Go to your wallet settings and update your linked bank account directly
To change the bank account PayPal uses for transfers, log into your PayPal account on a computer or phone, go to Wallet, then select Banks and Cards. Find the bank account you want to change and click the three dots next to it, then choose Edit. You can update the account number, routing number, or account holder name right there. If you want to remove an account entirely instead of editing it, select Remove from the same menu.
The changes take effect immediately in your PayPal settings, but any transfer already in progress will still go to the old account. PayPal does not retroactively redirect money that has left their system. If you made a transfer in the last few minutes and realize you used the wrong account, contact PayPal right away through the Resolution Center — the sooner you report it, the better your chances of stopping the transfer before it lands.
Key Takeaways
- Bank account changes happen in Wallet > Banks and Cards, and you can edit the account number, routing number, or account holder name without removing the account first.
- Updates to your linked account take effect immediately for new transfers, but transfers already sent will go to the old account.
- If you sent money to the wrong account by mistake, report it through the Resolution Center as soon as possible to try to stop the transfer.
- PayPal may ask you to confirm a small test deposit to your new bank account before you can transfer large amounts.
- If your bank rejects a transfer because the account number or routing number is wrong, PayPal will hold the money and notify you of the failed transfer.
When PayPal asks you to verify a new bank account
If you add a brand-new bank account to PayPal for the first time, or if you change to a completely different bank, PayPal may require you to verify ownership of that account. The most common method is a microdeposit: PayPal sends two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to your new account, and you have to log back into PayPal and enter the exact amounts to prove the account is yours.
Microdeposits typically arrive within one to two business days. Once you confirm the amounts, the account is verified and you can transfer money to it. Until then, PayPal may block transfers to that account or limit how much you can send. If you do not see the deposits after three business days, check your bank statement carefully — sometimes they appear as "PAYPAL" or "PAYPAL VERIFICATION" in the description. If they still do not show up, contact PayPal support to request a resend or an alternative verification method.
What to do if your bank rejects the transfer
When PayPal sends money to your bank account and the bank rejects it — usually because the account number or routing number is wrong — PayPal holds the funds and sends you a notification. You have a limited window (typically 30 days) to fix the problem and resubmit the transfer. Log into your PayPal account, find the failed transfer in your activity or Resolution Center, and look for an option to Update Bank Account or Retry Transfer.
Correct the account number or routing number, then resubmit. If the bank rejects it a second time, PayPal may return the money to your PayPal balance instead of trying again. At that point, you can either transfer it to a different bank account or keep it in PayPal. If you are unsure whether your account number or routing number is correct, call your bank directly — they can confirm both numbers over the phone, and this is faster than guessing and having the transfer fail again.
Removing a bank account versus editing it
If you want to stop using a bank account with PayPal, you have two choices: edit it to update the details, or remove it entirely. Edit is the right choice if the account is still active and you just need to fix a number or name. Remove is the right choice if the account is closed, compromised, or you simply do not want PayPal to have access to it anymore.
Removing an account does not affect transfers you already made to it — those are complete and the money is in your bank. It only prevents PayPal from sending new transfers there. If you remove an account by mistake, you can add it back later by going to Banks and Cards and selecting Link a Bank Account. You may have to verify it again with a microdeposit if it has been a while since you last used it.
How long it takes for money to land after you change your account
Once you update your bank account in PayPal and make a transfer, the timeline depends on the type of transfer you chose. A standard transfer (sometimes called ACH) usually takes one to three business days to reach your bank. A instant transfer (if PayPal offers it in your area and your bank supports it) can arrive within minutes, but PayPal charges a fee — usually between 1% and 2% of the amount, with a minimum and maximum fee per transaction.
Business days do not include weekends or federal holidays, so a transfer you request on Friday evening may not land until Tuesday. If you request a transfer late in the day, PayPal may not process it until the next business day. Check your PayPal activity to see the exact date PayPal says the transfer will arrive, then watch your bank account on that date. If the money does not show up by the end of that day, contact PayPal — delays do happen, and PayPal can investigate.
Protecting your bank account information in PayPal
Your bank account number and routing number are sensitive information, and PayPal stores them encrypted. However, you should still check your linked accounts regularly to make sure nothing unauthorized is there. Log into Wallet > Banks and Cards at least once a month and verify that every account listed is one you added. If you see an account you do not recognize, remove it immediately and change your PayPal password.
If someone gains access to your PayPal account and changes your bank account details, they could redirect your transfers to their own bank. This is why a strong, unique password and two-factor authentication matter. Enable two-factor authentication in your PayPal security settings — PayPal will ask for a code from your phone or email every time you log in from a new device. If you suspect unauthorized changes to your account, report it to PayPal through the Resolution Center right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have multiple bank accounts linked to PayPal at the same time?
Yes. You can link as many bank accounts as you want, and you choose which one to transfer to each time you request a withdrawal. This is useful if you have accounts at different banks or want to keep business and personal money separate. Just remember that each account may need to be verified with a microdeposit the first time you add it.
What if I enter the wrong account number when I edit my bank account?
PayPal will not catch the error until you try to transfer money. When the transfer fails, your bank will reject it and PayPal will notify you. You then have about 30 days to correct the account number and resubmit. If you wait too long, PayPal returns the money to your PayPal balance instead.
Do I have to remove my old bank account before I add a new one?
No. You can add a new account without removing the old one. Both will stay linked until you choose to remove one. This lets you switch between accounts or keep backups in case one account is temporarily unavailable.
How do I know if my routing number is correct?
Your routing number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, or you can find it on your bank's website or by calling customer service. Do not guess — if it is wrong, the transfer will fail and you will have to correct it and resubmit. Your bank can confirm it over the phone in seconds.
What happens to pending transfers if I change my bank account?
Transfers that have already been sent to PayPal's processing system will go to the old account, even if you change your linked account before the money arrives at your bank. Only new transfers you request after the change will go to the new account. If you change your account and then realize a transfer is in progress, contact PayPal immediately to see if it can be stopped.