Yes, you can link another bank account to PayPal, and it takes about five minutes
You can add a second bank account to your PayPal account at any time. PayPal lets you link multiple accounts from the same bank or different banks. Once linked, you can transfer money between your PayPal balance and any of your bank accounts, receive direct deposits to a linked account, or use a linked account as a backup payment source when you send money.
The process is the same whether you're adding your first account or your fifth: you provide your routing number and account number, PayPal sends two small test deposits to that account (usually within one to three business days), and you confirm the amounts to verify ownership. After that, the account is active and ready to use.
Key Takeaways
- You provide your bank's routing number and your account number, then confirm two small test deposits PayPal sends to verify you own the account.
- Transfers from PayPal to a linked bank account take one to three business days and cost nothing if you choose the standard speed.
- You can link accounts from different banks, but each account must be in your own name — you cannot link someone else's account.
- If you link a debit card instead of a bank account, transfers work faster but may carry fees depending on your card issuer.
How to add a bank account to your PayPal account
Log into PayPal on a computer or the mobile app. Go to Wallet (or Account on older versions), then select Link a bank account. Enter your bank's routing number and your account number — you can find both on a check, or call your bank's customer service line if you don't have a check handy.
PayPal will ask whether the account is a checking or savings account. Select the correct type. Then PayPal sends two deposits of a few cents each to that account, usually within one to three business days. Once the deposits land, log back into PayPal, go to the same section, and enter the two amounts. PayPal confirms the account is yours and marks it as verified.
Until you confirm those test deposits, the account is linked but not verified. You can still use it to receive money, but you cannot transfer money out of PayPal to an unverified account. The verification step protects you from accidentally sending money to the wrong place.
What happens after you verify the account
Once verified, the account appears in your Wallet section and you can transfer money to it whenever you want. A standard transfer (the free option) takes one to three business days. PayPal also offers instant transfers for a fee — usually $0.25 per transfer, though the fee varies by account type and your transaction history.
You can also set a linked bank account as your preferred withdrawal method, so when you receive money from a sale or a peer transfer, you can move it to that account automatically. Some PayPal users link one account for everyday transfers and keep a second account linked as a backup in case the first one has a problem.
If you ever need to remove a linked account, you can do that from the same Wallet section. PayPal will not send any more money to that account, but it stays in your records so you can re-link it later if you change your mind.
Linking a debit card instead of a bank account
You can also link a debit card to PayPal instead of a bank account. The process is faster — PayPal verifies most debit cards instantly or within a few hours — but transfers to a debit card may carry a fee. Some debit card issuers charge their own fee when PayPal deposits money, and some do not. Check with your card issuer before you link.
Transfers to a debit card are also faster than transfers to a bank account. Many complete within minutes or hours rather than one to three business days. If you need money quickly and do not mind paying a small fee, a debit card can be the better choice. If you want to avoid fees and do not need the money urgently, a bank account transfer is free and reliable.
What to do if the test deposits don't arrive
If you don't see the two test deposits in your bank account after five business days, the routing number or account number you entered may be wrong. Log back into PayPal, go to Wallet, find the unverified account, and check the numbers you entered. If they look wrong, delete the account and start over with the correct information.
If the numbers are correct but the deposits still haven't arrived, contact your bank's customer service and ask whether they've received any deposits from PayPal in the last week. Some banks hold deposits for a few extra days before they show up in your account. If your bank says they haven't received anything, contact PayPal's support team with your account number and the date you linked the account — they can resend the test deposits or investigate whether something went wrong on their end.
Linking accounts from different banks
You can link bank accounts from multiple different banks to the same PayPal account. For example, you could link a checking account from Bank A and a savings account from Bank B. Each account must be in your own name, and each one goes through the same verification process with the two test deposits.
Having multiple accounts linked is useful if you want to keep money in different places — perhaps one account for bills and another for savings — and move money between them through PayPal. It's also useful as a backup: if one account has a problem or is temporarily frozen, you can transfer money to or from a different account instead.
Security and fraud protection when linking accounts
PayPal uses the two test deposits as a security measure. Because only the real owner of a bank account can see the deposits and confirm the amounts, this method proves you control that account. Do not share the test deposit amounts with anyone, and do not tell anyone your routing number or account number.
Once an account is linked and verified, PayPal's fraud protection covers transfers you make to that account. If someone gains access to your PayPal account and transfers money without your permission, you can report it to PayPal and they will investigate. Keep your PayPal password strong and enable two-factor authentication (a code sent to your phone or email when you log in from a new device) to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link someone else's bank account to my PayPal?
No. The account must be in your own name. If you try to link an account that belongs to someone else, PayPal will reject it during verification because the test deposits will go to an account you don't control. You can only verify accounts you own.
How long does it take to transfer money from PayPal to a linked bank account?
Standard transfers take one to three business days and are free. Instant transfers complete within minutes but cost $0.25 per transfer. Weekends and bank holidays can add extra time to standard transfers.
What if I link the wrong bank account by mistake?
If you haven't verified it yet, delete it from your Wallet and link the correct account instead. If you've already verified it, you can still delete it and link a different account. PayPal won't send money to an account you've removed from your Wallet.
Do I need to link a bank account to use PayPal?
No. You can send and receive money with just your email address and a PayPal password. Linking a bank account is only necessary if you want to transfer money out of PayPal to your own account or use your bank account as a payment source.
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 verified on a different PayPal account, the system will block it. You would need to unlink it from the first account before linking it to the second.