PayPal confirms your bank account by sending two small deposits to your account, then asking you to enter those amounts back into PayPal
When you link a bank account to PayPal, the company needs proof that you own it. PayPal does this by depositing two amounts—usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each—into your bank account within one to two business days. You then log into PayPal, find the confirmation section, and type in those exact amounts. Once PayPal sees that you entered the correct numbers, your account is confirmed and you can send and receive money without limits.
The process is free and takes a few minutes of your time spread across several days while you wait for the deposits to arrive. You do not need to call anyone or submit documents. The only catch is that you must have access to your bank account online or through your bank's app to see the deposit amounts.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal sends two micro-deposits to your linked bank account within one to two business days of you adding it.
- You must log into your bank account (online or through the app) to see the deposit amounts, which are typically under one dollar each.
- In PayPal, go to your wallet, find the bank account, and select the option to confirm it by entering the two amounts.
- Confirmation usually completes within minutes of entering the correct amounts, and you can then transfer money freely between PayPal and your bank.
- If the deposits do not arrive after three business days, contact PayPal support to request they be resent.
Step-by-step: Linking and confirming your bank account
Start by logging into PayPal on a computer or the mobile app. Tap or click your profile icon in the top right, then select Wallet (on mobile) or Account Settings (on desktop). Look for a link or button that says Link a Bank Account or Add Bank Account. PayPal will ask for your bank's routing number, your account number, and the account type (checking or savings). You can find both numbers on a check, or log into your bank's website to locate them.
After you enter this information, PayPal will tell you that two deposits are on the way. Do not close the window yet—note the date PayPal says the deposits will arrive. Most arrive within one to two business days, though weekends and holidays can add time. Once the deposits land in your bank account, you will see them listed as small charges from PayPal or a PayPal subsidiary.
Go back to PayPal and return to the bank account section. You should see a prompt asking you to confirm the account by entering the deposit amounts. Log into your bank account at the same time so you can see the exact amounts. Type them into PayPal in the order PayPal asks for them—usually the first deposit amount, then the second. Click Confirm and PayPal will verify the amounts instantly. Your account is now confirmed.
What to do if the deposits do not arrive
If three business days have passed and you do not see the two deposits in your bank account, the deposits may have been rejected or delayed. This sometimes happens if your bank flagged the small transactions as suspicious, or if there was a temporary problem with the transfer. Log into PayPal and go back to the bank account section. You should see an option to Resend Deposits or Request New Deposits. Click it and PayPal will send two new deposits, again within one to two business days.
If you still do not see them after requesting a resend, contact PayPal directly through the Help Center. Go to Help in the PayPal menu, search for "bank account confirmation," and select Contact Us. PayPal support can investigate whether your bank is blocking the deposits or whether there is a technical issue on PayPal's end. They may ask you to confirm your bank details or to check with your bank directly.
Why PayPal uses micro-deposits instead of other methods
Micro-deposits are slower than other confirmation methods, but they are the most reliable way for PayPal to prove you own the account. When you enter the correct amounts, you have proven two things: you have access to the account, and you can see transactions in it. This protects both you and PayPal—it prevents someone else from linking your bank account without your knowledge, and it ensures PayPal knows the account is real and active.
Some banks and payment services use instant verification through Plaid or similar services, which connect to your bank login and confirm ownership in seconds. PayPal does not use this method for all accounts, though some users may see faster options depending on their bank and region. If you want to check whether your bank supports instant verification, look for that option when you first link your account—it will appear before PayPal asks for your routing and account numbers.
What you can do while waiting for confirmation
You can use PayPal to send and receive money from other PayPal users before your bank account is confirmed. You can also receive money from credit or debit cards. What you cannot do is transfer money from PayPal to your bank account, or withdraw your PayPal balance. Once your bank account is confirmed, all of these actions become available.
If you need to move money out of PayPal urgently and your bank account is not yet confirmed, you can request a check by mail (which takes one to two weeks) or use PayPal's debit card if you have one. Neither is fast, so plan ahead if you know you will need access to your money on a specific date.
Confirming a second or replacement bank account
If you want to add a different bank account to your PayPal account, or if you closed your old account and need to link a new one, the process is the same: PayPal sends two micro-deposits and you confirm them. You can have multiple bank accounts linked to one PayPal account, and you can choose which one to transfer to when you withdraw money.
If you are replacing an old account because your bank closed it or you switched banks, remove the old account from PayPal first. Go to Wallet, find the old account, and select Remove or Delete. Then add your new account and wait for the micro-deposits. This prevents confusion and ensures PayPal is not trying to send money to an account that no longer exists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I confirm my bank account on mobile, or do I have to use a computer?
You can do everything on mobile. The PayPal app has the same wallet and bank account sections as the desktop site. You will need to log into your bank's app or mobile website to see the deposit amounts, but you can switch between apps easily.
What if I enter the wrong amounts when confirming?
PayPal will tell you the amounts are incorrect and ask you to try again. You can re-enter them as many times as you need. If you are unsure of the amounts, log back into your bank account to double-check before trying again.
Do the micro-deposits count as income or show up on my tax forms?
No. The micro-deposits are not income—they are transfers from PayPal to verify your account. They do not appear on any tax documents. Once you confirm your account, PayPal removes the deposits (or you can leave them in your account; they are yours to keep).
How long does confirmation take after I enter the amounts?
Confirmation is instant. As soon as you enter the correct amounts and click confirm, PayPal verifies them and your account is active. You can transfer money to your bank immediately after.
What happens if I lose access to my bank account before confirming?
If your bank account is closed or you no longer have access to it before you confirm, you will need to remove that account from PayPal and add a different one. Go to your wallet, select the unconfirmed account, and choose remove. Then add a new bank account and wait for the new micro-deposits.