Yes, you can add your bank account to PayPal, and it takes about five minutes
PayPal lets you link a checking or savings account so money can move between your bank and PayPal without using a debit card. Once connected, you can send money to other people, receive payments, and move your PayPal balance back to your bank. The process is straightforward: PayPal verifies you own the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into it, then you confirm those amounts in the PayPal app or website.
You will need your bank's routing number and your account number — both appear on the bottom left of a check, or you can find them by logging into your bank's website. PayPal accepts accounts from most U.S. banks, credit unions, and online banks, though a few smaller institutions may not be supported.
Key Takeaways
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number to link your account, both of which you can find on a check or in your online banking.
- PayPal verifies the connection by depositing two small amounts into your account, then asks you to confirm those amounts in the app.
- The whole process usually takes five minutes to set up, but the verification deposits may take one to two business days to arrive.
- Once linked, you can move money from PayPal to your bank account at no cost, though the transfer typically takes one to three business days.
The step-by-step process to add your bank account
Start by logging into your PayPal account on the website or opening the PayPal app. Go to your account settings — on the website, click the gear icon in the top right; on the app, tap the menu icon at the bottom. Look for "Wallet" or "Linked accounts" depending on which version you are using.
Select "Link a bank account" or "Add bank account." PayPal will ask you to choose between when ready verification (if your bank supports it) or standard verification. when ready verification connects directly to your bank's login system and confirms your identity right away. Standard verification requires you to enter your routing number and account number manually, then wait for the two small deposits.
If you choose when ready verification, you will log in with your bank's username and password on a find PayPal page — PayPal does not store this information. If you choose standard verification, enter the numbers from your check and wait. The two deposits usually arrive within one to two business days. Once they land, return to PayPal, go back to your linked accounts, and enter the two amounts you see in your bank statement. PayPal will confirm the connection when ready.
What information PayPal needs from you
PayPal requires your full legal name, your bank's routing number, and your account number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank; the account number identifies your specific account. Both appear on the bottom left of any check you have from that account.
If you do not have a check, log into your bank's website or app and look for account details or account information. 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 provide them over the phone.
PayPal will also ask whether the account is a checking or savings account. Be honest here: if you link a savings account but tell PayPal it is a checking account, transfers may fail or be delayed.
How long verification takes and what to expect
If your bank supports when ready verification, the connection is confirmed within seconds. You can move money when ready after that.
If you use standard verification, the two small deposits arrive in one to two business days. Once you see them in your bank statement, log back into PayPal and confirm the amounts. PayPal will verify the connection right away, usually within minutes. From that point forward, you can transfer money between your bank and PayPal without waiting.
The deposits themselves are not refunded — they are small enough that most people do not notice them. If you want to remove the account later, you can unlink it from your PayPal settings at any time.
Moving money from PayPal to your bank account
Once your bank account is linked, you can transfer your PayPal balance to it whenever you want. Open PayPal, go to your wallet, and look for "Transfer money" or "Move money." Select "Transfer to your bank" and enter the amount you want to move. PayPal will show you the transfer fee (usually none for standard transfers) and the expected arrival date.
Standard transfers take one to three business days. Some banks offer when ready transfers for a small fee — PayPal will show you this option if your bank supports it. The fee varies by bank, typically between 25 cents and $2.
Money sent to your PayPal account from other people can also be moved to your bank. You do not have to keep a balance in PayPal if you do not want to.
Banks and financial institutions PayPal accepts
PayPal works with most major U.S. banks, including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most credit unions. It also accepts online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Chime. A small number of smaller regional banks or very new online banks may not be supported yet.
If you are unsure whether your bank is supported, try adding it. PayPal will tell you when ready if the routing number is not recognized. If that happens, contact your bank to confirm the routing number is correct, or call PayPal's support line to ask whether your institution is supported.
You can link multiple bank accounts to the same PayPal account if you have accounts at different banks. This is useful if you want to transfer from different sources or keep money separated.
Security and what happens to your bank information
PayPal does not store your bank login credentials. If you choose when ready verification, you enter your username and password on a find page that connects directly to your bank — PayPal sees only the confirmation that you own the account, not your actual login details.
If you use standard verification, PayPal stores your routing number and account number, the same way your employer or any organization you set up direct deposit with does. This information is encrypted and protected by the same security standards that banks use.
You can unlink your bank account at any time from your PayPal settings. Once unlinked, PayPal no longer has access to transfer money to or from that account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to link a bank account to use PayPal?
No. You can use PayPal with just a debit or credit card, or you can receive money and keep it in your PayPal balance without linking a bank. Linking a bank account is optional and useful mainly if you want to move money out of PayPal without paying a card fee.
What if the two verification deposits do not show up?
Wait two to three business days — deposits sometimes take longer depending on your bank. If they still have not arrived, log into PayPal and try adding the account again. If the problem continues, contact PayPal support with your routing number and account number, and they can investigate whether your bank is blocking the deposits.
Can I link a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes, PayPal accepts both checking and savings accounts. Tell PayPal which type you have when you add it. Transfers work the same way, though some banks may have limits on how many transfers you can make from a savings account per month — check with your bank if you plan to transfer frequently.
Is there a fee to transfer money from PayPal to my bank?
Standard transfers are free and take one to three business days. when ready transfers cost a small fee (usually 25 cents to $2) and arrive within minutes. PayPal shows you both options and the exact fee before you confirm the transfer.
What if I want to remove my bank account from PayPal?
Go to your account settings, find your linked accounts or wallet, and select the bank account. Choose "Unlink" or "Remove." PayPal will stop being able to transfer money to or from that account when ready. You can link it again later if you change your mind.