal to Your Bank Account

• Go to Wallet in PayPal

• Click Transfer Money

• Select your linked bank account

• Enter the amount and confirm

Processing time: Usually 1-3 business days, depending on your country and currency.

Step 4: Fund Your Wise Account from That Bank Account

Once the money lands in your bank account, log in to your Wise account:

• Click Add Money

• Choose the currency (e.g., USD or EUR)

• Select the linked bank account as payment method

• Confirm the transfer

Tip: Wise gives you the real-time mid-market exchange rate, so you get more money when converting to your local currency.

Bonus Tip: Use Wise's USD Account to Get Paid via PayPal (US Account Holders)

If you're in the US or have a registered US PayPal account, you might be able to link your Wise USD account directly to PayPal as a bank account.

But as of 2025, this only works in limited cases PayPal sometimes rejects virtual bank accounts, which is what Wise offers.

Pro tip: Try it  if it works, you can skip the traditional bank step altogether.

Fees Comparison: PayPal vs Wise

Let’s do a quick fee breakdown so you understand the savings.

Scenario: You’re transferring $1,000 USD to India (INR)

Platform	Fees	Exchange Rate	Amount Received
PayPal	~$45 (fee + markup)	1 USD = 81.20 INR	~₹81,200
Wise	~$10 (transparent fee)	1 USD = 83.00 INR	~₹83,000

Difference: You save nearly ₹1,800 (about $22) on a $1,000 transfer using Wise.

Multiply that over multiple transactions, and you’ll see why many freelancers and business owners prefer Wise.

H3: What About Business Accounts?

If you run a business, Wise also supports multi-currency business accounts. You can:

• Receive client payments

• Pay international suppliers

• Automate payroll for remote teams

• Integrate with accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero

For businesses that frequently receive PayPal payments and need to pay teams or vendors overseas, Wise is a cost-effective solution.

Alternatives to Transfer Money from PayPal to Wise

In case the standard route doesn’t work for you, here are a few alternatives to consider:

1. Use a Currency Exchange Platform (Like Payoneer)

You can withdraw PayPal funds to a linked Payoneer account and then send that money to Wise.

2. Use a Friend’s Account

If you trust someone who can receive PayPal payments and already uses Wise, you can ask them to help. But this comes with risk, so only do this with close, trusted contacts.

3. Freelance Platforms (like Upwork or Fiverr)

If your payments come through these platforms, choose Wise as your payment method directly to skip PayPal altogether.

Safety Tips for 2025

• Double-check account numbers and currency settings before initiating transfers.

• Avoid public Wi-Fi when logging into financial apps.

• Use two-factor authentication (2FA) on both PayPal and Wise.

• Track all your transactions for tax and compliance purposes.

Final Thoughts: Is Transferring from PayPal to Wise Worth It?

Absolutely  especially in 2025, when exchange rates and transaction fees can eat up a significant part of your earnings. Wise is known for:

• Transparency

• Speed

• Better exchange rates

While there’s no direct PayPal-to-Wise option (yet), using a linked bank account as a bridge is the most effective workaround.

Whether you're a remote worker, digital nomad, or a business owner, this method ensures you keep more of your hard-earned money and enjoy faster global transfers.

FAQs

1. Can I link my Wise account directly to PayPal?

In some regions, yes. But generally, PayPal may not accept virtual bank accounts like those offered by Wise.

2. How long does the whole transfer take?

From PayPal to your bank: 1–3 business days. From your bank to Wise: usually within 24 hours.

3. Are there any risks involved?

As long as you use your own verified accounts, the process is secure and legal.