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 send two small deposits (usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each) to that account within one to two business days. You return to PayPal, confirm the exact amounts of those deposits, and your bank account is connected.
The whole process takes about five to seven business days from start to finish—most of that time is waiting for the verification deposits to arrive. Once confirmed, you can use that bank account to fund PayPal transfers, pay bills through PayPal, or move money out of PayPal back to your bank.
You do not need to give PayPal your online banking password or login credentials. PayPal only needs your routing number (the nine-digit code at the bottom left of your checks) and your account number (the longer number next to it). If you do not have a check, your bank can provide both numbers.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal verifies your bank account by sending two small test deposits that you must confirm the amounts of within 30 days.
- You need only your routing number and account number—never your online banking password or PIN.
- The verification process takes five to seven business days because the deposits must clear through the banking system.
- Once linked, you can fund PayPal transfers from your bank account or move PayPal money back to your bank.
- If verification fails, PayPal will tell you why and let you try again or link a different account.
Where to find your routing and account numbers
Your routing number and account number appear on the bottom of any check from your account. The routing number is the first nine digits on the left, the account number is the longer set of digits in the middle, and the check number is on the right.
If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or app and look for a section called Account Details, Account Information, or Routing Number. Most banks display both numbers there. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number and account number—they will provide them over the phone.
Do not confuse your routing number with your bank's main phone number or your debit card number. The routing number is specific to the branch or region where your account was opened, and it stays the same for all transactions from that account.
What happens during the verification process
After you enter your routing and account numbers, PayPal sends two small deposits to your bank account. These are real money—not holds or pending charges. They typically arrive within one to two business days, though some banks take longer.
Once the deposits land in your account, you log back into PayPal and go to Wallet > Bank Accounts. PayPal will ask you to enter the exact amounts of the two deposits. You have 30 days to do this. If you enter the amounts correctly, your bank account is verified and ready to use.
If you enter the amounts wrong, PayPal lets you try again. If you cannot find the deposits or do not remember the amounts, you can ask PayPal to resend them or link a different bank account instead.
Why PayPal uses this verification method
The two-deposit method proves that you actually own the bank account and can access it. If someone else tried to link your account without permission, they would not be able to confirm the deposit amounts because they would not see them in your bank statement. This protects both you and PayPal from fraud.
The deposits are small on purpose—they cost PayPal money to send, so they use the smallest amounts possible. Once you confirm them, PayPal keeps the money in your account (it does not take it back), so you end up with a few cents extra.
Linking multiple bank accounts to one PayPal account
You can link more than one bank account to the same PayPal account. Each account goes through the same two-deposit verification process. This is useful if you have accounts at different banks or want to keep business and personal accounts separate.
When you make a transfer or payment, PayPal lets you choose which linked bank account to use. You can also set one as your default, so it is selected automatically unless you change it.
What to do if verification fails
If PayPal tells you the account could not be verified, the most common reasons are a wrong routing number, a closed account, or an account that does not support ACH transfers (the electronic system PayPal uses). Some business accounts or very old accounts may have restrictions.
PayPal will usually tell you which problem occurred. If it is a wrong number, you can try again with the correct routing and account number. If your account does not support ACH, you can link a different account or use a debit card instead. Call your bank if you are unsure whether your account supports ACH transfers—most do.
Using your linked bank account for transfers and payments
Once your bank account is verified, you can use it to fund peer-to-peer transfers to other PayPal users, pay bills through PayPal's bill pay service, or cover the cost of purchases you make through PayPal. The money moves from your bank account to PayPal, which usually takes one to three business days.
You can also move money out of PayPal back to your linked bank account. This is called a withdrawal or transfer out. The money typically arrives within one to three business days, depending on your bank.
PayPal does not charge a fee to link a bank account or to transfer money between your bank and PayPal. However, some banks may charge their own fees for incoming ACH transfers—check with your bank if you are unsure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to give PayPal my online banking password?
No. PayPal only needs your routing number and account number. Never enter your online banking password, PIN, or login credentials into PayPal or any third-party website. If a website asks for your password, it is a scam.
How long does it take to verify a bank account?
The verification deposits usually arrive within one to two business days. Once they land, you confirm the amounts in PayPal, which is instant. The whole process typically takes five to seven business days from when you first enter your account information.
What if I enter the wrong deposit amounts?
PayPal lets you try again. You have 30 days to confirm the amounts. If you cannot find the deposits or do not remember them, you can ask PayPal to send new verification deposits or link a different bank account.
Can I link a joint bank account?
Yes, you can link a joint account to your PayPal account. However, only your name needs to be on the PayPal account—the other account holder does not need their own PayPal account. Any joint account holder can see the deposits in the bank statement and confirm them.
What happens if my bank account is closed after I link it?
PayPal will not be able to send money to or receive money from a closed account. If you close your account, unlink it from PayPal first. If you forget and PayPal tries to transfer money to a closed account, the transfer will fail and the money will be returned to PayPal within a few business days.