Yes, you can add your bank account to PayPal, and it takes about five minutes
You can connect a U.S. bank account to PayPal by going to your account settings, selecting "Wallet," and choosing "Link a bank account." PayPal will ask for your routing number and account number—both visible on the bottom left of your checks. Once you enter them, PayPal deposits two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into your account within one to two business days. You then confirm those amounts in PayPal to verify ownership. After that, you can send money to other PayPal users, pay bills, or transfer funds back to your bank.
The process is the same whether you use a checking or savings account. PayPal does not charge you to link the account, though some banks may charge a small fee if they charge for incoming transfers—most do not. Once linked, your bank account stays connected until you remove it yourself.
Key Takeaways
- You need your routing number and account number from your checks or your bank's website to link your account.
- PayPal sends two small test deposits that you must confirm within 10 days to complete the link.
- A linked bank account lets you send money to other PayPal users, pay bills through PayPal, and move money out of PayPal back to your bank.
- You can link multiple bank accounts to one PayPal account, and you can remove any account at any time without penalty.
Where to find your routing and account numbers
Your routing number and account number appear on the bottom left of any check you have. The routing number is the first nine digits, the account number follows. If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or app and look for account details or account information—both numbers are listed there. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing and account numbers; they will give them to you over the phone.
Make sure you enter them correctly. A typo in either number will cause PayPal's verification deposits to go to the wrong account, and you will not be able to confirm them. If this happens, contact PayPal support and they can cancel the link and let you try again.
What happens after you enter your bank details
After you submit your routing and account numbers, PayPal sends two small deposits to your bank account—usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each. These arrive within one to two business days. You do not need to do anything while you wait; just check your bank account when the deposits show up.
Once both deposits appear in your bank account, go back to PayPal, select the bank account you just linked, and enter the two amounts you saw. PayPal verifies that you own the account and completes the link. You have 10 days to confirm the amounts. If you miss the 10-day window, the link expires and you will need to start over.
What you can do once your bank account is linked
A linked bank account gives you several options. You can send money to other PayPal users directly from your bank balance without keeping money in PayPal itself. You can also pay bills through PayPal's bill pay feature if your biller is on their list. If you receive money in PayPal—from a friend, a refund, or a sale—you can transfer it back to your bank account instead of leaving it sitting in PayPal.
You can also use your linked bank account as a backup payment method. If you try to send money and your PayPal balance is too low, PayPal can pull the difference from your bank account automatically. This only happens if you have turned on this setting in your account preferences.
Linking multiple bank accounts and removing them
You can link more than one bank account to the same PayPal account. This is useful if you have accounts at different banks or if you want to keep a checking account and a savings account separate. Each account goes through the same two-deposit verification process. You choose which account to use each time you send money or transfer funds.
To remove a bank account, go to your Wallet, find the account you want to remove, and select the delete or remove option. PayPal removes it immediately. You can re-link the same account later if you change your mind, but you will have to go through the verification process again.
Security and fraud protection when your bank is linked
PayPal uses encryption to protect your routing and account numbers. Your bank details are not shared with the people you send money to—they only see your PayPal account name. If someone gains access to your PayPal account, they can transfer money from your linked bank account, so keep your PayPal password strong and turn on two-factor authentication if PayPal offers it.
If you notice unauthorized transfers from your PayPal account, report them to PayPal right away. PayPal has a dispute process similar to your bank's, and they can reverse fraudulent transfers. Your bank also has its own fraud protection, so you can report the same transaction to both PayPal and your bank if needed. Report to your bank within 60 days of the unauthorized transfer to get the strongest protection under federal law.
Why PayPal might reject your bank account
PayPal may reject your bank account if the routing or account number is wrong, if the account is closed, or if the account is not in your name. Some banks also block PayPal's verification deposits if they think they are suspicious. If this happens, contact your bank and ask them to allow small deposits from PayPal, then try linking again.
If PayPal says your account does not meet their requirements, it usually means the account is not a standard checking or savings account. Some money market accounts, prepaid cards, or accounts at certain banks may not work with PayPal. In that case, you can try linking a different account, or you can use a debit card instead of a bank account.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to link a bank account to PayPal?
The whole process takes about five minutes to enter your information, then one to two business days for PayPal's test deposits to arrive in your bank. Once you confirm the amounts, the link is active immediately. Total time from start to finish is usually two to three business days.
Can I use a prepaid card instead of a bank account?
Some prepaid cards work with PayPal, but not all. Prepaid cards that have a routing number and account number can sometimes be linked the same way as a bank account. Call your prepaid card company to ask if they support PayPal linking. If not, you can add a debit card to PayPal instead, which takes just the card number and expiration date.
What if the two test deposits never show up in my bank account?
Wait three to five business days—deposits sometimes take longer than expected. If they still have not arrived, your bank may have blocked them. Contact your bank and ask if they received deposits from PayPal, and ask them to allow them through. Then go back to PayPal and request new test deposits.
Can someone else see my bank account number if I link it to PayPal?
No. When you send money to another PayPal user, they see only your PayPal account name, not your bank details. Your routing and account numbers are stored securely in PayPal and are not shared with other users or with the businesses you pay.
Do I have to keep my bank account linked, or can I unlink it anytime?
You can unlink your bank account at any time with no penalty. Simply go to your Wallet, select the account, and choose remove. You can re-link the same account later if you want to use it again, but you will have to verify it with the two test deposits again.