How to Send Money from PayPal to Wise: A Complete Guide for 2025
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| 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:
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)
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?
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.
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