How to change your bank account in PayPal
You can change the bank account linked to your PayPal account by going to your wallet settings, removing the old account, and adding a new one. The process takes about five minutes and does not affect your PayPal balance or transaction history. You will need your new bank's routing number and account number, and the change takes effect immediately for withdrawals — though transfers to your bank can take one to three business days to arrive.
Your PayPal balance stays in your account until you withdraw it; changing your bank account does not move money automatically. If you had a scheduled withdrawal set up to your old account, that transfer will fail once you remove the account, and the money will return to your PayPal balance.
Key Takeaways
- Log into PayPal, go to Wallet, select your bank account, and choose Remove to delete the old account before adding a new one.
- You will need your new bank's nine-digit routing number and your full account number, both found on a blank check or your bank's website.
- PayPal may ask you to confirm the new account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) and having you report the exact totals back.
- Withdrawals to your new account process immediately, but the money takes one to three business days to land in your bank depending on your bank's processing speed.
- You can link multiple bank accounts to PayPal and choose which one to withdraw to each time you request a transfer.
Step-by-step: removing your old bank account
Open PayPal on a web browser or the mobile app and sign in. Tap or click Wallet at the top of the page (on mobile, this may appear as a menu icon). Look for the bank account you want to remove — it will show your bank name and the last four digits of the account number.
Click or tap the account, then select Remove. PayPal will ask you to confirm. Once you confirm, the account is deleted immediately and PayPal will no longer send money to it. If this was your only linked bank account, you will not be able to withdraw your PayPal balance until you add a new one.
Step-by-step: adding your new bank account
From the Wallet page, select Link a bank account or Add bank account (the exact wording varies by app version). Choose your bank from the list, or search for it by name. If your bank does not appear, select Connect to your bank and enter your online banking username and password — PayPal will read your account details directly from your bank's system.
If you enter the details manually instead, you will need to provide your nine-digit routing number and your full account number. Both appear on a blank check from your account: the routing number is the first set of nine digits on the bottom left, and the account number follows it. You can also find both on your bank's website under account information or settings. Enter your account type (checking or savings) and confirm. PayPal will show you a summary of the account before you submit.
Confirming your new account with micro-deposits
PayPal often requires you to confirm a newly linked bank account by depositing two small amounts — usually between 1 and 99 cents each — into the account. You will see a message telling you to check your bank statement in one to two business days for the exact amounts. This step verifies that you own the account and can receive transfers to it.
Once the deposits appear in your bank account, return to PayPal, go to your bank account settings, and select Confirm account. Enter the two amounts exactly as they appear on your statement. If you enter them correctly, the account is confirmed and you can withdraw money immediately. If you enter them incorrectly, PayPal will let you try again. Some accounts skip this step — PayPal may confirm instantly if you connected through your bank's online login.
How long it takes for money to reach your bank
Once you request a withdrawal from your PayPal balance to your new bank account, PayPal processes the transfer immediately — you will see it leave your PayPal account right away. However, the money does not arrive in your bank account on the same day. Standard transfers take one to three business days, depending on your bank's processing speed. Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days, so a withdrawal requested on Friday may not arrive until Tuesday or Wednesday.
Some banks are faster than others. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo typically process PayPal transfers within one business day. Smaller regional banks and credit unions may take the full three days. If your bank is unusually slow, contact them to ask about their ACH processing times — PayPal uses the ACH network, which is the same system used for direct deposit and bill payments.
What happens to your PayPal balance when you change banks
Your PayPal balance does not move automatically when you change your bank account. The money stays in your PayPal account until you request a withdrawal. You can leave it there indefinitely, use it to pay other PayPal users, or spend it at stores that accept PayPal. Changing your bank account only changes where your money goes when you decide to withdraw it.
If you had a scheduled or recurring withdrawal set up to your old bank account, that withdrawal will fail once you remove the account. You will need to set up a new withdrawal to your new bank account manually. PayPal will notify you if a withdrawal fails, and the money will return to your PayPal balance so you can try again with your new account.
Troubleshooting: account not confirming or transfers failing
If PayPal asks for micro-deposit confirmation but you never receive the deposits, wait a full three business days before contacting your bank. Some banks delay ACH deposits by a day or two. If three business days have passed and you still do not see them, contact PayPal support through the app or website — they can resend the deposits or confirm the account manually.
If a withdrawal to your new account fails, PayPal will show an error message explaining why. The most common reasons are a typo in your routing or account number, an account that is closed or frozen, or a mismatch between the account type you selected and the actual account type. Double-check your routing and account numbers against your bank statement or your bank's website. If the numbers are correct, contact your bank to confirm the account is active and can receive ACH transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have more than one bank account linked to PayPal at the same time?
Yes. You can link multiple bank accounts and choose which one to withdraw to each time you request a transfer. This is useful if you have accounts at different banks or want to split withdrawals between them.
Do I lose money when I change my bank account?
No. Changing your bank account does not cost anything and does not affect your PayPal balance. Standard withdrawals are free; PayPal does not charge a fee to move money to your bank.
What if I enter the wrong routing number?
PayPal will likely reject the account during the confirmation step, or the micro-deposits will go to the wrong bank and you will not receive them. Remove the incorrect account and add the correct one. Check your routing number against a blank check or your bank's website before you submit.
How do I know if my account is confirmed and ready to use?
Go to your Wallet, select your bank account, and look for a checkmark or "Confirmed" label next to the account name. If you see "Pending confirmation" or a message asking you to confirm with micro-deposits, follow those steps first before attempting a withdrawal.
Can I change my bank account on the PayPal mobile app?
Yes. The process is the same on the app as on the website. Open the app, go to Wallet, select your account, and choose Remove or Add. All the same information and confirmation steps apply.