Yes, you can pay PayPal from your bank account
You can link your bank account to PayPal and transfer money into your PayPal balance whenever you need it. This is one of the most common ways people fund their PayPal account, and it costs nothing — PayPal does not charge a fee for bank transfers into your account.
The process takes a few minutes to set up the first time, then becomes automatic. Once your bank account is linked and verified, you can move money between your bank and PayPal in either direction: you can add money to PayPal, or you can withdraw PayPal funds back to your bank account.
This is different from paying a merchant or another person through PayPal — that is a separate action. This is about filling up your PayPal balance so you have money sitting there ready to spend or send.
Key Takeaways
- You can link your bank account to PayPal for free and transfer money in either direction without fees.
- The first time you link an account, PayPal deposits two small amounts to verify it belongs to you, then you enter those amounts back into PayPal to confirm.
- Transfers from your bank to PayPal usually take one to two business days, though some transfers can take longer depending on your bank.
- You can link multiple bank accounts to the same PayPal account, and you can choose which one to transfer from each time you add money.
How to link your bank account to PayPal
Start by logging into your PayPal account on a computer or in the PayPal app. Go to your account settings — this is usually a gear icon or a menu labeled "Account" or "Settings." Look for a section called "Wallet," "Bank Accounts," or "Linked Accounts." The exact name varies depending on whether you are using the website or the app.
Select the option to add a bank account. PayPal will ask for your bank's routing number and your account number. You can find both on the bottom left of a check from your account, or you can log into your bank's website and find them in the account details section. Enter both numbers carefully — if either is wrong, the verification will fail and you will have to start over.
After you enter your account information, PayPal will tell you it is sending two small deposits to your bank account. This is the verification step. These deposits are real money — they are usually between one and two cents each — and they arrive within a few business days. Once they show up in your bank account, you go back to PayPal and enter the exact amounts you received. This proves to PayPal that you own the account.
How long transfers take and what to expect
Once your bank account is verified, you can transfer money from your bank into PayPal. Go to your Wallet or the transfer section and select "Transfer Money," then choose "From Your Bank." Enter the amount you want to move and confirm. PayPal will show you an estimated arrival date — usually one to two business days.
The actual time depends on your bank. Some banks process transfers faster than others, and transfers initiated on a weekend or holiday may not start until the next business day. If you need the money urgently, check with your bank about whether they offer same-day transfers, though PayPal's standard timeline is still one to two business days.
You will see the transfer show up as "pending" in your PayPal account right away, even though the money has not arrived yet. Once it clears, the status changes to "complete" and you can spend it.
Moving money back to your bank from PayPal
You can also send money in the opposite direction — from your PayPal balance back to your linked bank account. This is useful if you received money through PayPal and want it in your regular checking account, or if you transferred too much into PayPal by mistake.
Go to your Wallet, find the bank account you want to transfer to, and select "Transfer to Your Bank" or "Withdraw." Enter the amount and confirm. This also takes one to two business days, depending on your bank. PayPal does not charge a fee for this either.
One thing to know: if you have a PayPal balance and you want to withdraw it all, you must withdraw to a linked bank account — you cannot get cash directly from PayPal. This is why linking a bank account early is useful, even if you do not plan to use it right away.
What happens if the verification fails
If PayPal's two test deposits do not arrive within a few business days, or if you enter the amounts wrong when confirming them, the linking will fail. If this happens, you can try again. Go back to your account settings and attempt to link the account a second time.
If it fails a second time, the issue is usually that the account number or routing number you entered was incorrect. Double-check both numbers against your check or your bank's website. If you are still having trouble, contact your bank to confirm they have the right information on file, then try linking again.
Some banks flag transfers to PayPal as unusual activity and block them temporarily. If your transfer keeps failing, call your bank's customer service line and let them know you are trying to link your account to PayPal. They may need to approve it on their end before it will go through.
Linking multiple bank accounts
You can link more than one bank account to your PayPal account. This is helpful if you have accounts at different banks, or if you want to keep your PayPal transfers separate from your main checking account. Each account must go through the same verification process with the two small deposits.
Once multiple accounts are linked, you can choose which one to transfer from each time you add money to PayPal. You can also set a default account, so PayPal uses that one automatically unless you choose a different one.
Fees and limits
PayPal does not charge you to link a bank account or to transfer money between your bank and PayPal. The transfers themselves are free in both directions.
PayPal does have limits on how much you can transfer at once and how much you can transfer in a given period, but these limits vary based on your account history and how long you have been using PayPal. When you go to make a transfer, PayPal will tell you what your current limit is. If you need to transfer more than your limit allows, you can contact PayPal to request a higher limit, though they may ask you to verify additional information first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes. PayPal accepts both checking and savings accounts. The process is the same — you enter the routing number and account number, wait for the two verification deposits, and confirm them. Some people prefer to use a savings account for PayPal transfers to keep their spending money separate.
What if I do not have a bank account yet?
You will need a bank account to link to PayPal using this method. If you do not have one, you can open a checking account at most banks or credit unions. Some banks offer accounts specifically for people new to banking, with lower fees and simpler requirements. Once your account is open and you have your routing and account numbers, you can link it to PayPal.
Is it safe to give PayPal my bank account number?
PayPal is a major financial company that handles millions of bank transfers every day. Giving them your routing number and account number is standard practice and no riskier than setting up direct deposit at your job. Your bank account is protected by federal law, and PayPal uses encryption to find your information.
Can I transfer money from PayPal to someone else's bank account?
No. You can only transfer PayPal money to your own linked bank account. If you want to send money to another person, you use PayPal's "Send Money" or "Friends and Family" feature, which sends it to their PayPal account or email address, not directly to their bank.
What if my bank account information changes?
If you close the bank account you linked to PayPal, or if your account number changes, you should update or remove that account from PayPal. Go to your account settings and delete the old account, then link your new one using the same verification process. If you do not update it and try to transfer money, the transfer will fail and you will have to link a new account before trying again.