Why and how to connect your bank account

Linking a checking account to PayPal lets you move money between your bank and PayPal without using a debit card. When you link your account, PayPal can pull money directly from your bank to cover payments, and you can transfer PayPal balance back to your checking account. The connection happens through your PayPal account settings, and PayPal verifies ownership by depositing two small amounts into your checking account — usually within one to two business days.

You will need your routing number and account number, both printed on the bottom left of your checks. If you do not have checks, you can find these numbers by logging into your bank's website or calling the bank directly. PayPal accepts accounts from most U.S. banks, credit unions, and online banks, though a few smaller institutions may not be supported.

Key Takeaways

  • PayPal verifies your bank account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) and asking you to confirm the exact totals within 30 days.
  • You need your routing number and account number from your checks or your bank's website to start the linking process.
  • Once verified, you can use your linked account to fund PayPal payments, send money to other people, or withdraw your PayPal balance to your bank.
  • The entire verification process typically takes one to two business days for the deposits to arrive, plus a few minutes to confirm them in PayPal.

Step-by-step: linking your account in PayPal

Log into your PayPal account and go to Wallet (or Account on older versions). Select Link a bank account or Add bank account. PayPal will ask you to choose between instant verification (if your bank is supported) or manual verification using the deposit method.

If you choose instant verification, PayPal will ask for your online banking username and password so it can confirm your account directly with your bank. This method is faster — usually complete within minutes — but requires you to share login credentials. If you prefer not to share passwords, choose manual verification instead.

For manual verification, enter your routing number, account number, and account type (checking or savings). PayPal will then deposit two small amounts into your account. Check your bank statement after one to two business days for the exact deposit amounts. Return to PayPal, go to your bank account settings, and enter the two amounts you see in your statement. Once you confirm them correctly, your account is verified and ready to use.

Finding your routing and account numbers

The easiest place to find both numbers is on a check from your checkbook. Look at the bottom left corner: the first nine-digit number is your routing number, and the second number (usually 10 to 12 digits) is your account number. The routing number identifies your bank; the account number identifies your specific account at that bank.

If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details, account information, or settings. Most banks display both numbers there. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing and account numbers — they will verify your identity and provide them over the phone.

What happens after verification

Once your account is verified, you can use it to fund PayPal payments when you send money to another person or make a purchase. You can also transfer money from your PayPal balance back to your checking account. PayPal calls this a transfer to bank, and it typically takes one to three business days to arrive in your account.

Your linked account remains active until you remove it. You can have multiple bank accounts linked to one PayPal account, which is useful if you have accounts at different banks or want to keep separate funds for different purposes. To remove an account, go to your wallet settings and select the account, then choose Remove.

Security and fraud protection

PayPal does not store your full account number after verification — it keeps an encrypted version instead. When you link your account through instant verification, PayPal does not retain your banking login credentials; it uses them only to confirm ownership and then deletes them.

If someone gains access to your PayPal account, they can transfer money from your linked bank account to PayPal and then send it elsewhere. This is why a strong, unique password and two-factor authentication on your PayPal account matter. If you notice unauthorized transfers, contact PayPal immediately through your account settings under Resolution Center or call PayPal's fraud line. You can also dispute the transfer with your bank if PayPal does not resolve it quickly.

Troubleshooting common problems

If PayPal says your bank is not supported, your bank may not have an electronic connection to PayPal's verification system. Some smaller regional banks and credit unions fall into this category. In that case, you can still link your account using manual verification — the deposit method works for nearly all U.S. banks. The process simply takes longer because you have to wait for the deposits to arrive.

If you enter the deposit amounts incorrectly, you have 30 days to try again. After 30 days, PayPal cancels the verification and you have to start over. If the deposits never arrive, check that you entered your routing and account numbers correctly. A single digit wrong will send the deposits to the wrong account. You can also contact your bank to ask if they received deposits from PayPal; if they did not, the numbers were incorrect.

If you see a message that your account cannot be linked, it may mean your account is flagged for review or your bank has restrictions on external transfers. Contact PayPal support through your account or call them directly to ask why the link failed. Some banks also require you to contact them first to allow PayPal transfers; a quick call to your bank's customer service can resolve this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I link a savings account instead of checking?

Yes. PayPal accepts both checking and savings accounts. When you enter your account information, you will see a dropdown to select the account type. Transfers to a savings account work the same way as transfers to checking — they take one to three business days and appear as a deposit from PayPal.

Do I have to use my linked account every time I send money?

No. Once linked, your bank account becomes one funding source among others (like a PayPal balance or linked debit card). When you send money or make a payment, PayPal lets you choose which source to use. You can leave your account linked but use it only when you want to.

What if I close my checking account?

PayPal will not know immediately. When you try to use the account next, the transfer will fail and PayPal will notify you. You can then remove the old account from your wallet and link a new one. If money is transferred to a closed account, contact your bank — they will return it to PayPal, which will refund it to your PayPal balance.

How long does the whole process take?

Instant verification (if your bank supports it) takes a few minutes. Manual verification takes one to two business days for the deposits to arrive, plus a few minutes to confirm them in PayPal. After that, your account is ready to use immediately.

Is it safe to give PayPal my routing and account numbers?

Yes. Routing and account numbers are not secret — they appear on every check you write. PayPal uses them only to verify ownership and does not store the full account number. If you prefer not to share your banking login during instant verification, use manual verification instead, which requires only the routing and account numbers.