What you need to set up PayPal

PayPal requires three things before you can send or receive money: a valid email address, a password you create, and either a debit card, credit card, or bank account linked to your name. You do not need to have a business or be a certain age—PayPal's personal account is open to anyone 18 or older in the United States with a Social Security number or ITIN.

The account itself takes about five minutes to create. Linking a payment method takes another few minutes if you have the card or bank details handy. Verification—the step that unlocks sending money to other people—can happen immediately for some methods or take a few business days for others.

If you plan to receive money from friends or family, you will also need to confirm your identity by providing your legal name, date of birth, and address. PayPal uses this information to comply with federal anti-money-laundering rules, not to judge whether you deserve an account.

Key Takeaways

  • You need an email address, a password, and one payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account) to create a PayPal account.
  • Adding a debit or credit card verifies instantly; linking a bank account takes one to two business days and may require confirming two small deposits PayPal sends to your bank.
  • To send money to other people, you must confirm your identity with your legal name, date of birth, and address.
  • Two-factor authentication (a code sent to your phone or email) is optional but strongly recommended to protect your account from unauthorized access.

Step-by-step account creation

Go to paypal.com and click "Sign Up" in the top right corner. PayPal will ask whether you want a Personal or Business account—choose Personal unless you are running a business and invoicing customers. Enter your email address, create a password (PayPal requires at least 8 characters with uppercase, lowercase, and a number), and provide your legal first and last name, date of birth, and address.

PayPal will send a confirmation email to the address you entered. Open that email and click the confirmation link. Your account is now active, but you cannot send money yet—you need to add a payment method first.

Return to PayPal, sign in, and click your profile icon in the top right. Select "Wallet" or "Add a card or bank account." Choose whether you are adding a debit card, credit card, or bank account. If you choose a card, enter the 16-digit number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit code on the back). If you choose a bank account, enter your routing number and account number—you can find both on a check or by logging into your bank's website.

Instant verification with a debit or credit card

When you add a debit or credit card, PayPal verifies it immediately by checking the card number and expiration date against your card issuer's records. You will see a confirmation screen within seconds. Your card is now linked and you can send money right away.

PayPal does not charge your card during this process. The card is simply on file so PayPal can pull money from it when you send a payment or load money into your PayPal balance.

Bank account verification: the two-deposit method

Linking a bank account is slower but does not require a credit or debit card. After you enter your routing and account number, PayPal sends two small deposits (usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each) to your bank account. This process takes one to two business days. You will see both deposits appear as "PAYPAL" in your bank's transaction history.

Once the deposits arrive, return to PayPal, go to your Wallet, and find the bank account you added. Click "Confirm" and enter the two amounts PayPal sent. PayPal will verify the amounts match and your bank account is now linked. You can then send money immediately.

If you do not see the deposits after three business days, contact your bank to confirm the account number and routing number were entered correctly. If they were, PayPal may have flagged the account for review—check your email for a message from PayPal asking for additional information.

Confirming your identity to send and receive money

Before you can send money to another person, PayPal requires you to confirm your identity. This is separate from adding a payment method. Go to your account settings, select "Personal Information," and verify that your legal name, date of birth, and address are correct and match government records. If any information is missing or wrong, update it now.

PayPal may ask you to upload a photo of your government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). Take a clear photo of the front and back, making sure all text is readable. Upload both images through the PayPal app or website. PayPal reviews these within 24 to 48 hours and will notify you by email whether your identity is confirmed.

If PayPal cannot read your ID or the name on your ID does not match the name on your PayPal account, they will ask you to resubmit. Do not create a new account—simply upload a clearer photo or update your account name to match your ID exactly.

Setting up two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication adds a second layer of security by requiring a code from your phone or email every time you sign in from a new device. This prevents someone who knows your password from accessing your account.

To turn it on, go to your account settings, select "Security," and click "Set up two-factor authentication." PayPal will ask whether you want codes sent to your phone via text message or to your email. Choose the method you prefer. When you sign in from a new device, PayPal will send a six-digit code to your phone or email—enter it to complete sign-in.

Two-factor authentication is not required, but it is strongly recommended if you use PayPal to send money regularly or if your account is linked to a bank account or credit card.

What to do if verification stalls

If PayPal asks for additional information and you have already uploaded your ID, check your email for the specific reason. Common reasons include a photo that is too blurry, a name mismatch, or an address that does not match public records. Reply to PayPal's email with the information they requested or upload a new photo.

If you do not receive a response within 48 hours, sign into your PayPal account and go to the Resolution Center (under "Account" in the menu). Look for any open cases or requests from PayPal. If you see a message asking for documents, upload them there. If you do not see anything, contact PayPal directly through the Help Center—click "Contact Us" at the bottom of any PayPal page and select "Account and Login Issues."

Do not create a second account while waiting for verification on your first one. PayPal will close duplicate accounts and may restrict your access temporarily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use PayPal without a bank account or credit card?

No. You must link at least one payment method—a debit card, credit card, or bank account—before you can send money. You can receive money without a linked payment method, but you will need to add one eventually if you want to transfer that money to your bank or withdraw it.

How long does it take to send money after I create my account?

If you add a debit or credit card, you can send money within minutes of creating your account (after you confirm your identity). If you link a bank account, you must wait one to two business days for the verification deposits to arrive, then confirm them. After that, you can send money immediately.

What if I forget my PayPal password?

Go to paypal.com, click "Log In," and then click "Forgot your password?" Enter your email address and PayPal will send a password reset link to your inbox. Click the link and create a new password. If you do not receive the email within a few minutes, check your spam folder or contact PayPal through the Help Center.

Can I change my email address after I create my account?

Yes. Go to your account settings, select "Email," and click "Add email address." Enter the new email and PayPal will send a confirmation link to it. Click the link to confirm. You can then set the new email as your primary login email or keep both on file.

Is my money safe if my PayPal account is hacked?

PayPal offers fraud protection for unauthorized transactions, but the coverage depends on how quickly you report the fraud. If you notice unauthorized activity, change your password immediately and contact PayPal through the Resolution Center. Report the fraud within 60 days of the transaction for the best chance of a refund. Turning on two-factor authentication significantly reduces the risk of your account being hacked in the first place.