What can I create a pool for?

Pools can be used to collect money for birthday presents, wedding and group gifts, social events, group trips, and more. You cannot use a pool to raise money for charity or for other fundraising purposes. Learn more about pool terms

Do I need a PayPal account to start a pool?

Yes, a PayPal account is required to organise a pool but you don’t need an account to contribute. Pool organisers must also verify their identity with PayPal. If you haven’t already done so, we’ll do a quick ID check to set you up. It’s free to sign up and there are no monthly fees.

How much does it cost?

It's free to create a pool and there's no cost to transfer pooled funds to your personal PayPal balance. Transfers to your bank account are free when you choose Standard or Instant Transfers. A standard transfer is usually completed within 3-5 business days but can take longer due to bank clearance processes. Fees apply when converting currency and sending money to an account in another country.

What payment methods are accepted for contributions? Is there a fee to contribute?

Contributors can chip in using their PayPal balance, bank account, credit or debit card. And there’s no cost to contribute from within the UK with GBP. International fees apply for contributions sent from outside the UK. Learn more about fees

Can someone contribute to a pool anonymously?

Yes, contributors can choose to hide their name and any message from everyone in the group except the pool creator and PayPal.

Can I adjust the end date and goal of my pool?

Yes, pool organisers can update pool details, including end date and the optional goal amount, at any point. A pool can be open for up to 6 months in the UK. Organisers can also choose to close a pool early.

Pool money

Start a pool.

Grab some friends.

Chip in together.

No need to foot the bill. Collect money in advance for group gifts or shared experiences and skip the hassle of reimbursement afterward.

Pool Money Sign Up

A smart way to pool money

Simple to use

Setup is a breeze with PayPal.¹ And even friends and family members who don’t use PayPal can contribute.

Create for free

Free is our favourite word. Free to set up. Free to transfer to your PayPal balance. Plus there’s no fee to contribute using GBP within the UK.¹

All in one place

Share your pool. Track your progress. Spend your pooled money wherever you pay with PayPal, or transfer to your bank.

Peace of mind

Transactions are encrypted, so your group’s financial details are secure. We don’t share full financial info with merchants.

Easily manage group funds

No more IOUs or waiting to get paid back. Keep tabs on contributions with real-time notifications. Track your progress and pool total—separate from your personal balance.

Track your pool together

Anyone in your group can view the total amount collected. And friends who use PayPal can track contributions, comments, and transfers along the way.

How to pool money

Set up your pool

Name your pool, describe what you’re collecting money for, and add an end date.

Share with friends

They’ll be able to chip in, even without a PayPal account.

Track your progress

Track and manage contributions, and get notified when someone chips in. All within your app.

Spend or send

Quickly transfer funds to your PayPal balance and spend online or in stores, send to friends or family,² or move to your bank.

Frequently asked questions

Have more questions?

Find answers to additional questions about pool and request assistance in our Help Center.

Go to our Help Center

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