PayPal confirms your bank account in two ways: by depositing two small amounts (usually $0.01 and $0.02) into your account, or by letting you verify instantly using your online banking login.
The two-deposit method is the traditional route. PayPal sends two tiny deposits to your bank account within one to two business days. You then log into PayPal, enter those exact amounts, and your account is confirmed. This proves you own the bank account because only the account holder can see those deposits.
The instant verification method is faster. If your bank is on PayPal's supported list, you can connect your online banking credentials directly—your username and password for your bank's website or app. PayPal verifies you own the account without waiting for deposits. This takes minutes instead of days.
Both methods serve the same purpose: they let PayPal know the bank account is really yours before you can withdraw money or use it as a backup payment method. Without confirmation, you can receive money into PayPal but cannot move it to your bank.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal sends two small deposits ($0.01 and $0.02) to your bank account, and you confirm by entering those amounts into your PayPal account.
- The instant verification method lets you log in with your bank's online credentials instead of waiting for deposits, if your bank is supported.
- Deposits typically arrive within one to two business days, but some banks take longer to post small amounts.
- You cannot withdraw money from PayPal to your bank account until your bank account is confirmed.
- Once confirmed, your bank account stays linked to your PayPal account unless you remove it yourself.
How to confirm using the two-deposit method
Log into your PayPal account and go to Wallet (or Settings on mobile). Select Link a bank account or find your bank account in the list if it is already added. PayPal will show you a status that says something like "Pending confirmation" or "Not confirmed."
Click the option to confirm the account. PayPal will tell you it is sending two deposits and give you an estimated arrival date. Check your bank account online or through your bank's app starting the next business day. The deposits will show as coming from PayPal or a PayPal-related entity. Write down both amounts exactly as they appear—they are usually $0.01 and $0.02, but the order or exact cents may vary.
Once both deposits have arrived, go back to PayPal and click Confirm bank account. Enter the two amounts in the order PayPal asks for them. If you enter them correctly, your account is confirmed immediately. If you enter them wrong, PayPal lets you try again, but after multiple wrong attempts it may lock you out temporarily and you will have to wait a few days before trying again.
How to confirm using instant verification
In your PayPal Wallet or Settings, select Link a bank account. PayPal will ask you to choose your bank from a list. If your bank appears and has a blue checkmark or says "Instant verification available," you can use this method.
Click your bank's name. PayPal will redirect you to your bank's login page (not a PayPal page—check the URL to make sure). Enter your online banking username and password. Your bank verifies you are the account holder and sends that information back to PayPal. You are then returned to PayPal, and your account is confirmed.
This method works only if your bank is on PayPal's supported list. Smaller regional banks, credit unions, and some online banks may not be included. If your bank does not appear or does not have the instant verification option, you will need to use the two-deposit method instead.
What to do if deposits do not arrive
If you do not see both deposits after three business days, log into PayPal and check the status of your bank account. PayPal sometimes shows a message saying the deposits failed or were returned. This usually means the account number or routing number was entered incorrectly when you linked the account.
If the deposits failed, remove the bank account from PayPal and add it again, double-checking the account number and routing number. You can find your routing number on a check, on your bank's website, or by calling your bank. Your account number is also on a check or in your online banking portal.
If the deposits were sent but your bank has not posted them after five business days, contact your bank directly. Ask them to look for two small deposits from PayPal. Some banks hold small deposits for several days or may have flagged them as suspicious. Your bank can release them or confirm they are on the way.
What happens if you enter the deposit amounts wrong
PayPal allows you to try entering the amounts multiple times, but after three to five incorrect attempts, it locks you out temporarily. The lockout usually lasts 24 hours. After that, you can try again.
If you lose track of the amounts or they have been in your account too long to find, you can ask PayPal to send new deposits. Go to your bank account settings in PayPal and look for an option like Resend confirmation deposits or Start over. PayPal will send two new deposits, and you will wait another one to two business days for them to arrive.
Removing or replacing a confirmed bank account
Once your bank account is confirmed, you can keep it linked indefinitely or remove it whenever you want. To remove it, go to your Wallet or Settings, find the bank account, and select Remove or Unlink. PayPal will ask you to confirm. Removing it does not affect your PayPal balance—money already in your PayPal account stays there.
If you want to link a different bank account, you can add a new one without removing the old one first. PayPal lets you have multiple bank accounts linked at once. When you withdraw money, you choose which account to send it to. Each new bank account will need to be confirmed using one of the two methods above.
Why PayPal requires bank account confirmation
Confirmation protects both you and PayPal. It proves you own the bank account before money is sent to it. Without this step, someone could link a bank account that is not theirs and steal money from your PayPal balance. It also prevents fraud where someone adds a fake account to receive payments meant for someone else.
Confirmation also helps PayPal comply with banking regulations. Financial institutions are required to verify the identity of account holders before processing transfers. The two-deposit method and instant verification both satisfy this requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to confirm a bank account on PayPal?
Using the two-deposit method, it usually takes three to five business days total—one to two days for deposits to arrive, plus a few minutes to enter the amounts once they show up. Instant verification takes minutes if your bank is supported. Business days do not include weekends or bank holidays.
Can I withdraw money from PayPal before my bank account is confirmed?
No. You can receive money into your PayPal account and spend it using PayPal's debit card or send it to other PayPal users, but you cannot transfer it to your bank account until confirmation is complete. This is why confirming early is useful if you plan to move money out soon.
What if I do not have online banking access?
You cannot use instant verification without your bank's login credentials. You will need to use the two-deposit method instead. If you do not have online banking set up, contact your bank to activate it, or use the two-deposit method and check your bank statement or call your bank to find the deposit amounts.
Do the deposits stay in my bank account?
Yes. Once you confirm your account by entering the deposit amounts, the $0.01 and $0.02 remain in your bank account. They are yours to keep. PayPal does not withdraw them.
Can I confirm a joint bank account?
Yes, but the account must be in your name or your name must be on the account. PayPal links the account to your PayPal profile, so you need to be an authorized user. If the account belongs entirely to someone else, you cannot confirm it on your PayPal account.