Learn how to set up and use PayPal for Upwork withdrawals, including requirements, fees, availability, security holds, and account-linking steps.
In this article
- Can I use PayPal to withdraw earnings?
- How do I set up PayPal as a withdrawal method?
- How do I edit my account?
- What are the PayPal fees?
- Is PayPal available everywhere?
- How do I connect my PayPal account to my Upwork account?
- I tried to add or re-add PayPal and got redirected to PayPal. Is this legitimate?
- What am I agreeing to when I connect PayPal?
- Why do I have to wait three days to use PayPal?
- Do I have to link my PayPal account to Upwork?
Can I use PayPal to withdraw earnings?
Possibly. We offer several payment withdrawal methods, including PayPal. You'll see the withdrawal options available to you under your Account settings (desktop) or Settings (mobile app) > Withdrawals.
Pro tip: To use PayPal, your verified name on Upwork must match the name on your PayPal account. If you haven't verified your name yet, be sure the name on your tax information matches the name on your PayPal account—you must add your tax information before adding a withdrawal method.
How do I set up PayPal as a withdrawal method?
- Go to Account settings (desktop) or Settings (mobile app) > Withdrawals
- Select Add a method
- Choose the Set up button by PayPal. Note: If you don't see PayPal listed as an option, you'll have to select another withdrawal method
- You will be redirected to sign in to your PayPal account for verification
- Choose a payment schedule and select Next
Note:
For security, any PayPal account you add as a withdrawal method will be active and ready to use after a three-day hold.
How do I edit my account?
Your PayPal account details on Upwork cannot be edited. If your PayPal account has changed, you must add a new withdrawal method to ensure that your details on Upwork match your new PayPal account information. Don't forget to remove the old withdrawal method at that time, too.
What are the PayPal fees?
PayPal is a third-party payment vendor, and their features and fees vary depending on your location. Learn more about PayPal fees and timing here.
Is PayPal available everywhere?
PayPal is international and available in many locations but not all. We recommend checking directly with PayPal to confirm whether their services are available where you live.
How do I connect my PayPal account to my Upwork account?
You can link your PayPal account with your Upwork account by selecting a self-serve link that will appear at the top of the Withdrawal page as an alert.
Note:
If you’ve logged into Upwork or been paid within the past six months, you'll also receive the link via email.
I tried to add or re-add PayPal to my Upwork account and got redirected to PayPal. Is this legitimate?
Yes, when you re-add PayPal to your Upwork account you'll be directed to PayPal.com. There, you’ll be prompted to log into your PayPal account and confirm that you want to “Connect your PayPal account to Upwork.”
To add PayPal to my Upwork account, I have to agree to terms as part of choosing “Connect your PayPal account to Upwork.” What am I agreeing to?
When you agree to connect your PayPal account to Upwork, you're allowing PayPal to share your full name, email, address, account verification status, and PayPal ID with us. This information helps us confirm that you own the PayPal account.
I reconnected my PayPal account but it's saying I have to wait three days to use it. Why?
For your account security, we have a standard hold period any time a withdrawal method is added or re-added to an account. This hold stays in place for three calendar days.
Do I have to link my PayPal account to Upwork?
If you don’t want to link your PayPal account to Upwork you do not have to do so. You can use any withdrawal method available to freelancers in your country. To see your options, go here.