What you need to create a PayPal account
You can create a PayPal account in about 10 minutes using a computer or the PayPal mobile app. You will need a valid email address, a password you create, and either a debit card, credit card, or bank account to link to your account. PayPal does not charge you to open an account, but you will need a funding source before you can send or receive money.
PayPal offers two account types: Personal and Business. A Personal account is free and lets you send money to friends and family, pay for purchases online, and receive payments. A Business account costs nothing to open but includes additional features like invoicing and the ability to accept payments from customers. Most people start with a Personal account.
Key Takeaways
- You need an email address, a password, and a debit card, credit card, or bank account to create a PayPal account.
- The account setup takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing.
- You must verify your email address and link a funding source before you can send or receive money.
- PayPal will ask for your name, address, and date of birth during signup.
- You can use your account on a computer or through the PayPal mobile app for iOS or Android.
Step 1: Go to PayPal and enter your email
Visit paypal.com on a computer or open the PayPal app on your phone. Click the "Sign Up" button. Enter your email address in the field provided. This email becomes your PayPal login, so use one you check regularly and can access later if you need to reset your password.
If you already have a PayPal account, click "Log In" instead. You cannot create two accounts with the same email address.
Step 2: Create a password and choose your account type
Create a password that is at least 8 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. PayPal will tell you if your password is strong enough as you type. Write down your password somewhere safe, or use a password manager to store it.
Choose whether you want a Personal or Business account. Personal accounts are for sending money to friends, paying bills, and shopping online. Business accounts are for people who want to invoice customers or accept payments for goods and services. You can change your account type later if you need to.
Step 3: Provide your personal information
PayPal will ask for your full name, date of birth, address, and phone number. Use the name that matches your bank account or debit card, since PayPal will verify this information later. Your date of birth must show you are at least 18 years old.
Enter your current street address. PayPal uses this to confirm your identity and to comply with federal money-transfer rules. If you move later, you can update your address in your account settings.
Step 4: Link a debit card, credit card, or bank account
PayPal requires you to add a funding source before you can send money. You can link a debit card, credit card, or bank account. To add a card, enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit security code on the back). To add a bank account, enter your routing number and account number, which you can find on a check or in your online banking portal.
PayPal will verify your card or bank account by making a small deposit (usually $0.01 to $0.05) and then asking you to confirm the amount. This takes one to three business days. Once verified, your funding source is active and you can send money.
Step 5: Verify your email address
PayPal will send a confirmation email to the address you provided during signup. Open that email and click the verification link. This step confirms that you own the email address and can receive messages from PayPal. If you do not see the email within a few minutes, check your spam or junk folder.
Once your email is verified and your funding source is confirmed, your account is fully set up. You can now send money to other PayPal users, pay for online purchases, and receive payments from others.
What happens if PayPal asks for extra verification
PayPal may ask you to verify your identity by uploading a photo of your driver's license, passport, or other government ID. This usually happens if you are sending a large amount of money, receiving money for the first time, or if PayPal detects unusual activity on your account. You can upload the photo directly in the app or on the website.
PayPal may also send you a code via text message or email and ask you to enter it to confirm your phone number or email address. This is a security step and takes less than a minute. Keep your phone number and email address current in your account settings so you can receive these codes when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use my real name on PayPal?
Yes. PayPal requires your legal name to match your bank account or debit card. If the names do not match, PayPal may freeze your account or refuse to process transfers. You can add a business name or nickname to your profile, but your legal name must be on file.
Can I create a PayPal account without a bank account or credit card?
No. PayPal requires at least one funding source—a debit card, credit card, or bank account—before you can send money. You can receive money without a funding source linked, but you will need to add one before you can withdraw it or send it elsewhere.
How long does it take to verify my bank account?
Verification usually takes one to three business days. PayPal deposits a small amount (under $0.10) into your account, and you confirm the exact amount in your PayPal settings. Once confirmed, your bank account is active. If verification takes longer, check your bank's spam filters or contact your bank to make sure PayPal's deposit went through.
What if I forget my PayPal password?
Go to paypal.com and click "Log In," then click "Forgot Password?" Enter your email address and PayPal will send you a link to reset your password. Click the link in the email and create a new password. If you do not receive the email, check your spam folder or contact PayPal support.
Can I have more than one PayPal account?
No. PayPal does not allow you to create multiple accounts with the same email address or the same funding source. If you need a Business account and currently have a Personal account, you can upgrade your existing account instead of creating a new one.