Yes, you can add another bank account to PayPal, but you'll need to verify it first
PayPal lets you link multiple bank accounts to a single PayPal account. You can add a second account, a third account, or more — there's no hard limit on how many you can connect. The catch is that each account has to go through verification before you can use it to send or receive money.
The verification process takes a few days and involves PayPal depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into the new bank account. You then log into PayPal and enter those amounts to confirm you own the account. Until you complete this step, the account sits in your PayPal wallet but can't move money.
Why add a second account? People do this when they switch banks, want to keep business and personal money separate, or need to move funds between accounts without leaving PayPal.
Key Takeaways
- You can add multiple bank accounts to one PayPal account, but each one must be verified with two small test deposits before it becomes active.
- The verification process typically takes three to five business days from when PayPal sends the deposits to when you can confirm the amounts.
- You can set one account as your primary (the default for transfers out), but you can choose a different account each time you send money.
- If you're switching banks, add the new account and verify it before closing the old one, so you don't lose access to PayPal transfers.
How to add a bank account in PayPal
Log into your PayPal account on a computer or the mobile app. Go to Wallet (or Account on older versions), then select Link a bank account. You'll be asked for your bank's routing number, your account number, and the account type (checking or savings).
PayPal will ask you to confirm the bank name and the account holder's name. Make sure the name matches exactly what's on your bank account — if it doesn't, verification will fail. Once you submit, PayPal sends two deposits to that account, usually within one to two business days.
Check your bank account for those deposits. They'll show up as small credits (typically $0.01 to $0.99 each) from PayPal. Write down both amounts. Go back to PayPal, find the account in your Wallet, and enter the two amounts in the verification field. Once PayPal confirms they match, the account is active.
What happens if verification fails
If you enter the wrong amounts, PayPal will tell you when ready and let you try again. You get multiple attempts, so a single mistake doesn't lock you out.
If the deposits never arrive at your bank, wait five to seven business days before contacting PayPal. Sometimes banks delay small deposits, or they may be held in a pending section of your account. Check your bank's pending transactions first. If they're genuinely missing after a week, contact PayPal support with your bank account number and the date you linked the account — they can resend the deposits or verify the account manually in some cases.
If the account holder's name doesn't match your bank records exactly, the deposits may be rejected by your bank. You'll need to unlink that account and add it again with the correct name.
Setting a primary account and switching between accounts
Your primary account is the one PayPal uses by default when you transfer money out or receive a refund. You can change which account is primary by going to your Wallet, finding the account you want to make primary, and selecting Make Primary.
When you're actually sending money — whether it's a transfer to a friend or a withdrawal from your PayPal balance — you can override the primary account and pick a different one from a dropdown menu. This is useful if you want most transfers to go to one account but occasionally need to use another.
If you delete an account from your Wallet, any pending transfers to that account will fail. Don't remove an account if you're waiting for money to arrive.
Switching banks without losing PayPal access
Add your new bank account to PayPal and complete the verification process before you close your old account. This ensures you always have an active account linked to PayPal. If you close your old account first and haven't verified the new one yet, you won't be able to transfer money out of PayPal until the new account is verified.
Once the new account is verified and set as primary, you can safely close the old account at your bank. PayPal will keep the old account in your Wallet for a while, but it will be inactive and won't receive any transfers.
Limits and restrictions on linked accounts
PayPal doesn't publish a maximum number of bank accounts you can link, but in practice most people link between two and five. If you try to add many accounts in a short time, PayPal may flag your account for review.
All linked accounts must be in your own name. You can't link someone else's bank account, even if they give you permission. If you need to send money to someone else's account, use a standard bank transfer or have them set up their own PayPal account.
If your PayPal account is limited or restricted, you won't be able to add new bank accounts until the restriction is lifted. Contact PayPal support to resolve the restriction first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to verify a new bank account?
PayPal usually deposits the two test amounts within one to two business days. Once they arrive at your bank, you can enter them into PayPal when ready. The whole process typically takes three to five business days from start to finish, though it can be faster if your bank processes deposits quickly.
Can I use a bank account that's linked to another PayPal account?
No. Each bank account can only be linked to one PayPal account. If you try to add an account that's already connected to a different PayPal account, PayPal will reject it. You'll need to remove it from the other account first.
What if I don't see the verification deposits in my bank account?
Wait at least five to seven business days — some banks are slow to process small deposits. Check your pending transactions or call your bank to confirm they arrived. If they're genuinely missing, contact PayPal support with your account details and the date you linked the account. They can investigate or resend the deposits.
Do I have to keep my primary account active?
Yes. If you delete your primary account, PayPal will automatically make another linked account primary. You always need at least one active account linked to your PayPal wallet, or you won't be able to transfer money out.
Can I add a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes. PayPal accepts both checking and savings accounts. When you add the account, you'll select the account type from a dropdown menu. The verification process is the same for both.