Connect your bank account in three steps
To link a bank account to PayPal, you log into your PayPal account, go to Wallet, select Link a bank account, enter your routing number and account number, and confirm two small deposits PayPal sends to your bank within one to two business days. Once you confirm those amounts, the account is active and you can send money, receive payments, and withdraw funds to that bank account.
The entire process takes about five minutes to start, but you cannot use the bank account for transfers until you verify the deposits—which means waiting for them to arrive and then entering the amounts PayPal shows you. Most people complete verification within a week.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal sends two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to verify your bank account; you must log in and confirm the exact amounts to finish linking.
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number, both found on a check or in your online banking portal.
- Linked bank accounts let you transfer money out of PayPal to your checking or savings account, usually within one to three business days.
- If you enter the wrong routing or account number, PayPal will reject the link and you will have to start over with the correct information.
What information you need before you start
Gather your bank details before opening PayPal. You will need your routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank) and your account number (the unique number for your specific checking or savings account). Both appear on the bottom left of any check you have, or you can find them in your bank's mobile app or website under account details.
Have your PayPal login information ready as well. If you do not have a PayPal account yet, you will need to create one first—that takes about two minutes and requires an email address, a password, and your name and address.
Step-by-step: linking the account
Log into your PayPal account on a computer or the PayPal app. On a computer, click Wallet at the top of the page. On the app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and select Wallet.
Click or tap Link a bank account. PayPal will ask whether you want to link a U.S. bank account or an account outside the U.S.—select the correct country. Enter your routing number and account number in the fields provided, then enter your account type (checking or savings) and the name on the account.
Review the information for accuracy and click Link Bank Account. PayPal will confirm that the link is pending and tell you to watch for two small deposits.
Verifying the deposits PayPal sends
Within one to two business days, PayPal deposits two amounts (usually between 1 and 99 cents each) into your bank account. Check your bank statement or app for these deposits—they will show as coming from PayPal.
Once you see them, log back into PayPal, go to Wallet, find the bank account you linked, and click Confirm or Verify. Enter the exact dollar amounts of the two deposits in the fields PayPal shows you. If the amounts match, PayPal confirms the account is verified and you can now use it to transfer money out of PayPal or receive payments into it.
If you enter the amounts incorrectly, PayPal will reject them and ask you to try again. You get multiple attempts, so check your bank statement carefully and re-enter if needed.
What you can do once the account is linked
A verified bank account lets you move money in two directions. You can withdraw money from your PayPal balance to your bank account—this is the most common use, and transfers usually arrive within one to three business days. You can also receive payments from other PayPal users directly into that bank account if you choose that option when someone sends you money.
Some PayPal features require a linked bank account. If you sell items or receive regular payments, PayPal may ask you to link a bank account before you can withdraw your balance. Instant transfers to your bank account (which arrive in minutes rather than days) also require a linked account, though PayPal charges a small fee for that speed.
Troubleshooting: common problems and fixes
If PayPal rejects your routing or account number, the most common cause is a typo. Double-check both numbers against your check or your bank's website and try again. Some banks use different routing numbers for different regions or transaction types—if you are unsure which one to use, call your bank's customer service line and ask for the routing number to use for ACH transfers.
If the verification deposits do not arrive within two business days, check that your bank account number and routing number are correct in PayPal. If they are, wait one more business day—some banks process deposits more slowly than others. If deposits still have not arrived after three business days, contact PayPal support and provide your bank details so they can investigate.
If you see the deposits but PayPal will not accept the amounts you enter, make sure you are entering them as dollars and cents (for example, $0.47, not 47). Also check that you are entering the exact amounts—if one deposit was $0.32 and the other was $0.18, entering them in the wrong order will fail verification.
Removing or changing a linked bank account
To remove a bank account from PayPal, go to Wallet, find the account, and click the menu icon (three dots) next to it. Select Remove or Unlink. PayPal will ask you to confirm, and the account will be disconnected immediately. Any pending transfers to that account will be cancelled.
To change which bank account PayPal uses, simply link a new one using the same process. You can have multiple bank accounts linked at once, and you choose which one to use each time you make a transfer. If you want to replace an old account, link the new one first, then remove the old one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to link a bank account to PayPal?
The initial link takes about five minutes. Verification takes one to two business days for the deposits to arrive, plus a few minutes to confirm them. Most people have a fully verified account within a week, though some banks process deposits more slowly.
Can I use my bank account before the verification deposits arrive?
No. You cannot withdraw money to the account or use it to receive payments until you confirm the two deposits PayPal sends. The account shows as pending until verification is complete.
What if I enter the wrong bank account number?
PayPal will reject the link and you will see an error message. You can then enter the correct number and try again. If deposits were already sent to the wrong account, contact PayPal support—they can sometimes recover the funds, but it depends on the bank.
Do I have to link a bank account to use PayPal?
No. You can send money from a credit or debit card and receive payments without a linked bank account. However, you will not be able to withdraw your PayPal balance to a bank account, and some features (like instant transfers) require one.
Can I link a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes. PayPal accepts both checking and savings accounts. When you link the account, you will select the account type from a dropdown menu. The process is identical for both.