The basic steps to connect your bank account
To link your bank account to PayPal, you log into your PayPal account, go to Wallet, select Link a bank account, and enter your routing number and account number. PayPal will then make two small deposits (usually $0.01 and $0.02) to that account within one to two business days. You return to PayPal, confirm those amounts, and the link is complete.
The whole process takes about five minutes to start, but the actual connection doesn't finish until you verify the deposits. During that waiting period, you cannot yet transfer money from your bank to PayPal or withdraw PayPal funds to that account. Once verified, you can move money both directions.
You can link multiple bank accounts to one PayPal account, and you can link the same bank account to multiple PayPal accounts. PayPal does not charge a fee to link an account—the fee comes only if you transfer money.
Key Takeaways
- Linking takes five minutes to set up, but PayPal must verify your account with two small test deposits, which takes one to two business days.
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number; you can find both on a check or by logging into your bank's website.
- Once linked, you can transfer money from your bank to PayPal for free, and withdraw PayPal balance to your bank (transfer fees vary by account type).
- If the verification deposits don't arrive within two business days, contact your bank first—some banks delay ACH transfers or flag them as suspicious.
Where to find your routing and account numbers
Your routing number and account number appear on the bottom left of any check you have from that bank. The routing number is the first nine digits, the account number follows. If you don't have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app—most banks display both numbers in the account details or settings section, sometimes labeled Account Information or Bank Details.
Do not use a credit card number or debit card number in place of a bank account number. PayPal specifically needs the checking or savings account number from your bank. If you're unsure which number is which, call your bank's customer service line; they can read both to you in under a minute.
What happens during the verification step
After you enter your routing and account numbers, PayPal initiates two micro-deposits. These are real transfers of $0.01 and $0.02 (or similar small amounts) that will appear in your bank account. Your bank processes these like any other ACH deposit, which usually takes one to two business days but can take longer if your bank is slow or if the transfer is flagged for review.
Once the deposits land in your account, you log back into PayPal, go to Wallet > Bank Accounts, and select the account you're verifying. PayPal will ask you to enter the two amounts. Type them exactly as they appear in your bank statement. If you enter them correctly, PayPal confirms the link immediately.
If the deposits don't show up after three business days, check your bank account directly—sometimes they land but don't appear in the mobile app right away. If they're truly missing, contact your bank to ask whether the ACH transfer was rejected or delayed. Once your bank confirms the deposits went through, you can verify them in PayPal.
Transfer fees and limits after linking
Transferring money from your bank to PayPal is free. Withdrawing money from PayPal to your bank account costs money only if you choose the instant transfer option; standard transfers (one to three business days) are free for most account types. Instant transfers usually cost $0.25 to $1.50 depending on the amount.
PayPal does not publish a single daily or monthly transfer limit—limits vary by account age, history, and verification status. New accounts typically have lower limits than established ones. If you hit a limit, PayPal will tell you when you try to transfer. The limit usually increases after you've held the account for a few months and completed several transactions without disputes.
Security and fraud protection when linking
PayPal uses the micro-deposit verification method specifically to confirm you own the bank account. Because you have to access your actual bank account to see the deposit amounts, someone who has only your account number cannot complete the link. This is why PayPal doesn't accept the link until you verify the deposits yourself.
Once linked, your bank account is protected by the same fraud rules that cover any ACH transaction. If someone transfers money out of your PayPal account to your linked bank account without your permission, you can dispute it with PayPal, and PayPal will investigate. If PayPal finds the transaction was unauthorized, they reverse it. Your bank also has its own dispute process for unauthorized ACH transfers, though you typically go through PayPal first.
Do not share your PayPal login with anyone else. If someone gains access to your PayPal account, they can transfer your balance to any linked bank account. Change your PayPal password immediately if you suspect unauthorized access.
What to do if the link fails or verification times out
If you enter your routing and account numbers and PayPal rejects them immediately, the numbers are likely wrong. Double-check them against your check or your bank's website. Some banks use different routing numbers for different branches or transaction types; if you're unsure, call your bank and ask for the routing number to use for ACH transfers.
If the micro-deposits don't arrive within three business days, the problem is usually on your bank's side. Some banks delay ACH transfers by a day or two, and some flag small transfers as suspicious and hold them for review. Contact your bank's customer service and ask them to confirm whether the PayPal deposits were received and processed. If your bank rejected the transfer, PayPal will show you an error message when you try to verify; you can then try linking a different account or contact PayPal support.
If you've waited three business days and the deposits still haven't shown up, and your bank says they never received them, unlink the account in PayPal and try again. Sometimes the initial attempt fails silently. Go to Wallet > Bank Accounts, select the account, and choose Remove. Then start the linking process over.
Linking a bank account from a different country
PayPal allows you to link bank accounts from many countries, but the process and requirements vary. If you're in the United States, the process described above applies. If you're outside the US, PayPal may require additional verification, such as a government ID or tax identification number, before you can link a bank account.
Some countries' banks do not participate in PayPal's micro-deposit verification system. In those cases, PayPal may ask you to verify your account through a different method, such as uploading a bank statement or ID. Check PayPal's help center for your specific country to see what documents you'll need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes. PayPal accepts both checking and savings accounts. The linking process is identical—you enter the routing number and account number, verify the micro-deposits, and you're done. Transfers work the same way regardless of account type.
What if I link the wrong bank account by mistake?
Go to Wallet > Bank Accounts, select the wrong account, and click Remove. It's removed immediately. Then link the correct account. If you already transferred money to the wrong account, contact PayPal support—they may be able to reverse the transfer if it hasn't settled yet.
Do I have to link a bank account to use PayPal?
No. You can use PayPal to send and receive money, make purchases, and hold a balance without linking a bank account. Linking is only necessary if you want to transfer money between your bank and PayPal, or if you want to withdraw your PayPal balance to your bank.
How long does a transfer take once the account is linked?
Standard transfers from PayPal to your bank take one to three business days. Instant transfers are available for an additional fee and complete within minutes. Transfers from your bank to PayPal also take one to three business days and are free.
Can I unlink my bank account after I've linked it?
Yes. Go to Wallet > Bank Accounts, select the account, and click Remove. The account is unlinked immediately. Any pending transfers complete normally, but you cannot initiate new transfers to or from that account once it's removed.