Connect your bank account in the PayPal app or website
To add a bank account to PayPal, log into your account on PayPal.com or the PayPal app, go to Wallet or Account Settings, select Bank Accounts, and choose Link a Bank Account. PayPal will ask for your routing number and account number — both appear on the bottom left of any check you have from that bank. You can also find them by logging into your bank's website or calling the bank directly.
After you enter those numbers, PayPal sends two small deposits (usually $0.01 and $0.02) to your bank account within one to two business days. Once those deposits land, you return to PayPal, go back to your bank account settings, and enter the exact amounts of those two deposits. This confirms you own the account. The whole process typically takes three to five business days from start to finish.
If you prefer not to wait for the deposits, some banks let you verify instantly through a connection called Plaid. When you choose Link a Bank Account, PayPal may offer you the option to log in with your bank credentials right there. If your bank is supported, you can verify in seconds instead of days.
Key Takeaways
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number, both found on a check or in your online banking portal.
- PayPal sends two small test deposits to your account; you confirm the amounts to complete the link.
- The deposit method takes three to five business days, but some banks support instant verification through Plaid.
- Once linked, your bank account appears in your Wallet and you can transfer money to and from it.
- You can link multiple bank accounts to the same PayPal account.
What information PayPal needs from you
PayPal requires your routing number (nine digits that identify your specific bank branch) and your account number (the unique number for your checking or savings account). You do not need to provide your PIN, password, or any other login credentials when you use the deposit verification method.
If you use Plaid instant verification, you will log in with your actual bank username and password, but only to Plaid — PayPal never sees those credentials. Plaid is a third-party service that many financial apps use to verify bank ownership without storing your passwords.
Have your bank account information ready before you start. If you do not have a check, log into your bank's website, call the bank's customer service line, or visit a branch. Most banks display routing and account numbers in the online portal under account details or settings.
How long verification takes and what happens next
The deposit method takes three to five business days. PayPal sends the two test deposits on the first or second business day after you enter your information. Your bank then processes those deposits, which usually takes one to two more business days. Once you see them in your account, log back into PayPal and confirm the amounts.
Instant verification through Plaid is immediate — you will see your bank account in your Wallet within minutes. Not all banks support Plaid, and PayPal does not always offer it as an option, so you may not see it as a choice when you link your account.
After your bank account is verified, it appears in your Wallet as an available payment method. You can use it to fund PayPal purchases, send money to other PayPal users, or request money from others. You can also transfer money from PayPal back to that bank account whenever you want.
Linking multiple bank accounts to one PayPal account
You can add more than one bank account to your PayPal account. Each one goes through the same verification process — either the two-deposit method or instant verification. Once verified, all your linked accounts appear in your Wallet, and you can choose which one to use for any given transaction.
This is useful if you have accounts at different banks, or if you want to keep a checking account for everyday spending separate from a savings account. You can also remove a bank account at any time by going to your bank account settings and selecting Remove or Unlink.
What to do if verification fails or gets stuck
If the two test deposits do not arrive within five business days, contact your bank first — they may have flagged the small deposits as suspicious and blocked them. Ask your bank to look for deposits from PayPal and confirm they are not being held or rejected.
If your bank confirms the deposits arrived but you entered the wrong amounts in PayPal, you can try again. PayPal usually gives you multiple attempts to enter the correct amounts. If you have exhausted your attempts, you may need to remove the account and start over, or contact PayPal Support through the Help Center in your account.
If you use instant verification and it fails, it usually means your bank is not supported by Plaid or there is a mismatch between the information you entered and what your bank has on file. Try the deposit method instead, or check that your name, address, and account number match exactly what your bank shows.
Security and what happens to your bank information
PayPal does not store your full bank account number after verification is complete. They keep only enough information to identify your account and process transfers. Your routing number and account number are encrypted and protected under the same security standards that banks use.
If you use Plaid for instant verification, Plaid handles the login — PayPal never sees your bank password. Plaid is a licensed financial services company and is required to follow the same data protection rules as banks.
You can revoke PayPal's access to your bank account at any time by unlinking it in your account settings. Once unlinked, PayPal can no longer transfer money to or from that account, though your bank account itself remains unchanged.
Troubleshooting common problems
If PayPal says your routing number is invalid, double-check that you entered all nine digits correctly. Routing numbers are specific to each bank and branch, so even one wrong digit will cause the entry to fail. If you are unsure, call your bank or check your bank's website — they can confirm the correct routing number for your account.
If you entered the deposit amounts wrong and PayPal locked you out, wait 24 hours and try again, or remove the account and start fresh. Some users find it easier to use instant verification if their bank supports it, since it skips the deposit step entirely.
If your bank account is already linked to another PayPal account, you cannot link it to a second one. PayPal does not allow the same bank account to be verified on multiple PayPal accounts. You would need to unlink it from the first account before linking it to the second.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a credit card to use PayPal if I link a bank account?
No. A linked bank account is a complete payment method on its own. You can send money, make purchases, and receive payments using only your bank account. A credit or debit card is optional.
Can I use a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes. PayPal accepts both checking and savings accounts. The process is the same — you provide the routing number and account number for whichever account you want to link.
What if I do not have checks to find my routing number?
Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details or settings — most banks display the routing number there. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask them to provide it. A visit to a branch works too.
How long does it take to transfer money from PayPal back to my bank account?
Standard transfers take one to three business days. PayPal also offers instant transfers for a small fee (usually $0.25 to $2.00 depending on the amount), which deposit the money within 30 minutes in most cases.
Is it safe to give PayPal my bank account number?
Yes. PayPal encrypts your information and is regulated as a financial services company. They do not store your full account number after verification. Your bank account is as secure linked to PayPal as it is linked to any other service you use.