Connect your bank account in three steps
To add a bank account to PayPal, you log into your account, go to Wallet, select Link a bank account, enter your routing number and account number, and confirm two small deposits PayPal sends to that account within one to two business days. Once you confirm those amounts, your bank account is linked and you can send money, receive payments, and withdraw funds to that account.
The whole process takes about five minutes to start, but you cannot actually use the account until you verify the deposits—which means waiting for them to arrive and entering the amounts PayPal shows in your bank statement. Most people complete verification within a week.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal sends two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to verify your bank account; you must log back in and confirm the exact amounts to finish linking.
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number, both found on a check or in your online banking portal.
- Linking takes five minutes, but verification takes one to two business days for the deposits to arrive.
- Once linked, you can withdraw PayPal balance to your bank account, receive direct deposits, and pay bills directly from that account.
What you need before you start
Gather your bank account information before opening PayPal. You need your routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank) and your account number (the unique number for your specific account). Both appear on the bottom left of any check you have. If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or app and look for account details or account information—most banks display both numbers there.
Your PayPal account must be verified with your legal name and address. If you created PayPal with a nickname or incomplete address, update that first. PayPal will not link a bank account to an unverified profile.
The step-by-step process
Step 1: Open Wallet and find the link option. Log into PayPal on a computer or the mobile app. On a computer, click Wallet in the top menu. On the app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and select Wallet. Look for a button or link that says Link a bank account or Add a bank account.
Step 2: Enter your bank details. PayPal will ask for your routing number and account number. Type them carefully—a single digit wrong will cause the verification to fail. PayPal will also ask which type of account it is (checking or savings). Select the correct one.
Step 3: Wait for the verification deposits. PayPal sends two small deposits to your bank account, usually within one to two business days. The amounts are random and typically less than $1 each. Check your bank statement (online or by paper) for these deposits. Write down both amounts exactly as they appear.
Step 4: Confirm the deposit amounts in PayPal. Go back to PayPal, return to the bank account linking section, and enter the two amounts you saw in your bank statement. PayPal verifies the amounts match, which proves you own the account. Once confirmed, your bank account is fully linked.
What happens if verification fails
If you enter the deposit amounts wrong, PayPal will tell you immediately and let you try again. You have a limited number of attempts (usually three) before PayPal locks you out temporarily. If you run out of attempts, wait a few days and try again, or contact PayPal support to reset the process.
If the deposits never arrive in your bank account, the routing or account number was likely wrong. PayPal will eventually reverse those deposits. Delete the failed bank account from your PayPal wallet and start over with the correct numbers. Double-check your bank statement or call your bank directly to confirm the routing number if you are unsure.
Using your linked bank account
Once your bank account is verified, you can withdraw your PayPal balance to it. Go to Wallet, find your bank account in the list, and select Transfer to this account. Enter the amount and confirm. The money usually arrives within one to three business days, depending on your bank.
You can also set your linked bank account as the default payment method for purchases. When you pay for something on PayPal, you can choose to pay directly from your bank account instead of using PayPal balance. This is useful if your PayPal account is empty but you want to complete a transaction.
Some employers and services also use PayPal to send direct deposits. Once your bank account is linked, you can receive these payments directly into that account instead of holding them in PayPal balance.
Security and what PayPal can see
PayPal does not store your full account number after verification. The company uses the routing number and account number only to send the verification deposits and to process transfers you request. PayPal cannot see your bank balance, pull money without your permission, or access other accounts at your bank.
If you ever want to remove the bank account, go to Wallet, find the account in your list, and select Remove or Unlink. PayPal will stop being able to transfer money to that account, though any transfers already in progress will complete.
Troubleshooting common problems
The deposits are taking longer than two business days. Bank processing times vary. Wait up to five business days before assuming something went wrong. If five days pass with no deposits, the routing or account number was likely incorrect. Contact your bank to confirm both numbers, then start the linking process again with PayPal.
PayPal says my bank account is invalid. This usually means the routing number or account number does not match PayPal's records or your bank's system. Call your bank and ask them to confirm both numbers. Some banks format account numbers differently online than they appear on checks—your bank can tell you which format PayPal needs.
I linked the account but cannot withdraw money. Make sure verification is complete. If you see your bank account in your wallet but it says "unverified" or "pending," you have not yet confirmed the deposit amounts. Check your bank statement again and enter those amounts in PayPal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link more than one bank account to PayPal?
Yes. You can link multiple bank accounts and choose which one to use for each transfer. Go to Wallet, select Link a bank account, and repeat the process. Each account requires its own verification deposits.
What if I do not have a checking account?
You can link a savings account instead. During the linking process, PayPal asks whether the account is checking or savings. Select savings and proceed normally. Verification and transfers work the same way.
How long does money take to arrive after I request a transfer?
Most transfers arrive within one to three business days. Some banks are slower; a few take up to five business days. PayPal shows an estimated arrival date when you request the transfer. Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days.
Can I link a bank account from another country?
PayPal supports bank accounts in most countries, but the process and requirements vary. If you live outside the United States, log into your PayPal account and check the Wallet section—PayPal will show you whether your country and bank are supported and what information you need to provide.
What if I close the bank account after linking it to PayPal?
PayPal will not know immediately. The next time you try to transfer money to that account, the transfer will fail and the money will return to your PayPal balance. Remove the closed account from your wallet and link a new one if you want to transfer money again.