PayPal: Sending money to friends and family – this is how it works

by Johannes April 27, 2022

written by Johannes April 27, 2022

With PayPal you can transfer money to friends or family. The transfer process is very simple. In addition, you benefit from another small advantage.

Transfer money to friends and family with PayPal

With PayPal, you can even send money to friends and family if the recipient does not have a PayPal account.

You can start the transfer using PayPal either on the PayPal website or in the app. Log in with your access data.
In the app on your smartphone, tap the euro symbol at the bottom and then “Send money”. On the website, you will find the button at the top in the middle (see screenshot below the chapter).
After you have clicked on “Send money”, enter the recipient’s email address.
Then select an amount. You can also write a short message to the recipient.
After you have checked the details, you can send the money.

Transferring money via PayPal family and friends comes with some advantages.

- - For one thing, it’s convenient and straightforward.
- - The biggest advantage, however, is that PayPal – provided the transfer takes place within the EU – does not charge any fees.

However, you should really only use the family and friends option if you really know and trust the recipient of the money.

- - Because: PayPal buyer protection does not apply to PayPal transfers via family and friends. This means that you cannot reverse the money transferred.
- - Scammers take shameless advantage of this. They offer to sell the buyer the goods or services they want for less if they agree to pay via family and friends.
- - What is sold as a friendly concession by the seller is, however, a widespread scam. If the money is transferred, the delivery does not take place and the seller disappears.
- - Since there is no buyer protection, the buyer has no way to get his money back. Paying for goods and services with PayPal Friends and Family is therefore strongly discouraged.
- - If you have any questions about this topic, PayPal’s support team will be happy to help.

From time to time, problems can occur when you want to send money to friends via PayPal. We present the most common problems and their solutions:

- If you have no credit on your PayPal account, you may not be able to send money. If you still want to do this, you have two options: Either transfer something to your PayPal account or link PayPal to your bank account. If you do this, payments you order can be debited from your bank account by direct debit.
- Problems with sending money to friends can also occur with PayPal if you have recently linked your bank account. Make sure you have confirmed your account. If the problems persist for a few business days, contact PayPal customer service.
- If your PayPal account has been experiencing frequent problems due to unfunded accounts and outstanding payments, PayPal may be denying your payments.