I have used PayPal for many years, now, and most of the time I have no problem. I have had my account linked to at least one bank account the entire time. I have never had any trouble getting my money, but I do sometimes have trouble sending money. Specifically, to Canada. And once a bank account is linked, I can't seem to get it unlinked. Ever. Even after I close the bank account (which I did solely because I couldn't unlink it).
So, I guess I can say it's been safe enough for me, but I find it quite annoying and inconvenient because there seems to be no way to correct the problems I've had, no matter how many times I report them, talk to them on the phone, etc. If PayPal had a decent competitor, I would switch in a flash. But for now, it's [mostly] working for me.
Vicki