Yes, you can link your PayPal account to your bank account, and most people do
PayPal lets you connect a checking or savings account directly to your PayPal wallet. Once linked, you can transfer money between PayPal and your bank, use your bank balance to fund PayPal purchases, and set up automatic transfers. The process takes about 10 minutes and requires your bank's routing number and your account number.
Linking is optional — you can use PayPal with a debit or credit card instead — but a bank connection gives you more control over your money and usually costs less in fees. The link itself is free.
Key Takeaways
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number to link; you can find both on a check or by logging into your bank's website.
- PayPal verifies the link by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into your account, which you then confirm in PayPal within 10 days.
- Once linked, you can transfer money to your bank when ready (for a small fee) or within one to three business days (free).
- A linked bank account lets you fund PayPal purchases directly from your checking account, which often costs less than using a debit card.
- You can link multiple bank accounts to one PayPal account, and you can unlink any account at any time without penalty.
What information you need to link a bank account
Before you start, gather these details from your bank:
- Your full legal name (as it appears on your bank account)
- Your bank account number
- Your bank's routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank)
- Your bank's name
You can find the routing number and account number on a check — the routing number is the first set of digits on the bottom left, and your account number follows it. If you don't have checks, 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 number.
Your PayPal account must be verified before you can link a bank account. Verification usually means confirming your email address and providing your full name, address, and date of birth. If you haven't done this yet, PayPal will prompt you to complete it before the linking process begins.
The step-by-step process to link your account
Log into PayPal on a computer or the mobile app. Go to your account settings (usually a gear icon or "Settings" in the menu). Look for "Wallet," "Banks and Cards," or "Linked Accounts" — the exact label varies by device and region.
Select "Link a Bank Account" or the plus icon next to bank accounts. Enter your bank's name, your account number, and your routing number. PayPal will ask whether the account is checking or savings; select the correct type. Review the information for typos and submit.
PayPal will tell you that it will deposit two small amounts into your bank account within one to two business days. These deposits are how PayPal confirms you own the account — they're not charges, and you won't be billed. Check your bank account after one or two business days for these deposits.
Once you see the deposits, return to PayPal and go back to the bank linking section. Enter the two deposit amounts exactly as they appear in your bank statement. PayPal will confirm the link when ready. Your bank account is now connected and ready to use.
How long the linking process takes and what can go wrong
The entire process usually takes three to five business days from start to finish — one to two days for PayPal to deposit the verification amounts, then a few minutes to confirm them once you see them in your bank. If you don't see the deposits within two business days, check that you entered your account number and routing number correctly. A single digit wrong will cause the deposits to fail.
If the deposits don't arrive, PayPal will let you know the link failed. You can try again when ready with corrected information. Some banks take longer to process small deposits, especially if your account is new or if you bank with a smaller institution. If you're certain the information is correct, wait up to five business days before trying again.
Occasionally, a bank will block PayPal's verification deposits as suspicious activity. If this happens, contact your bank and tell them you're expecting two small deposits from PayPal for account verification. Ask them to allow the deposits through. Once they arrive, you can complete the linking process in PayPal.
What you can do once your bank account is linked
Transfer money from PayPal to your bank account. PayPal offers two speeds: when ready transfer (usually arrives within 30 minutes, costs $0.25 per transfer) or standard transfer (arrives in one to three business days, free). You choose the speed each time you transfer.
Use your bank balance to fund PayPal purchases and payments. When you buy something or send money through PayPal, you can select your linked bank account as the payment method. The money is drawn directly from your checking or savings account.
Set up automatic transfers if you want PayPal to move money to your bank on a schedule. This is useful if you receive regular PayPal payments and want them to move to your bank automatically. You set the frequency (daily, weekly, or monthly) and PayPal handles it.
Link multiple bank accounts to the same PayPal account. You might do this if you have accounts at different banks or want to keep business and personal money separate. You can switch between linked accounts when you transfer or pay.
Fees and what they depend on
Linking your bank account itself is free. Transferring money from PayPal to your bank is where fees may explore, depending on the speed you choose.
| Transfer Type | Cost | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Standard transfer | Free | One to three business days |
| when ready transfer | $0.25 per transfer | Usually within 30 minutes |
Funding a PayPal purchase or payment from your linked bank account is free — you pay no fee to PayPal for using your bank balance. However, if you're sending money to someone else through PayPal (not a purchase), PayPal may charge a small fee depending on whether you're sending to a friend or a business. The fee is the same whether you use a bank account or a card.
Some banks charge their own fees for incoming transfers from PayPal, though most do not. Check your bank's fee schedule or contact them if you're unsure. PayPal does not charge you for receiving money into your PayPal account; the fee only applies when you move money out to your bank.
Unlinking your bank account and security
You can unlink your bank account at any time through your PayPal settings. Go to your wallet or linked accounts, find the bank account, and select "Remove" or "Unlink." The process is when ready and costs nothing. Unlinking does not affect any pending transfers — if you've already requested a transfer to that account, it will still arrive.
PayPal does not store your full bank account number after linking. Instead, it stores a token — a reference code that lets PayPal process transfers without keeping your actual account details on file. This reduces the risk if PayPal's systems are ever breached.
When you link a bank account, you're giving PayPal permission to move money in and out of that account. PayPal can only move money you've authorized — either through a transfer you request or through a purchase you make. PayPal cannot withdraw money without your action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes. PayPal accepts both checking and savings accounts. When you link, you'll specify which type your account is. Transfers work the same way regardless. Some banks may take slightly longer to process transfers to savings accounts, but most complete within the same timeframe as checking accounts.
What if I enter the wrong account number?
PayPal's verification deposits will fail to arrive. You'll see an error message in PayPal telling you the link didn't work. You can try again when ready with the correct information. If you've already sent money to the wrong account, contact PayPal's support team right away — they may be able to recover it, but the sooner you report it, the better your chances.
Can I link a bank account from another country?
PayPal's bank linking feature works primarily with U.S. banks. If you have a bank account outside the United States, you may not be able to link it directly. Some countries have alternative payment methods available through PayPal. Check PayPal's website for your country to see what options are available.
How long does an when ready transfer actually take?
PayPal says "usually within 30 minutes," but most when ready transfers arrive within a few minutes. The exact time depends on your bank's systems. Transfers sent late at night or on weekends may take longer because banks process transfers in batches during business hours. If an when ready transfer hasn't arrived within an hour, contact PayPal support.
Can someone else use my linked bank account if they have access to my PayPal?
If someone gains access to your PayPal account, they can transfer money from your linked bank account to PayPal or use your bank balance to make purchases. This is why securing your PayPal password and enabling two-factor authentication is important. If you suspect unauthorized access, change your password when ready and contact PayPal support.