Connect your bank account in three steps
PayPal lets you link a checking or savings account so money can move between your bank and PayPal balance without using a debit card. The process takes about five minutes and requires your routing number and account number — both printed on the bottom left of your checks, or available through your bank's website or app.
Start by logging into PayPal on a computer or phone, going to your Wallet, and selecting "Link a bank account." Enter your bank name, then your routing and account numbers. PayPal will send two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to that account within one to two business days. Once they arrive, you log back into PayPal, confirm the amounts, and your bank account is linked.
After linking, you can transfer money from your bank to PayPal, send money directly from your bank through PayPal to another person, or set your bank as the default payment method for purchases. You can link multiple accounts, and you can remove a link at any time.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal confirms your bank account by sending two small test deposits; you must log back in and verify the amounts before the link is active.
- You need your routing number and account number from your bank, both visible on a check or in your online banking portal.
- The verification process takes one to two business days for the deposits to arrive, then a few minutes to confirm them.
- Once linked, you can transfer money from your bank to PayPal, send money directly from your bank to another PayPal user, or use your bank as a payment method for online purchases.
- Linking a bank account does not charge a fee, but transfers between your bank and PayPal may take one to three business days depending on the direction.
Where to find your routing and account numbers
Your routing number identifies your specific bank branch, and your account number identifies your account at that branch. Both appear on the bottom left of any check you have — the routing number comes first (nine digits), then your account number (usually ten to twelve digits).
If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details, account information, or account 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 read them to you.
Do not confuse your routing number with your bank's main phone number or your account number with your debit card number. The routing number is always nine digits; your account number is longer and unique to your specific account.
What happens during the verification process
After you enter your routing and account numbers, PayPal sends two small test deposits to your bank account — typically between $0.01 and $0.99 each. These deposits appear in your bank account within one to two business days, depending on your bank's processing speed. The amounts are random and different each time someone links an account.
Once the deposits land, you return to PayPal, go back to your bank account settings, and select the option to confirm the deposits. You enter the two amounts you saw in your bank account, and PayPal verifies they match. If they do, your bank account is now linked and active.
If you do not see the deposits after two business days, check that you entered your routing and account numbers correctly. If the numbers are wrong, PayPal will not be able to send the deposits. You can delete the incomplete link and start over with the correct numbers.
Moving money between your bank and PayPal
Once your bank account is linked, you can transfer money from PayPal to your bank account, or from your bank to PayPal. Transfers from PayPal to your bank are free and take one to three business days. Transfers from your bank to PayPal are also free and take the same timeframe.
To transfer money out of PayPal to your bank, go to your Wallet, select your bank account, and choose "Transfer to your bank." Enter the amount and confirm. The money leaves your PayPal balance immediately, but your bank account will not show the deposit for one to three business days.
To transfer money into PayPal from your bank, go to your Wallet, select your bank account, and choose "Add money." Enter the amount and confirm. The money will be deducted from your bank account within one to three business days and will appear in your PayPal balance during that same window.
Using your bank account to send money to another person
If your bank account is linked, you can send money directly from your bank to another PayPal user without moving money into your PayPal balance first. This is useful if you want to send a payment but do not have funds sitting in PayPal.
When you go to send money to a friend or family member, PayPal will show you payment options. Select your linked bank account as the source. The recipient receives the money in their PayPal account, but the funds are pulled from your bank account rather than your PayPal balance. The transfer takes one to three business days to complete.
This method works for sending money to anyone with a PayPal account, whether they are in the United States or abroad. International transfers may take longer and may include currency conversion fees depending on the recipient's location.
Setting your bank account as your default payment method
You can make your linked bank account your default payment method for online purchases through PayPal. This means when you check out at a store that accepts PayPal, your bank account will be the first option offered unless you change it.
To set this up, go to your Wallet, find your bank account in the list, and select the option to make it your preferred payment method. Some stores and services may still ask you to confirm which payment method you want to use at checkout, even if you have set a default.
Using your bank account for purchases does not charge a fee, but the transaction may take longer to process than using a debit card or credit card, since the money is pulled directly from your bank rather than charged to a card.
Removing or unlinking a bank account
You can remove a linked bank account from PayPal at any time. Go to your Wallet, select the bank account you want to remove, and choose the option to unlink or delete it. The account is removed immediately, and PayPal will no longer be able to transfer money to or from that account.
If you have a pending transfer to or from that bank account when you unlink it, the transfer will still complete — unlinking only stops future transactions. If you want to link the same account again later, you will need to go through the verification process a second time.
Removing a bank account does not affect any money already in your PayPal balance, and it does not close your PayPal account. You can still use PayPal to send and receive money; you simply will not be able to move funds to or from that specific bank account.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to link a bank account to PayPal?
The initial setup takes about five minutes, but the full process takes one to two business days. That is how long it takes for PayPal's test deposits to reach your bank account. Once you confirm the deposit amounts, your account is active immediately.
Is it safe to give PayPal my routing and account numbers?
Yes. PayPal is a regulated financial company and uses encryption to protect your banking information. The test deposit method also confirms you own the account — if someone else entered your account number, the deposits would go to their bank, not yours, and they would not be able to complete the verification.
Can I link a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes, PayPal accepts both checking and savings accounts. The process is the same — you enter your routing and account number, confirm the test deposits, and the account is linked. Transfers may take slightly longer from a savings account depending on your bank's rules.
What if I enter the wrong routing or account number?
PayPal's test deposits will go to the wrong account, and you will not see them in your bank account. You can delete the incomplete link and start over with the correct numbers. There is no penalty for entering the wrong information.
Can I link the same bank account to multiple PayPal accounts?
No. Each bank account can be linked to only one PayPal account. If you try to link an account that is already connected to a different PayPal account, PayPal will reject the link and ask you to use a different account or contact support.