How to send money as friends and family on PayPal?

Sending money as friends and family on PayPal is a convenient way to transfer funds to someone you know personally, such as friends or family members, without incurring hefty fees. Unlike making a purchase where PayPal offers buyer and seller protection, sending money as friends and family is more informal and typically used for personal transactions.

This method allows you to quickly and easily send money to someone using their email address, phone number, or PayPal username, and it’s often preferred for activities like splitting bills, reimbursing a friend, or sending a gift.

While sending money as friends and family is straightforward and cost-effective, it’s essential to exercise caution and only use this method with individuals you trust, as transactions made under this category are not covered by PayPal’s Purchase Protection program.



To send money as friends and family on PayPal, you can follow these steps:

Log in to Your PayPal Account: Visit the PayPal website or open the PayPal app on your mobile device. Sign in with your username and password.

Initiate a Payment: Once you’re logged in, find the option to send money. This is usually labeled as “Send” or “Send Money” and can typically be found on the homepage or in the navigation menu.

Enter Recipient’s Information: Provide the email address, phone number, or PayPal username of the person you want to send money to.

Choose “Sending to a Friend” Option: PayPal will typically give you the option to select whether you are sending money to friends and family or making a purchase. Choose the “Sending to a Friend” option.

Enter Payment Amount: Input the amount of money you want to send.

Review and Confirm: Double-check the payment details, including the amount and recipient information, to ensure everything is correct.

Choose Payment Source: Select the funding source for your payment. This could be your PayPal balance, linked bank account, or credit/debit card.

Add a Note (Optional): If you want to include a message with your payment, you can add a note before sending.

Send Payment: Once you’ve reviewed all the details and are satisfied, click the “Send” or “Send Money” button to complete the transaction.

Confirmation: After the payment is sent, PayPal will provide you with a confirmation of the transaction. You’ll also receive an email confirming the payment.

It’s important to note that when sending money as friends and family, PayPal may charge a fee if you’re using a credit or debit card as the funding source. However, if you’re using your PayPal balance or a linked bank account, there typically won’t be any fees for sending money within your country.

Additionally, payments sent as friends and family are usually not eligible for PayPal’s Purchase Protection program, so make sure you trust the recipient.



List of countries where Friends & Family / Gift Payment is supported.

Its important to know Friends and Family is not available in all countries

PayPal’s “Send to Friends and Family” feature is available in many countries worldwide. However, it’s essential to note that PayPal’s features and services may vary by country, and availability may be subject to change. Generally, this feature is available in countries where PayPal operates.

While it’s not feasible to list every country individually, PayPal typically provides this feature in major markets across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and other regions. Some of the countries where PayPal’s “Send to Friends and Family” feature is commonly available include the United States, Kenya, South Africa, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, India, Japan, and many more.

What happens if you accept payment as Friends and Family yet its for business purposes.

Accepting payments as “Friends and Family” on PayPal for business purposes can lead to serious consequences. While some individuals may do this to avoid PayPal holds and fees, it’s important to understand the risks involved.

By accepting payments meant for business transactions under the “Friends and Family” option, you are essentially evading PayPal’s fees that are rightfully due. This not only violates PayPal’s terms of service but can also result in severe penalties.

PayPal actively monitors accounts for suspicious activities, including accepting a high volume of payments labeled as “Friends and Family” for commercial purposes. If PayPal detects such behavior, they will likely investigate the account. Once they ascertain that the payments were indeed for business transactions, they may take action against the account.

The consequences of getting caught can be severe, ranging from having your PayPal account limited to being permanently suspended. This means you won’t be able to use PayPal for any transactions, which can significantly impact your ability to conduct business online.

While you may feel confident in your ability to evade detection or trust your buyers, it’s crucial to understand that PayPal has sophisticated systems in place to detect and prevent fraudulent activities. Trying to circumvent PayPal’s rules is not only unethical but also puts your business and financial stability at risk.

How can money put on hold get released quicker?

Is there a fee for sending money to friends and family on PayPal?

If you’re using your PayPal balance or a linked bank account to send money within your country, there typically won’t be any fees. However, if you’re using a credit or debit card as the funding source, PayPal may charge a fee.

Are payments sent as friends and family protected by PayPal's Purchase Protection?

No, payments sent as friends and family are usually not eligible for PayPal’s Purchase Protection program. It’s important to trust the recipient when sending money this way

How long does it take for the recipient to receive the money if it's sent as Friends and Family?

The time it takes for the recipient to receive the money can vary depending on factors such as the recipient’s country and the payment method used. In most cases, the transfer is instant or takes just a few minutes

Is there a limit to how much money I can send as friends and family on PayPal?

PayPal may impose sending limits on your account, which can vary based on factors such as your account status and verification level. Be sure to check your account limits before sending large amounts of money.

What happens if I accidentally send money as goods and services instead of friends and family?

If you accidentally send money as goods and services instead of friends and family, PayPal may charge a fee, and the payment may be subject to PayPal’s Purchase Protection program. You can contact PayPal’s customer support to see if they can assist you in changing the payment type.

How do I change my PayPal payment to friends and family?

When sending a payment on PayPal, you should have the option to select the payment type. Look for an option that says “Paying for an item or service” or “Paying friends and family.” Choose the latter to send money as friends and family.

Why can't I choose friends and family on PayPal?

PayPal may restrict the option to send money as friends and family based on factors such as your account status, transaction history, or the recipient’s country. If you’re unable to choose this option, it’s recommended to contact PayPal’s customer support for assistance.

How do I know if my PayPal payment is friends and family?

After sending a payment on PayPal, you can check the transaction details in your account. Payments sent as friends and family should be labeled accordingly in your transaction history. Additionally, PayPal will provide confirmation emails specifying the type of payment sent.

Is PayPal friends and family instant?

Yes, PayPal payments sent as friends and family are typically processed instantly or within a few minutes, depending on factors such as the recipient’s account status and country.

How do I change my preferred payment method on PayPal?

To change your preferred payment method on PayPal, log in to your account, go to the “Wallet” section, and click on “Payment Methods.” From there, you can add, remove, or set a new preferred payment method.

Why do sellers ask for PayPal friends and family?

Sellers may request payments via PayPal friends and family to avoid transaction fees associated with commercial transactions. However, sending money this way means you won’t have the protections offered by PayPal’s Purchase Protection program.

Can I use PayPal without a bank account?

Yes, you can use PayPal without a bank account by linking a credit or debit card to your PayPal account. However, having a linked bank account provides additional functionality, such as withdrawing funds to your bank account.

Can I cancel a payment sent as friends and family on PayPal?

Once a payment is sent on PayPal, it cannot be canceled. Be sure to review all transaction details carefully before sending the payment.

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