Yes, you can add a second bank account to PayPal, and it takes about five minutes
PayPal lets you link multiple bank accounts to a single PayPal account. You can add a new account, switch between them for transfers, and remove old ones whenever you want. The process is the same whether you're adding your first account or your fifth: you provide the bank's routing number, your account number, and confirm two small deposits PayPal sends to verify ownership.
Most people add a second account because they've switched banks, opened a business account alongside a personal one, or want to keep money in different places. PayPal doesn't limit how many you can link, but you can only transfer money to or from one account at a time—you choose which one when you initiate the transfer.
Key Takeaways
- You add a bank account through the Wallet section of your PayPal account, not through your bank.
- PayPal sends two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to the new account and asks you to enter those amounts to confirm you own it.
- The verification process takes one to two business days for the deposits to arrive, then you confirm the amounts immediately.
- Once verified, you can transfer money to or from that account whenever you want, and you can remove it anytime without penalty.
- If you're adding a joint account or a business account, the name on the PayPal account must match the name on the bank account.
Steps to add a bank account in PayPal
Log into your PayPal account on the website or app. Go to Wallet, then select Link a bank account. PayPal will ask for your bank's name or routing number—you can search by bank name or enter the routing number directly if you know it. If you're not sure of your routing number, your bank's website or a check will show it.
Enter your account number and account type (checking or savings). PayPal will confirm the name on the account matches the name on your PayPal account. If it doesn't match exactly, PayPal may reject the link or flag it for manual review. Once you submit, PayPal sends two small deposits to that account, usually within one business day.
Check your bank account for those deposits after one to two business days. They'll appear as small charges from PayPal, typically labeled something like "PayPal verification" or "PayPal test deposit." Go back to your PayPal Wallet, find the pending account, and enter the two amounts. PayPal confirms the account immediately after you enter them correctly.
Why the two-deposit verification matters
The two small deposits prove you own the bank account and have access to it. This is PayPal's way of preventing fraud—someone could type in a random account number, but they can't see the deposits unless they actually control that account. It's the same method most financial institutions use when you link accounts.
If you don't see the deposits after two business days, check your spam or junk folder in your email—PayPal sends a notification when they arrive. If they still don't show up, the account link may have failed. Go back to your Wallet and try again, or contact your bank to confirm the account number and routing number are correct.
Switching between multiple bank accounts
Once you have two or more accounts linked and verified, you choose which one to use each time you transfer money. When you initiate a withdrawal from PayPal to your bank, PayPal shows you all linked accounts and asks which one you want the money sent to. When you're receiving money into PayPal, the money goes to your PayPal balance first—you then decide which bank account to transfer it to.
You can change your default account in your Wallet settings, so PayPal uses that one automatically unless you pick a different one. This is useful if you have a primary account you use most of the time but occasionally need to send money elsewhere.
Removing a bank account from PayPal
You can remove a linked bank account anytime without affecting your PayPal account or your balance. Go to your Wallet, find the account you want to remove, and select the option to delete or unlink it. PayPal doesn't charge you to remove an account, and you can re-add it later if you change your mind.
If you're removing an account because you closed the bank account itself, you don't have to do anything—PayPal will simply reject any future transfer attempts to that account. However, it's cleaner to remove it yourself so you don't accidentally try to use it later.
What happens if the name on the account doesn't match
PayPal requires the name on the bank account to match the name on your PayPal account. If you have a joint account, only the primary account holder's name needs to match. If you're adding a business account, your PayPal account must be registered as a business account, and the business name on the bank account must match the business name in PayPal.
If the names don't match and you can't change them, contact PayPal support. They can sometimes manually verify the account if you provide additional documentation, like a bank statement or letter from your bank. This takes longer than the automatic verification, but it's possible.
Transfer timing and fees
Transfers from PayPal to a linked bank account take one to three business days, depending on your bank. PayPal doesn't charge you to transfer money to your own bank account. Some banks may charge their own fees for incoming transfers, though most don't—check with your bank if you're unsure.
Transfers from your bank account into PayPal are free and usually instant if you're using a debit card, or one to two business days if you're transferring from a checking or savings account. The timing depends on your bank's processing speed, not PayPal's.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link the same bank account to multiple PayPal accounts?
No. Each bank account can only be linked to one PayPal account. If you try to link an account that's already connected to another PayPal account, the system will reject it. You'll need to remove it from the first account before linking it to a second one.
What if I add a bank account but never verify it?
The account stays pending indefinitely. You can't transfer money to or from it until you verify it with the two deposit amounts. You can delete the pending account anytime and start over, or wait for the deposits to arrive and complete the verification whenever you're ready.
Can I add an account from a different country?
It depends on your PayPal account location and the country of the bank. PayPal supports bank accounts in most countries, but some combinations aren't allowed. Try adding the account—PayPal will tell you immediately if it's not supported. If it's not, you may need to use a different payment method or contact PayPal support.
Do I need to tell my bank I'm linking it to PayPal?
No. Your bank doesn't need advance notice. However, if you see the small verification deposits and don't recognize them, you might flag them as fraud. If that happens, contact your bank and let them know they're from PayPal, and they'll remove the fraud hold.
What if I accidentally enter the wrong account number?
PayPal will send the verification deposits to the wrong account, and you won't be able to confirm them. The link will fail after a few days. Go back to your Wallet and delete the failed account, then add the correct one. There's no penalty for trying again.