How to transfer money from PayPal to GCash (2023 Guide)

Hannes Ausmees

31.10.23 (last updated)

4 minute read

If you’re a fan of GCash¹ you might be wondering how to transfer money from PayPal² to GCash conveniently and with the lowest possible costs. This guide covers the steps you need to take to get both your PayPal and GCash accounts ready to transfer, link them together and start off a PayPal to GCash transfer. We’ll also look at the PayPal to GCash transfer fee so you know what to expect.

Sending money from PayPal to GCash isn’t your only option - so we’ll also touch on Wise as an alternative way to send payments to GCash in PHP, which uses the mid-market exchange rate and low, transparent fees.

How to send money from PayPal to GCash

So, can PayPal send money to GCash? The good news is that you can transfer money directly between the two, with a little bit of preparation.

To send money from PayPal to GCash you’ll need to link your PayPal account to GCash and then use the Cash in process in GCash. We’ll work through that process bit by bit, next, so you can get started.

Eligibility to transfer money from PayPal to GCash

Before you get started you’ll need to double check you can link your PayPal and GCash accounts successfully. Here are some tips³:

Fully verify your GCash account by uploading images of the documents required, based on your personal situation
Make sure your name on PayPal and on your GCash account are identical
Make sure your GCash email address is the same as the one you use for PayPal
Your PayPal account must be Philippine-based and verified before you can link it to GCash
Each pre-approved plan has a limit of 100,000 PHP for PayPal Cash ins. To refresh your limit you need to unlink your PayPal account and then follow the linking process again⁴

How to link PayPal to GCash: Step by Step

Once you’re confident you can link your PayPal and GCash together, you can do so online or in the GCash app in just a few simple steps³:

Step 1: Log into GCash and select Profile

Before getting started double check you’re eligible to link your PayPal and GCash accounts, using the tips above.

Step 2: Select My Linked Accounts and then tap on PayPal

Follow the prompts to navigate from the home page and pick the option to link PayPal.

Step 3: Enter your PayPal email address, check it over, and select Authorize

Double check your PayPal email address is the same as the one you use with GCash.

Step 4: Enter your PayPal login name and password, and then tap Next

Using the onscreen instructions, add the required information and you’re almost done.

Step 5: Tap Close and Continue on the confirmation page

If you’re on an Android device and struggle with this step, the GCash Help page on their desktop website has a few hints.

How to transfer money from PayPal to GCash

Once you have linked your PayPal and GCash you can transfer money from PayPal to GCash using the GCash Cash in process. Here’s a quick step by step overview:

Step 1: Log into GCash and tap Cash In

Your GCash account should already be linked to PayPal before you get started.

Step 2: Select Global Partners and Remittance then tap PayPal

Follow the prompts to find the option to Cash in with PayPal.

Step 3: Enter the cash in amount, then Next

The minimum amount to transfer PayPal to GCash is 500 PHP, but you can also transfer up to a maximum of 100,000 PHP.

Step 4: Check and confirm the amount for cash in

Your money may be available instantly, or may take 24 to 48 hours to arrive.

Transfer fees for sending PayPal to GCash

There’s no fee to transfer money from PayPal to GCash as long as the balance you hold in PayPal is in pesos. Where the costs start to mount up is if you have a foreign currency balance in PayPal and you need to withdraw it to GCash. In this case, you’ll need to convert your money to PHP in PayPal before you make the transfer, which means paying the PayPal currency conversion fee.

PayPal will convert your balance from whichever foreign currency you hold to PHP using an exchange rate it sets, which includes a markup. This is an extra percentage fee - usually 3% or 4% - added into the rate⁵.

All in all, that can mean that you end up with less than you expected in your GCash account in the end.

Getting paid from overseas? Receive money from abroad without hidden fees with Wise

If you’re a freelancer or a dependent of an overseas foreign worker, receiving payments has never been easier with the Wise account!

The Wise account lets you receive money for free from abroad, without the need to have bank accounts in multiple countries. You can get your own unique bank account details in 9+ different currencies (including AUD, CAD, EUR, GBP, HUF, NZD, SGD, USD, and TRY) and receive up to 400k PHP per month for free from those places.

After you’ve received the money you can easily move funds from your Wise Account to your local bank account or e-wallet (including GCash), by converting to PHP at the mid-market exchange rate - like the one you see on Google - and low transparent fees!

The true cost of sending USD to PHP

It also comes with the Wise prepaid card, which lets you spend globally in 160+ countries and shop online at the same mid-market exchange rate. Start bringing your money home in a smart way without extra hidden fees with Wise!

Get a Wise account today

Pricing/fees: Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information

How to transfer money from PayPal to GCash without linking?

To transfer money from PayPal to GCash directly you’ll need to link your PayPal and GCash accounts together. This is only possible if you’ve got a Philippines based PayPal account, which has the exact same name and linked email as your GCash account. You’ll also need to have both PayPal and GCash fully verified to link them together.

If you’re unable to transfer money from PayPal to GCash directly you may need to withdraw funds from your PayPal account to a linked bank account or card first, and then move them to GCash manually.

Sources:

*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.