Yes, you can change your linked business checking account
You can change the bank account connected to your PayPal Business account at any time. PayPal does not lock you into a single account or charge a fee to make the switch. The process takes a few minutes in your account settings, though the new account will not become active for transfers until PayPal confirms it belongs to you.
The reason for the confirmation step is straightforward: PayPal needs to verify you actually own the new account before it will send money there. This protects you from someone else adding their account to your business profile and intercepting your funds.
Key Takeaways
- You can add a new bank account and remove the old one from your PayPal Business settings without contacting PayPal support.
- PayPal will send two small test deposits to your new account, and you must enter those amounts back into PayPal to confirm ownership.
- The verification process usually takes three to five business days, during which your old account remains active for transfers.
- If you remove your only linked account before adding a new one, PayPal will hold any incoming funds until you add a verified account.
- Changing your account does not affect your transaction history, seller ratings, or any active payment arrangements.
How to add a new bank account to your PayPal Business profile
Log into your PayPal Business account and go to Settings (the gear icon in the top right). Select Wallet, then Banks and Cards. Click Link a Debit or Bank Account. Enter your new account number, routing number, and the name the account is registered under. PayPal will ask you to confirm the account type — checking or savings — and the state where the account is held.
After you submit this information, PayPal will tell you that verification is pending. You will not see the new account listed as active yet. Within one to three business days, PayPal will deposit two amounts (usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each) into your new account. Check your bank statement for these deposits.
Confirming your new account with the test deposits
Once you see the two test deposits in your bank account, return to PayPal. Go back to Settings > Wallet > Banks and Cards. Find the new account in your list — it will show a status of "Pending Confirmation." Click on it and select Confirm. PayPal will ask you to enter the exact amounts of the two test deposits. Type them in and click Confirm.
PayPal will verify the amounts within minutes. Once confirmed, your new account will show as active and may be able to access for transfers. From that point forward, any money you withdraw from PayPal will go to this account instead of your old one.
Removing your old account after the new one is verified
Do not remove your old account until your new account is fully confirmed and active. Once the new account shows as verified in your Banks and Cards list, you can remove the old one. Click on the old account, select Remove, and confirm the action. PayPal will not send any more money to that account.
If you remove your only linked account before adding a new one, PayPal will not let you withdraw funds. Any money in your PayPal balance will stay there until you add and verify a new bank account. This can take several days, so plan the switch during a time when you do not need when ready access to your funds.
What happens to pending transfers when you change accounts
If you have already requested a withdrawal to your old account and it has not yet been processed, that transfer will still go to the old account. PayPal does not redirect transfers in progress. Once the transfer completes, any future withdrawals will use your new verified account.
Check your transaction history before you remove the old account to see if any transfers are still pending. If you are unsure whether a transfer has cleared, contact your bank directly — they can tell you whether the deposit arrived.
Changing accounts if you have a PayPal Cash or Cash Plus card
If your PayPal Business account is linked to a PayPal Cash or Cash Plus card, changing your bank account does not affect the card itself. The card remains active and continues to work as before. The bank account change only affects where PayPal sends money when you request a withdrawal to your bank.
If you want to change the bank account associated with your Cash or Cash Plus card (the account where the card draws funds from), that is a separate process handled through the card settings, not the main bank account settings. Go to your Wallet, find the card, and look for account or funding source options.
Troubleshooting a stuck or failed verification
If the test deposits do not appear in your new account after five business days, the account information you entered may be incorrect. Check that your routing number and account number match exactly what your bank shows. Routing numbers are nine digits; account numbers vary by bank but are usually 10 to 12 digits.
If the information is correct and the deposits still have not arrived, your bank may be blocking them. Some banks flag small deposits from PayPal as suspicious. Contact your bank and ask whether they have blocked any deposits from PayPal. If they have, ask them to allow the deposits through, then wait another two to three business days.
If you enter the test deposit amounts incorrectly when confirming, PayPal will reject the confirmation and ask you to try again. You have multiple attempts. If you cannot locate the deposit amounts in your bank statement, contact PayPal support through your account — they can see the amounts on their end and help you find them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have two bank accounts active at the same time?
You can have multiple bank accounts linked to your PayPal Business account, but only one can be set as your primary withdrawal account. Withdrawals go to the primary account unless you manually select a different one each time. You can change which account is primary in your Banks and Cards settings.
How long does it take for money to reach my new account after I request a withdrawal?
Standard transfers to a newly verified account take one to three business days, the same as transfers to any linked account. PayPal processes the withdrawal on the day you request it, but your bank controls how long the deposit takes to appear. Weekends and bank holidays can add time.
What if I change my account and then realize I made a mistake?
If you entered the wrong account number, you can remove the incorrect account from your Banks and Cards list and add the correct one. If you already removed your old account, you can add it back and verify it again using the same test deposit process. There is no penalty for adding and removing accounts.
Do I need to update anything else when I change my bank account?
No. Your business profile, transaction history, seller ratings, and any connected payment tools (like invoicing or donation buttons) all remain unchanged. Only the destination for your withdrawals changes. Customers and other PayPal users will not see any difference.