Connect your bank account to PayPal in four steps
To link your bank account to PayPal, log into your PayPal account, go to Wallet, select Link a bank account, and enter your routing number and account number. PayPal will then send two small deposits (usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each) to that account within one to two business days. You confirm those amounts in PayPal to verify you own the account. Once confirmed, you can transfer money between PayPal and your bank, use your bank balance to pay through PayPal, or set it as your default funding source.
The whole process takes three to five business days from start to finish. You do not need to be in front of a computer — you can do this on the PayPal mobile app just as easily. The only information PayPal asks for is your routing number (a nine-digit code your bank provides) and your account number (printed on your checks or visible in your online banking).
Key Takeaways
- PayPal verifies your bank account by depositing two small amounts and asking you to confirm them, which takes one to two business days.
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number, both of which you can find through your bank's website or by calling customer service.
- Once linked, you can transfer money from PayPal to your bank account, usually within one to three business days depending on your bank.
- Linking a bank account does not automatically give PayPal permission to withdraw money — you control each transfer.
Where to find your routing and account numbers
Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank branch. You can find it in three places: at the bottom left of any check you have, on your bank's website (usually under settings or account information), or by calling your bank's customer service line. If you do not have checks, the website or phone call is fastest.
Your account number is printed on the bottom of your checks (in the middle section, after the routing number) or visible when you log into your online banking. Some banks call this your "checking account number" or "savings account number" depending on which account you are linking. Make sure you are copying the right account — if you want to link your savings account, use the savings account number, not your checking number.
Write both numbers down before you start the PayPal linking process. Entering them incorrectly will cause the verification deposits to go to the wrong account, and you will have to start over.
The verification deposit step and what to do if it fails
After you enter your routing and account numbers, PayPal sends two small deposits to your bank account. These deposits arrive within one to two business days. The amounts are random and usually between $0.01 and $0.99 — for example, $0.23 and $0.67. You then log back into PayPal, go to your bank account settings, and enter those two amounts to confirm you received them.
If the deposits do not arrive after three business days, check that you entered your routing and account numbers correctly. Log into your bank account and search your transaction history for any deposits from PayPal. If you see them, note the amounts and enter them in PayPal. If you do not see them at all, go back to PayPal and delete that bank account link, then try again with the correct numbers.
If you entered the numbers correctly but the deposits still do not arrive, contact your bank's customer service. Some banks flag small deposits as suspicious and hold them. Your bank can release the deposits, and then you can confirm them in PayPal. This is rare but does happen, especially with smaller or online-only banks.
Transferring money from PayPal to your bank account
Once your bank account is verified, you can move money from PayPal to your bank whenever you want. In PayPal, go to Wallet, select your bank account, and choose Transfer to your bank. Enter the amount and confirm. PayPal will show you the expected arrival date — this is usually one to three business days, depending on your bank.
Some banks process transfers faster than others. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo typically receive transfers within one business day. Smaller regional banks or online-only banks may take two to three business days. PayPal does not control this timing — your bank does. If a transfer is delayed, contact your bank, not PayPal, because the delay is on their end.
You can also set your linked bank account as your default funding source. This means when you pay someone through PayPal or make a purchase, PayPal will pull money from your bank account instead of from a PayPal balance. You control this in your account settings under Funding sources.
Using your bank account to fund PayPal payments
Once your bank account is linked, you can use it to pay for things directly through PayPal without transferring money to PayPal first. When you check out at a store that accepts PayPal or send money to another person, PayPal will ask which funding source you want to use. Select your bank account, and PayPal will pull the money directly from your bank when the transaction completes.
This is different from transferring money to PayPal ahead of time. With a linked bank account, you only spend money when you actually make a payment. Your bank account stays in your control until you authorize a specific transaction. This also means you do not have to keep a PayPal balance sitting around — the money stays in your bank earning interest (if your account offers it) until you need it.
Security and what happens if your account is compromised
Linking your bank account to PayPal does not give PayPal permanent access to withdraw money whenever they want. You authorize each transfer individually. PayPal also uses encryption to protect your routing and account numbers — they do not store the full numbers on their servers in a readable form.
If your PayPal account is hacked, the person with access cannot automatically drain your bank account. They can only transfer money if they initiate a transfer and your bank processes it. Your bank has fraud protections that may catch unauthorized transfers. If you notice a transfer you did not make, contact your bank immediately and report it as fraud. Your bank can reverse the transfer and investigate.
To protect yourself, use a strong, unique password for PayPal, enable two-factor authentication (PayPal calls this two-step verification), and check your bank account regularly for transfers you do not recognize. If you see something suspicious, act fast — banks have time limits for fraud claims, usually 60 days from when you first notice the unauthorized transfer.
Unlinking your bank account or switching to a different bank
If you want to remove your bank account from PayPal, go to Wallet, find your bank account, and select Remove. PayPal will ask you to confirm. Once removed, PayPal can no longer transfer money to or from that account. Any pending transfers will still go through, but no new transfers can be initiated.
If you are switching banks, you do not have to remove your old bank account first — you can simply link your new one. However, it is good practice to remove the old account once you have confirmed the new one is working. This prevents accidental transfers to a closed account.
If you close your bank account without unlinking it from PayPal, PayPal will not know immediately. If you try to transfer money to that closed account, the transfer will fail and the money will return to your PayPal balance within a few business days. Your bank will also send PayPal a notice that the account is closed, and PayPal will mark it as invalid in your wallet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to link a bank account to PayPal?
The verification deposits arrive within one to two business days, and you confirm them immediately. The whole process takes three to five business days from the moment you enter your routing and account numbers. Once confirmed, you can transfer money right away.
Can I link a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes. PayPal accepts both checking and savings accounts. Use your savings account number when you link it. Transfers to a savings account work the same way as transfers to checking — they arrive within one to three business days depending on your bank.
What if I enter the wrong routing number?
The verification deposits will go to the wrong bank or account. After three business days with no deposits, delete that link and try again with the correct routing number. You will need to start the verification process over.
Can PayPal charge my bank account without my permission?
No. Linking a bank account does not give PayPal standing permission to withdraw money. You authorize each transfer individually. If an unauthorized transfer occurs, report it to your bank as fraud within 60 days.
Do I need a minimum balance in my bank account to link it to PayPal?
No. PayPal does not require a minimum balance. However, if you try to transfer money from PayPal to your bank and your bank account is closed or frozen, the transfer will fail and the money will return to PayPal.