Connect your bank account through PayPal's wallet settings
To link a bank account to PayPal, log into your account, go to Wallet, select Link a bank account, and enter your routing number and account number. PayPal will then make two small deposits (usually $0.01 and $0.02) to that account within one to two business days. You confirm the amounts in PayPal to verify ownership, and the account is then active for transfers.
The entire process takes three to five business days from start to finish. During that time, you can still use PayPal to send and receive money, but you cannot transfer funds to or from the bank account until verification is complete. Once verified, you can move money between PayPal and your bank at any time.
PayPal accepts checking and savings accounts from U.S. banks, credit unions, and some online banks. The account must be in your name and match the name on your PayPal account. If the names do not match exactly, PayPal will reject the link and ask you to correct one or the other before trying again.
Key Takeaways
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number to start the link, both of which appear on the bottom left of your checks.
- PayPal sends two tiny test deposits to confirm you own the account; you must log back in and enter those amounts to complete verification.
- The account name on your bank statement must match the name registered on your PayPal account exactly, or the link will fail.
- Once linked, transfers between PayPal and your bank take one to three business days depending on your bank's processing speed.
- You can link multiple bank accounts to one PayPal account, but each one must go through the same verification process.
Where to find your routing and account numbers
Your routing number and account number appear on the bottom left of any check you have from that account. The routing number is the first nine digits, the account number follows it. If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or app and look for account details, account information, or routing information—most banks display both numbers there.
You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for the routing number and account number. Have your account number or card ready when you call. Some banks also print this information on statements or in welcome materials sent when you opened the account.
Do not use a credit card, debit card, or prepaid card number. PayPal requires an actual bank account—checking or savings—because it needs to verify ownership through the deposit method. If you try to enter a card number, PayPal will reject it and ask you to provide a bank account instead.
What happens during the verification step
After you enter your routing and account numbers, PayPal deposits two small amounts into your bank account. These are real deposits, not holds or pending charges. They typically arrive within one to two business days, though some banks take longer. You will see them listed as deposits from PayPal in your bank statement.
Once the deposits appear in your account, return to PayPal, go to Wallet, find the bank account you just linked, and select Confirm or Verify. PayPal will ask you to enter the two deposit amounts. Type them exactly as they appear—for example, $0.01 and $0.02. If you enter them correctly, PayPal confirms ownership and removes those deposits from your account within a few days.
If you do not see the deposits after three business days, check that you entered the routing and account numbers correctly. If they were wrong, PayPal will show an error message. Delete that account link and start over with the correct numbers. If the numbers were correct but the deposits never arrived, contact PayPal support and your bank to investigate where the deposits went.
Transferring money between PayPal and your bank
Once your bank account is verified, you can transfer money from PayPal to your bank account at any time. Go to Wallet, select your bank account, and choose Transfer to bank. Enter the amount and confirm. PayPal will show you the expected arrival date, which is usually one to three business days depending on your bank.
Standard transfers are free. PayPal also offers an instant transfer option for a small fee (usually $0.25 to $1.50 depending on the amount), which moves money to your account within 30 minutes on business days. You can choose standard or instant each time you transfer.
You can also transfer money from your bank account into PayPal. Go to Wallet, select Transfer to PayPal balance, choose your bank account, enter the amount, and confirm. This transfer also takes one to three business days. Once the money arrives in your PayPal balance, you can use it to send to other PayPal users or make purchases from sellers who accept PayPal.
Security and fraud protection
PayPal encrypts your routing and account numbers and stores them on secure servers. Your bank account information is not visible to other PayPal users, and PayPal does not share it with merchants or third parties without your permission. When you make a purchase using PayPal, the seller sees only that you paid through PayPal, not your bank details.
If someone gains access to your PayPal account, they can transfer money from your linked bank account. Protect your account by using a strong, unique password and enabling two-factor authentication. PayPal sends a code to your phone or email each time you log in from a new device, which prevents unauthorized access even if someone knows your password.
If you notice an unauthorized transfer, contact PayPal immediately through the Resolution Center. PayPal investigates and can reverse transfers within a certain window. Your bank also has fraud protections for unauthorized ACH transfers, though the timeline and process differ from PayPal's. Report the fraud to both PayPal and your bank to maximize your protection.
Unlinking or removing a bank account
To remove a bank account from PayPal, go to Wallet, select the account, and choose Remove or Unlink. PayPal will ask you to confirm. Once removed, you cannot transfer money to or from that account through PayPal, but the account itself remains open at your bank and is unaffected.
You can relink the same account later by going through the verification process again. If you linked it before, PayPal may skip the deposit verification step and restore access immediately. If not, you will need to wait for the test deposits again.
Removing an account does not cancel any pending transfers. If you have a transfer in progress when you remove the account, PayPal will complete it. Check the status of any transfers before removing the account to avoid confusion.
Troubleshooting common connection problems
If PayPal rejects your routing or account number, double-check that both are correct and that you entered them in the right order. The routing number comes first, the account number second. If you are still unsure, call your bank or check your checks again. Even one digit wrong will cause the link to fail.
If the account name does not match, PayPal will tell you. The name on your bank account must match the name on your PayPal account exactly—same spelling, same order of first and last name. If your bank account is under a nickname or shortened version of your name, update your PayPal name to match, or ask your bank to change the account name. Then try linking again.
If the test deposits do not arrive after three business days, check your bank statement carefully—they may be listed under a different name or description than you expect. If you truly cannot find them, contact PayPal support with your transaction ID and the date you linked the account. PayPal can resend the deposits or investigate whether they were sent to the wrong account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link a joint bank account to PayPal?
Yes, but the name on your PayPal account must match one of the names on the joint account exactly. If your name is listed first on the account, use that name in PayPal. If your name does not appear on the account at all, you cannot link it—only the account holder can authorize the link.
What if my bank account is at a credit union?
Most credit unions work with PayPal. Use your credit union's routing number and your account number, just as you would with a bank. If PayPal rejects it, contact your credit union to confirm they support ACH transfers and that your routing number is correct.
How long does a transfer take if I use instant transfer?
Instant transfers arrive within 30 minutes on business days (Monday through Friday, excluding holidays). Transfers requested after business hours or on weekends will process the next business day. The fee is usually $0.25 to $1.50 depending on the amount you transfer.
Can I link a savings account instead of checking?
Yes. PayPal accepts both checking and savings accounts. The verification process is the same—PayPal sends two test deposits, and you confirm the amounts. Transfers work the same way regardless of account type.
What happens if I close my bank account after linking it to PayPal?
Once you close the account, PayPal cannot transfer money to it. If you try to transfer, PayPal will show an error. Link a new bank account before closing the old one, or wait until after you have linked a new account to close the old one.