Yes, you can link a bank account to PayPal, and it takes about five minutes
PayPal lets you connect a checking or savings account directly to your PayPal wallet. Once linked, you can send money to other people, pay bills, withdraw funds to that account, or use your PayPal balance to cover purchases. The connection is encrypted and PayPal does not store your actual bank login — it uses a secure token system instead.
You will need your bank's routing number and your account number, both printed on the bottom left of any check you write. Some banks also let you verify the link instantly through their own app instead of waiting for two small deposits (the old method). The whole process is free.
Key Takeaways
- Linking takes your routing number and account number, which you can find on a check or by logging into your bank's website.
- PayPal verifies the link by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into your account, then you enter those amounts back into PayPal — or your bank may verify it instantly through its app.
- Once linked, you can send money to other PayPal users, withdraw your PayPal balance to your bank account, or pay bills directly from PayPal.
- Linking a bank account does not give PayPal access to your login credentials; the connection uses a secure token that only authorizes specific transactions.
How to add your bank account in PayPal
Log into your PayPal account on a computer or in the app. Go to Wallet (or My Money on older versions), then select Link a Bank Account. Enter your bank's name or routing number to find it in PayPal's database.
PayPal will ask for your account type (checking or savings), your account number, and your routing number. Double-check both numbers against a check or your bank's website — a single digit wrong will cause the verification to fail. Then select Link Bank Account.
PayPal will tell you whether your bank supports instant verification through its app. If it does, you can tap the link, log into your bank, and approve the connection in seconds. If not, PayPal will deposit two small amounts (usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each) into your account within one to two business days.
Confirming your bank account if you get the deposit method
Once the two deposits land in your account, log back into PayPal and go to Wallet > Bank Accounts. Find the account you linked and select Confirm. PayPal will ask you to enter the exact amounts of the two deposits — for example, $0.47 and $0.32. Enter both and select Confirm.
PayPal will verify the amounts within minutes. Once confirmed, your bank account is fully linked and you can start using it. The two small deposits stay in your account — you do not need to return them.
What you can do once your bank account is linked
Send money to other PayPal users by selecting Send Money, entering their email or phone number, and choosing your linked bank account as the funding source. The money comes from your bank, not your PayPal balance.
Withdraw your PayPal balance to your bank account by going to Wallet > Transfer Money > Transfer to Your Bank. Select the linked account and the amount. Standard transfers take one to two business days; PayPal also offers next-business-day transfers for a small fee.
Pay bills through PayPal's bill pay feature if your bank offers it, or use your PayPal balance to pay merchants online. You can also set up automatic transfers on a schedule if you want money to move regularly from your bank to PayPal or vice versa.
Security and what PayPal can and cannot access
Linking your bank account does not give PayPal your login credentials. Instead, PayPal uses a secure connection called OAuth (or a similar token system) that lets your bank confirm the link without sharing your password. PayPal can only move money in the directions you authorize — it cannot see your full balance, your transaction history, or any other accounts you hold.
Your bank account information is encrypted in PayPal's system. If PayPal is breached, your routing and account numbers are protected by the same encryption that banks use. You can unlink your account at any time by going to Wallet > Bank Accounts, selecting the account, and choosing Remove.
If you notice unauthorized transfers, report them to PayPal immediately through your account settings under Resolution Center. PayPal's buyer protection does not cover transfers to your own bank account, but your bank's fraud protection does — contact your bank within 60 days of spotting the unauthorized transfer.
Troubleshooting a failed link
If your bank account will not link, the most common cause is a typo in your routing number or account number. Log into your bank's website or app and copy both numbers directly from there rather than typing from memory. Routing numbers are nine digits; account numbers vary but are usually 10 to 12 digits.
Some banks require you to turn on third-party access in their security settings before PayPal can verify the link. Check your bank's help section for "third-party verification" or "PayPal" and follow their steps. If your bank does not support instant verification and you have been waiting more than three business days for the two deposits to arrive, contact your bank's customer service — they can confirm whether the deposits were sent.
If you entered the deposit amounts incorrectly, PayPal will let you try again. Go back to Wallet > Bank Accounts, select the account, and choose Confirm again. You have up to 30 days to enter the correct amounts before PayPal removes the pending link.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link more than one bank account to PayPal?
Yes. You can link multiple checking and savings accounts from the same bank or different banks. Go to Wallet > Bank Accounts and select Link a Bank Account for each one. Each account must be verified separately, but you can use any of them when you send money or withdraw funds.
What if my bank is not in PayPal's list?
Most U.S. banks are in PayPal's database, but if yours is not, you can still enter your routing and account number manually. PayPal will send the two verification deposits anyway. If your bank is very small or regional, contact PayPal support to confirm they can reach it.
How long does it take to withdraw money to my linked bank account?
Standard transfers take one to two business days. PayPal also offers next-business-day transfers for a fee (usually $0.99 to $1.50). Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days, so a transfer requested on Friday may not arrive until Tuesday.
Can I use my linked bank account to fund purchases on PayPal?
Yes. When you check out at a merchant that accepts PayPal, you can choose to pay from your linked bank account instead of your PayPal balance. The merchant will not see your bank details — PayPal handles the transaction securely.
What happens if I unlink my bank account?
Unlinking stops PayPal from being able to pull money from or send money to that account going forward. Any pending transfers will be cancelled. Your PayPal balance stays in your PayPal account — it does not automatically transfer anywhere. You can relink the same account later by repeating the verification process.