Connect your bank account in three steps
To link a checking account to PayPal, you log into your PayPal account, go to Wallet, select Link a bank account, and enter your routing number and account number. PayPal will then send two small test deposits to your bank—usually within one to two business days—and you confirm the amounts to verify ownership. Once confirmed, your account is linked and you can send money to other PayPal users or pay bills directly from your checking account.
The entire process takes about five minutes to start, but you cannot use the account for transfers until you verify those test deposits. Most people complete verification within a week.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal sends two small test deposits to your checking account; you must confirm the exact amounts to complete the link.
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number, both found on the bottom left of a check or in your bank's online portal.
- Linking takes five minutes, but verification takes one to two weeks because you must wait for the test deposits to arrive and then enter them.
- Once linked, you can transfer money to other PayPal users, pay bills, or withdraw PayPal balance to that account without additional fees.
Where to find your routing and account numbers
Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank branch. Your account number is unique to your checking account. Both appear on the bottom left of any check you have, printed in order: routing number first, then account number, then check number on the right.
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 number—they will provide them over the phone.
Do not use a savings account, money market account, or credit card. PayPal only accepts checking accounts for bank transfers.
The verification step: confirming the test deposits
After you enter your account information, PayPal deposits two amounts—usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each—into your checking account. These deposits appear as "PayPal" or "PAYPAL" on your bank statement. You must log back into PayPal within 30 days and enter both amounts exactly as they appear.
The deposits typically arrive within one to two business days, but can take up to five business days depending on your bank. Check your account online or through your bank's app rather than waiting for a paper statement, which may take longer.
Once you enter both amounts correctly, PayPal confirms the link and removes the test deposits from your account. Your checking account is now ready to use for PayPal transfers.
What you can do once your account is linked
A linked checking account lets you send money to other PayPal users without paying a fee (as long as you send it as a friends-and-family transfer, not a goods-and-services payment). You can also pay bills through PayPal's bill pay feature if your biller is in their system, or withdraw your PayPal balance directly to your checking account.
Transfers to other PayPal users typically arrive within one to three business days. Withdrawals to your checking account take the same timeframe. If you send money as a goods-and-services payment instead of friends and family, PayPal charges a fee (currently 2.99% plus $0.30 per transaction in the United States), and the fee comes from your linked account automatically.
Security and what PayPal can see
PayPal does not store your full account number or routing number after verification. They use a tokenized version—a secure code that represents your account without exposing the actual numbers. This means even if PayPal's systems were breached, a hacker would not gain access to your raw banking information.
Your bank can see PayPal transactions on your statement, but PayPal cannot initiate withdrawals or charges without your permission. If someone gains access to your PayPal account, they can transfer money out, but they cannot drain your checking account directly. Your bank's fraud protection still applies to any unauthorized transfers.
Unlinking your account or switching to a different bank
To remove a checking account from PayPal, go to Wallet, find the linked bank account, and select Remove or Unlink. The account is disconnected immediately, and you cannot use it for transfers. Any pending transfers from that account will fail.
If you switch banks or close your checking account, unlink the old account from PayPal first. If you forget and PayPal attempts a transfer to a closed account, the transfer fails and your money returns to your PayPal balance within three to five business days. You can then link your new account and try again.
Troubleshooting: account not linking or verification failing
If PayPal rejects your account information, the most common reasons are a typo in the routing or account number, or an account type mismatch (for example, trying to link a savings account instead of checking). Double-check both numbers against your check or your bank's website and try again.
If you enter the test deposit amounts incorrectly three times, PayPal locks you out of verification for 24 hours. Check your bank statement again carefully—the amounts are usually very small and easy to misread. If the deposits never arrive after five business days, contact PayPal support with your bank's name and account type; they can resend the deposits or investigate whether your bank is blocking them.
Some banks flag PayPal deposits as suspicious and hold them temporarily. If this happens, contact your bank and tell them to allow PayPal transactions. Once your bank stops blocking them, the deposits will appear and you can complete verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link a joint checking account?
Yes. PayPal links to the account itself, not to a specific person. Any account holder on the joint account can use it for PayPal transfers. If the account is closed or one person is removed, the link remains active as long as the account exists.
Do I have to link a bank account to use PayPal?
No. You can use PayPal with a credit or debit card instead. However, linking a checking account lets you send money to other PayPal users for free and withdraw your balance without card fees. A card-only account works but costs more over time.
What happens if I link the wrong account by mistake?
Unlink it immediately through your Wallet settings. The test deposits go to the wrong account, but they are only a few cents and your bank will keep them. You can then link the correct account and start verification over.
How long does verification take if my bank is slow?
PayPal allows 30 days from the time you enter your account information to complete verification. If the test deposits take five business days to arrive and you take another week to notice them, you still have time. If 30 days pass without verification, you must start the linking process over.
Can I link multiple checking accounts to one PayPal account?
Yes. You can link as many checking accounts as you want. When you transfer money or withdraw, you choose which linked account to use. This is useful if you have accounts at different banks or want to keep business and personal accounts separate.