PayPal confirms your bank account in two ways: a small deposit method or an instant verification if your bank is on PayPal's supported list
When you link a bank account to PayPal, the platform needs proof that you own it. PayPal does this by sending one or two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to your bank account, then asking you to enter those amounts back into PayPal. This process takes three to five business days. If your bank is part of PayPal's instant verification network — which includes most major U.S. banks — you can skip the waiting and confirm immediately by logging into your bank account while still in PayPal.
The method PayPal offers you depends on which bank you use and how you're connecting it. You'll see which option is available the moment you enter your routing and account number.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal sends two small deposits to your bank account and asks you to report the amounts back; this takes three to five business days.
- If your bank supports instant verification, you can confirm your account immediately by logging into your bank through PayPal's secure connection.
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number to start the linking process.
- Once confirmed, your bank account is ready to receive PayPal transfers or fund purchases without additional steps.
Starting the bank account link in PayPal
Open PayPal on a computer or the mobile app and go to your Wallet. Select "Link a bank account" or "Add a bank account" — the exact wording varies by app version. PayPal will ask for your bank's routing number and your account number. You can find both on a check, or call your bank's customer service line to ask.
Enter the information carefully. A wrong digit will cause the verification to fail, and you'll have to start over. Once you submit, PayPal will show you which confirmation method is available for your bank.
Instant verification through your bank login
If PayPal displays an option to verify instantly, it means your bank is on the supported list. You'll see a button that says "Verify with [Bank Name]" or "Connect to [Bank Name]." Click it. PayPal will open a secure window that takes you to your actual bank's login page — not a PayPal copy. Log in with your online banking credentials.
Your bank will ask you to confirm that you're allowing PayPal to verify your account ownership. Once you approve, you're returned to PayPal and your account is confirmed immediately. You do not need to wait for deposits or enter any numbers. This method is the fastest and most common for customers at large banks.
Waiting for and entering the deposit amounts
If instant verification is not available, PayPal will send two small deposits to your bank account. These typically arrive within three to five business days, depending on your bank's processing speed. The amounts are random and usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each.
Once the deposits land in your account, return to PayPal and go back to your Wallet or bank account settings. Look for a field labeled "Confirm deposit amounts" or similar. Enter the two amounts exactly as they appear in your bank statement. If you enter them correctly, your account is confirmed. If you make a mistake, you can try again, but after multiple failed attempts PayPal may require you to wait before trying a different bank account.
What to do if deposits don't arrive
If five business days have passed and you don't see the deposits in your bank account, check that you entered your account number correctly when you linked the account. Log into your bank's website or app and search your recent transactions for any deposits from PayPal. Sometimes they appear under a different name or description.
If you genuinely cannot find them, contact PayPal's support team through the Help Center and report that the deposits did not arrive. Provide your bank name and the date you linked the account. PayPal can resend the deposits or, in some cases, switch you to instant verification if your bank now supports it. Do not link the same bank account again — this creates duplicate requests and delays the process.
After your bank account is confirmed
Once PayPal shows a checkmark or "confirmed" status next to your bank account, it is ready to use. You can now transfer money from PayPal to your bank account, or fund PayPal purchases directly from that bank. Transfers to your bank typically take one to three business days, depending on your bank's processing time.
Your confirmed bank account remains linked until you remove it. You can link multiple bank accounts to the same PayPal account if you need to, and each one must be confirmed separately using the same process.
Troubleshooting common confirmation problems
If PayPal rejects your account number, double-check that you entered it correctly. Some banks use different account numbers for different purposes — make sure you're using the number for your checking or savings account, not a credit card or loan account. If you're still unsure, call your bank and ask them to confirm your account number for ACH transfers.
If you entered the deposit amounts wrong and now see an error message, wait 24 hours before trying again. PayPal locks you out temporarily after multiple failed attempts to prevent fraud. If you've tried several times and still cannot get it right, contact PayPal support and ask them to either resend the deposits or confirm your account manually.
If your bank is not on the instant verification list and you don't want to wait for deposits, you can try linking a different bank account that may support instant verification. Some customers have better luck with their primary checking account than with savings accounts or accounts at smaller banks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a savings account instead of checking?
Yes. PayPal accepts both checking and savings accounts. The confirmation process is the same regardless of account type. Make sure the account is in your name and that you have access to view the transactions online or on a statement.
What if I don't see the instant verification option?
Your bank is not on PayPal's supported list for instant verification. You'll need to wait for the two small deposits and enter the amounts. This is normal and does not mean anything is wrong with your account or bank. The deposit method works just as well; it simply takes longer.
Do I need to confirm my bank account to use PayPal?
You can receive money and make purchases with PayPal without confirming a bank account. However, you cannot transfer money out of PayPal to your bank until a bank account is confirmed. If you only plan to spend your PayPal balance, confirmation is optional.
How long does my bank account stay confirmed?
Once confirmed, your bank account remains linked and active until you remove it yourself. PayPal does not expire confirmed accounts. If you stop using PayPal or want to unlink the account, you can do so anytime through your Wallet settings.
What if I entered the wrong account number the first time?
You cannot edit the account number after you've submitted it. You'll need to remove that bank account from PayPal and link the correct one. Go to your Wallet, find the linked account, and select "Remove" or "Unlink." Then start the process again with the correct information.