Yes, you can change your bank account in PayPal at any time
You can add a new bank account to your PayPal account, remove an old one, or switch which account PayPal uses as your default. The process takes a few minutes and happens entirely within the PayPal app or website. PayPal will verify the new account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $0.10 each) into it, which you then confirm back in PayPal to prove you own the account.
The timing matters depending on what you are trying to do. If you want to withdraw money to a new bank account, you can add it and start using it the same day, but the verification deposits take one to two business days to arrive. If you want to remove an old account, you can do that when ready — PayPal does not hold you to keeping a bank account linked.
Key Takeaways
- You can add a new bank account, change your default account, or remove an old one from your PayPal account settings without closing your PayPal account.
- New bank accounts must be verified by confirming two small test deposits that PayPal sends, which arrive within one to two business days.
- You can withdraw money to a newly added account when ready, but the withdrawal will not process until the account is verified.
- If you want to remove a bank account that has a pending withdrawal, you must wait for that withdrawal to complete first.
- Changing your bank account does not affect your PayPal balance, transaction history, or any money you have already received.
How to add a new bank account to PayPal
Log into PayPal on the website or open the PayPal app. Go to Settings (the gear icon on mobile, or "Settings" in the menu on desktop). Select Wallet or Banks and Cards depending on your version. Tap or click Link a Bank Account.
PayPal will ask for your bank's name, your account type (checking or savings), your account number, and your routing number. You can find your routing number on a check, or by calling your bank. Enter your information and select Link Bank Account. PayPal will tell you that verification deposits are on the way.
Within one to two business days, two small deposits (usually $0.01 to $0.05 each) will appear in your bank account. Go back to PayPal, return to your bank account settings, and enter the exact amounts of both deposits. Once you confirm them correctly, your account is verified and ready to use.
What to do if verification deposits do not arrive
If you do not see the deposits after three business days, check that you entered your account number and routing number correctly. Log back into PayPal, go to your bank account settings, and look for an option to Resend Verification Deposits or Re-verify. PayPal will send two new deposits.
If the deposits still do not arrive, contact your bank directly. Some banks flag small deposits as suspicious or route them to a separate holding area. Ask your bank whether they received deposits from PayPal, and whether they are holding them. If your bank says the deposits never arrived, contact PayPal support through the app or website — they can manually verify your account in some cases.
How to change your default bank account
If you have multiple bank accounts linked to PayPal, you can choose which one receives your withdrawals by default. Go to Settings > Wallet (or Banks and CardsDefault or with a checkmark is the one PayPal will use unless you choose differently when you withdraw.
To change the default, find the account you want to use instead and select Make Default or tap the radio button next to it. The change takes effect when ready. You can also choose a different account each time you withdraw money — you do not have to use the default.
How to remove a bank account from PayPal
Go to Settings > Wallet (or Banks and Cards). Find the account you want to remove and select Remove, Delete, or the three-dot menu next to it. PayPal will ask you to confirm. The account is removed when ready.
The one exception: if you have a withdrawal in progress to that account, you cannot remove it until the withdrawal completes. PayPal will show you a message saying the account is in use. Wait for the withdrawal to land in your bank account (usually one to three business days), then remove the account.
What happens to your money when you change accounts
Your PayPal balance stays in your PayPal account. Changing or removing a bank account does not move money out of PayPal or affect the balance you see when you log in. The bank account is only the destination where PayPal sends money when you request a withdrawal.
If you had a withdrawal pending to an old account when you removed it, that withdrawal will still go to the old account — removing the account does not cancel the withdrawal. If you need to stop a withdrawal, you must do that separately through your transaction history before the money leaves PayPal.
Why PayPal might not let you change your account
PayPal occasionally limits changes to bank accounts if your account has had disputes, chargebacks, or unusual activity. If you see a message saying you cannot add or change a bank account, it usually means PayPal is reviewing your account for security reasons. This can take a few days to a few weeks.
You can still receive money and spend your PayPal balance during this time — you just cannot withdraw to a bank account or change which account receives withdrawals. Contact PayPal support through the app or website to ask when the restriction will lift, or whether there is additional information you need to provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to verify a new bank account?
The verification deposits arrive within one to two business days. Once they arrive, you confirm the amounts in PayPal, and your account is verified when ready. The whole process usually takes two to three business days from the time you enter your account information.
Can I withdraw money to a bank account before it is verified?
You can request a withdrawal to an unverified account, but PayPal will not process it until the account is verified. The withdrawal will sit in a pending state. Once verification is complete, the withdrawal will go through on its normal timeline (usually one to three business days).
What if I enter the wrong routing number or account number?
If you enter incorrect information, the verification deposits will go to the wrong account or not arrive at all. You can delete the account from your PayPal settings and add it again with the correct information. There is no penalty for deleting and re-adding an account.
Do I need to keep a bank account linked to PayPal?
No. You can remove all your bank accounts and still use PayPal to send and receive money. You just will not be able to withdraw your balance to a bank account. You can add a bank account again whenever you need to withdraw.
Can I link the same bank account to multiple PayPal accounts?
Yes, you can link one bank account to more than one PayPal account. Each PayPal account will need to verify the account separately with its own test deposits. This is useful if you have both a personal and business PayPal account.