Go to your bank settings and update it there
To change the checking account linked to your PayPal account, log into PayPal, go to Wallet, then select Banks and Cards. Find the bank account you want to replace, click the three dots next to it, and choose Remove. Then click Link a Bank Account and enter your new bank's routing number, account number, and account type (checking or savings).
PayPal will deposit two small amounts—usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each—into your new account within one to two business days. You'll need to verify those amounts by entering them back into PayPal to confirm you own the account. Until you verify, PayPal won't let you transfer money to or from that account.
The whole process typically takes three to five business days from start to finish, depending on how fast your bank processes the verification deposits.
Key Takeaways
- Remove your old bank account from the Banks and Cards section, then add your new one by entering the routing number and account number.
- PayPal sends two small test deposits to your new account, and you must enter those amounts back into PayPal to verify ownership.
- Verification usually takes one to two business days for the deposits to arrive, plus one business day for you to confirm them.
- You cannot transfer money to or from a bank account until PayPal confirms you own it.
- If you're changing accounts because of fraud or a closed bank, contact PayPal support to speed up the process.
What happens to pending transfers when you change accounts
If you have a transfer already in progress to your old account, it will complete to that account—you cannot redirect it mid-transfer. Once the money lands, you'll need to transfer it again from that old account to your new one, or wait until the old account is fully closed and deal with PayPal support.
To avoid this, remove your old account only after any pending transfers have finished. You can check the status of transfers in your Activity section; look for transfers marked "Pending" or "In Progress." Most transfers take one to three business days, so plan your account change for after that window closes.
Removing a bank account that's closed or compromised
If your old bank account is already closed or you suspect fraud, you don't have to wait for verification deposits. Go to Wallet > Banks and Cards, find the account, and remove it immediately. Then add your new account the normal way.
If PayPal has already sent verification deposits to a closed account, they'll bounce back within a few days. Contact PayPal support through the Resolution Center and explain the situation—they can manually verify your new account without the deposit test, though this may take longer than the standard three to five days.
Why PayPal requires verification deposits
The two small deposits serve as proof that you control the bank account. This protects both you and PayPal: it prevents someone else from linking your account without permission, and it catches typos in routing or account numbers before you try to move real money.
You'll see these deposits listed in your bank statement under a description like "PayPal Verification" or "PAYPAL VERIFICATION." They're real money—you keep it—but their main purpose is to confirm the account is yours and active.
Changing your account on mobile versus desktop
The steps are the same whether you use the PayPal app or a web browser, but the mobile app is often faster because it can auto-fill some information. On desktop, you may need to manually type your routing number and account number, which takes longer and leaves more room for error.
If you're on mobile and the app asks for your bank's name instead of a routing number, type your bank name and select it from the dropdown. PayPal will then pull the routing number automatically. This is faster than looking it up yourself.
What to do if verification deposits don't arrive
Verification deposits usually arrive within one to two business days, but delays can happen if your bank is slow to process ACH transfers or if there's a holiday. Wait at least three business days before contacting support.
If three business days have passed and you still don't see the deposits, log into PayPal, go to Wallet > Banks and Cards, and click the account. You should see an option to Resend Verification Deposits or Verify with Different Method. Choose resend first. If that doesn't work, contact PayPal support and provide your bank account number and routing number—they can investigate whether the deposits were rejected by your bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link multiple checking accounts to PayPal at the same time?
Yes. You can link up to 10 bank accounts and cards to a single PayPal account. However, you can only set one as your primary account for automatic transfers. To change which account is primary, go to Wallet > Banks and Cards, find the account you want to use, and click the three dots to select Make Primary.
What if I enter the wrong routing or account number?
PayPal won't catch the error until the verification deposits try to post. If the number is wrong, the deposits will bounce back to PayPal within a few days, and you'll see a failed verification message. Remove that account and add the correct one, then wait for new verification deposits.
Do I lose money if I remove an account before verifying it?
No. If you remove an account before the verification deposits arrive, those deposits will bounce back to PayPal and you won't see them. You simply start over with a new account and new verification deposits.
How long does PayPal keep my old bank account information after I remove it?
PayPal deletes the account details from your active wallet immediately, but they may retain encrypted records for fraud prevention and dispute resolution for up to seven years. You cannot re-link the same account without going through verification again.
Can I change my account if I have a dispute or claim open?
Yes, but PayPal may hold any refunds or dispute payouts in your account until the claim closes. If you're expecting money from a dispute, wait until it's resolved before removing the old account, or contact PayPal support to redirect the payout to your new account.