What can I create a pool for?

Pools can be used for group-funded birthday presents, wedding gifts, honeymoon funds, social events, club activities, 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 an account with PayPal to start a pool?

Yes, an account with PayPal is required to organize a pool but you don't need an account to contribute. Pool organizers will also need a PayPal Balance account to start a pool and transfer funds. It's free to set up and there are no monthly fees. If you haven't already verified your identity with PayPal, we’ll do a quick ID check to set you up with one.

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 transfer. Instant transfers to your bank account are subject to a fee.

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

Contributors who have an account with PayPal can chip in using their PayPal balance, bank account, or credit or debit card. There's no cost to contribute when you use your PayPal balance or bank account to chip in from within the US. Friends and family members who don't use PayPal can chip in using a credit or debit card. Fees apply for credit and debit card transactions. International fees apply for contributions sent from outside the US. Learn more about fees

Can someone contribute to a pool anonymously?

Yes, contributors can choose to hide their name to everyone in the group except the pool creator.

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

Yes, pool organizers can update pool details, including end date and the optional goal amount, at any point. A pool can be open for up to one year in the US. Organizers 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 up front for group gifts or shared experiences and skip the hassle of settling up afterward.¹

Start Pooling Sign Up

Share the cost from the start

Simple to use

Setup is a breeze with PayPal.¹ And anyone across the globe can contribute—even friends and family members who don’t use PayPal yet.

Create for free

Free to set up. Free to transfer funds to your PayPal balance. Plus there’s no cost to chip in from a PayPal balance or bank in the US.

All in one place

Share your pool. Track your progress. Spend your pooled money wherever you pay with PayPal, or transfer to your bank.¹

Peace of mind

For you and your friends. Payments are encrypted, keeping your group’s full financial info secure, and 24/7 fraud monitoring helps protect your transactions.

Easily collect group money

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 pool can view the total amount collected. And friends who use PayPal can track contributions, comments, and fund 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

Easily track and manage contributions. And get notified when someone chips in.

Spend or send

Instantly 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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