Connect your bank account in three steps
PayPal lets you link a checking or savings account so money can move between your bank and PayPal balance without using a debit card. You start in the Wallet section of your PayPal account, add your bank details, and confirm two small deposits PayPal sends to your account—usually within one to two business days. Once confirmed, you can transfer money out to your bank, receive payments into your bank, or use your bank as a funding source for payments and purchases.
The process takes about five minutes to start, but the full connection isn't active until you verify those deposits. Most people complete the whole thing within a week.
Key Takeaways
- You add your bank routing number and account number in PayPal's Wallet section, then wait for two small test deposits to arrive at your bank.
- Verification deposits usually arrive within one to two business days, and you enter the amounts into PayPal to confirm you own the account.
- Once verified, you can transfer money to your bank for free, though the transfer itself takes one to three business days depending on your bank.
- PayPal uses your linked bank account as a funding source for payments only if you choose it—your PayPal balance is the default unless you change the setting.
- If verification deposits don't arrive after five business days, contact your bank to check if they're blocking small deposits from PayPal.
Step 1: Add your bank information to PayPal
Log into your PayPal account on a computer or the mobile app. Tap or click Wallet at the top of the page, then select Link a bank account or Add a bank account (the exact wording varies by app version). PayPal will ask you to choose between a checking or savings account.
Enter your bank's routing number and your account number. You can find both on a check, or log into your bank's website and look for account details. PayPal will also ask for your account holder name—use the name on the account exactly as it appears at your bank. Do not use a nickname or middle initial if your bank account doesn't have it.
After you submit, PayPal confirms the information and tells you to watch for two small deposits. These are not real charges—they're verification deposits, usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each. Your bank will show them as coming from PayPal or a PayPal subsidiary.
Step 2: Wait for and confirm the verification deposits
The two test deposits normally arrive within one to two business days. Check your bank account online or through your bank's app—do not wait for a paper statement. Once you see both deposits, go back to PayPal and select the bank account you just added.
PayPal will ask you to enter the exact amounts of the two deposits. If you enter them correctly, your account is verified and the deposits are removed from your bank account automatically. If you enter the amounts wrong, PayPal gives you two more attempts before you have to start over.
If the deposits don't show up after five business days, your bank may be blocking them. Call your bank's customer service line and ask if they've received deposits from PayPal. Some banks flag small deposits from third parties as suspicious. Ask your bank to allow them through, then request that PayPal resend the deposits.
What you can do once your bank is linked
After verification, you can transfer money from PayPal to your bank account for free. The transfer takes one to three business days depending on your bank's processing speed. You can also receive payments directly into your bank if someone sends you money through PayPal and you choose that option.
Your linked bank account becomes an optional funding source for purchases and payments. This means if your PayPal balance is too low, PayPal can pull money from your bank to cover the transaction—but only if you allow it. By default, PayPal uses your PayPal balance first. To change which account funds a payment, look for the funding source option at checkout.
Unlinking or removing your bank account
You can remove a linked bank account anytime from the Wallet section. Select the account, then choose Remove or Unlink. Removing it stops PayPal from using it as a funding source and stops automatic transfers, but it does not affect money you've already transferred or received.
If you need to update your bank information because you switched banks or closed an account, remove the old account and add the new one using the same steps. You'll need to verify the new account with deposits again.
Why verification deposits matter and what can go wrong
PayPal sends verification deposits to confirm you own the bank account and to catch fraud. If someone tries to link a stolen account number, they won't be able to confirm the deposits because they don't have access to that bank account. This protects both you and PayPal.
The most common problem is entering the deposit amounts wrong. If you misread them—for example, seeing $0.15 as $0.51—your verification fails. You get two more tries. If all three attempts fail, you have to remove the account and start over, which means waiting for new deposits to arrive.
Another issue is a mismatch between the name on your PayPal account and the name on your bank account. If your PayPal account is under "James Smith" but your bank account is under "James Michael Smith," the deposits may be rejected or delayed. Make sure both names match before you start.
Transfer timing and fees
Transferring money from PayPal to your linked bank account is free, but the actual movement of money takes time. Standard transfers take one to three business days. Some banks process faster than others—a large bank may take three days, while a smaller regional bank might take one day. Weekends and holidays don't count as business days.
If you need money faster, PayPal offers an instant transfer option for a fee, usually around $0.25 per transfer. This moves money to your bank within 30 minutes on business days. The fee is small enough that it's worth it if you're in a hurry, but it's not free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link multiple bank accounts to one PayPal account?
Yes. You can add more than one bank account and verify each one separately. PayPal will ask which account you want to use when you transfer money. You can also set a default account so transfers go there automatically unless you change it.
What if my bank rejects the verification deposits?
Some banks flag small deposits from third parties as fraud. Call your bank and tell them to allow deposits from PayPal. Ask them to whitelist PayPal's sending account. Then ask PayPal to resend the deposits. If your bank continues to block them, you may need to use a different bank account or contact PayPal support for other verification options.
Do I have to use my linked bank account to pay for things?
No. Your PayPal balance is the default funding source. Your linked bank account only gets used if you specifically choose it at checkout, or if your PayPal balance is too low and you've allowed PayPal to pull from your bank. You control which account pays for each transaction.
Is it safe to give PayPal my bank account number?
PayPal is encrypted and uses the same security standards as your bank. Giving PayPal your routing and account number is the standard way to link accounts. The verification deposits are actually a safety feature—they confirm you own the account before PayPal can move large amounts of money.
How long does it take to unlink my bank account?
Unlinking is instant. Once you select remove, the account is no longer available as a funding source. Any pending transfers complete normally, but new transfers can't use that account. If you want to re-link the same account later, you'll need to verify it again with new deposits.