Yes, you can transfer money from your bank account to PayPal in a few different ways
The most common method is to link your bank account directly to PayPal, then transfer money whenever you need it. PayPal calls this a "bank transfer," and it moves funds from your checking or savings account into your PayPal balance. The transfer usually takes one to three business days, and there is no fee for this direction of movement — PayPal does not charge you to pull money in from your bank.
You can also add funds by linking a debit card instead of a bank account, though this works the same way and takes the same amount of time. A third option is to have someone send you money through PayPal (called a "transfer" or "payment"), which lands in your PayPal account when ready if they use their linked bank account or card, though you cannot initiate this yourself.
Key Takeaways
- Linking your bank account to PayPal lets you transfer money in at no cost, and the money arrives in one to three business days.
- You will need your bank's routing number and your account number to link your account, which you can find on a check or by logging into your bank's website.
- PayPal will make two small test deposits to your bank account to confirm you own it, which you then verify in the PayPal app to complete the link.
- Once linked, you can transfer money to PayPal as often as you want, but transfers cannot be reversed once they leave your bank account.
- If you want to move money back out of PayPal to your bank, that process is separate and also takes one to three business days.
How to link your bank account to PayPal
Start by logging into your PayPal account on a computer or in the PayPal app. Look for a section called "Wallet," "My Account," or "Settings" — the exact name depends on whether you are using the website or the app, but it is usually near the top or in a menu. Once you are there, find the option to add a bank account or payment method.
PayPal will ask for your bank's routing number and your account number. You can find both on a check from your checking account — the routing number is the first set of numbers on the bottom left, and your account number comes right after it. 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.
After you enter these numbers, PayPal will tell you that it is sending two small test deposits to your bank account. These deposits (usually less than a dollar each) arrive within a few days. Once they show up in your bank account, you go back to PayPal and enter the exact amounts of those two deposits. This confirms that you own the account and that the link is real.
Transferring money from your bank to PayPal
Once your bank account is linked and verified, transferring money is straightforward. In the PayPal app or website, find the "Transfer Money" or "Add Funds" option — again, the exact wording varies by platform. Select "Transfer from your bank," choose the amount you want to move, and confirm the transfer.
The money will leave your bank account right away, but it does not show up in your PayPal balance when ready. PayPal typically takes one to three business days to complete the transfer. Weekends and bank holidays can add time, so a transfer you start on a Friday afternoon might not arrive until Tuesday. Once the money is in your PayPal account, you can use it to send money to other people, make purchases, or leave it sitting there.
One important thing to know: once the money leaves your bank account, you cannot cancel the transfer. If you change your mind, you have to wait for the money to arrive in PayPal and then transfer it back to your bank — which takes another one to three business days. So double-check the amount before you confirm.
Using a debit card instead of a bank account
If you do not want to link your bank account directly, you can link a debit card instead. The process is similar: you enter your card number, expiration date, and security code in PayPal's payment method section. PayPal may ask you to verify the card by entering a code sent to your phone or email.
Transfers from a debit card work the same way as bank account transfers — they take one to three business days and cost nothing. The main difference is that debit card transfers sometimes have lower limits on how much you can move at once, depending on your card issuer and PayPal's rules for your account.
What happens if you receive money from someone else
If another person sends you money through PayPal, it lands in your PayPal account without you having to do anything. The speed depends on how they sent it: if they used their linked bank account or debit card, the money arrives when ready. If they used their PayPal balance or a credit card, it also arrives when ready. Either way, the money is yours to use or transfer out.
This is different from you transferring money in — you cannot receive money from your own bank account. You can only pull money from your bank into PayPal by using the transfer feature described above.
Fees and limits on transfers
PayPal does not charge a fee when you transfer money from your bank account into your PayPal balance. Your bank might charge a fee for the outgoing transfer, but most do not — check your bank's fee schedule or call them to be sure.
There are limits on how much you can transfer at once and how much you can transfer in a day or month. These limits vary based on your account age, your history with PayPal, and whether you have verified your identity. New accounts usually have lower limits, and limits increase over time as you use PayPal. When you try to transfer money, PayPal will show you your current limit for that transfer.
Moving money back out of PayPal to your bank
If you want to go the other direction — taking money out of PayPal and putting it back into your bank account — that process is also free and takes one to three business days. In PayPal, look for "Withdraw" or "Transfer to Your Bank," select the amount, and confirm. The money will leave your PayPal balance right away but will not show up in your bank account for a few days.
Just like transfers going in, you cannot cancel a withdrawal once it has started. If you need the money back in PayPal, you have to wait for it to arrive in your bank and then transfer it back again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to verify my identity to link a bank account?
Most people can link a bank account without extra verification — the two test deposits do the job. However, PayPal may ask for additional information like your Social Security number or a photo ID if your account is new, if you are transferring large amounts, or if PayPal flags something as unusual. If this happens, PayPal will tell you what documents to send.
What if the test deposits do not show up in my bank account?
Wait at least five business days after you enter your bank information, since deposits can take time. If they still have not arrived, check that you entered your routing number and account number correctly. If they are correct, contact your bank to ask if the deposits were blocked or rejected. You may need to try linking again or contact PayPal support for help.
Can I transfer money to PayPal from a savings account?
Yes, you can link a savings account just like a checking account. The process is identical — you enter the routing number and account number, verify the test deposits, and then transfer money. Transfers take the same one to three business days regardless of account type.
Is it safe to give PayPal my bank account number?
PayPal is a major payment company used by millions of people, and it uses encryption to protect your information. Giving PayPal your routing number and account number is standard practice and no riskier than giving that information to any other company. However, only link your account through the official PayPal website or app — never enter your bank details on a link sent to you by email or text, as that could be a scam.
Why is my transfer taking longer than three days?
Transfers initiated on weekends or holidays may not start processing until the next business day, which adds time. Your bank may also process transfers slowly if you are new to the account or if the transfer amount is unusually large. If it has been more than five business days, contact PayPal or your bank to check the status.