Yes, you can link your bank account to PayPal and use it to send money, receive payments, and fund your balance
PayPal lets you connect a checking or savings account directly to your account. Once linked, you can use that bank account to send money to other people, pay for purchases online, or add funds to your PayPal balance. The bank account becomes one of your payment methods alongside credit cards and debit cards.
The process takes a few minutes to set up, but PayPal needs to verify that you own the account before you can use it. This verification step protects both you and your bank from fraud.
Key Takeaways
- You can link a U.S. checking or savings account to PayPal by providing your routing number and account number.
- PayPal verifies your bank account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) and asking you to confirm those amounts.
- After verification, you can use your bank account to send money, pay for online purchases, or transfer funds into your PayPal balance.
- Transfers from your bank account to PayPal typically take one to two business days, while transfers out of PayPal to your bank take three to five business days.
- You can unlink your bank account at any time through your PayPal settings without affecting your account or other payment methods.
How to link your bank account to PayPal
Start by logging into your PayPal account on a computer or the mobile app. Go to your Wallet or Account Settings (the exact location varies slightly between the app and website). Look for the option to add a bank account or payment method.
PayPal will ask for your routing number and account number. You can find both on the bottom left of a check, or by logging into your bank's website or app. Enter these numbers carefully — a mistake here means the verification will fail and you'll have to start over.
After you submit this information, PayPal sends two small deposits to your bank account. This usually happens within one to two business days. You'll see them in your bank account with a code or reference number attached.
Verifying your bank account
Once the two deposits appear in your bank account, go back to PayPal and confirm the amounts. PayPal asks you to enter the exact dollar amounts of both deposits — for example, $0.23 and $0.17. This proves you have access to the account and own it.
If you don't see the deposits after three business days, check that you entered your routing and account numbers correctly. If they're wrong, you'll need to delete that bank account from PayPal and add it again with the correct information.
Once you confirm the amounts, your bank account is verified and ready to use. PayPal automatically withdraws those two small deposits, so you won't lose money in the process.
What you can do with a linked bank account
A verified bank account gives you several options. You can use it to send money to friends and family through PayPal's money transfer feature. You can also use it as a payment method when you're shopping online at stores that accept PayPal.
You can transfer money from your bank account into your PayPal balance, which takes one to two business days. This is useful if you want to hold funds in PayPal before sending them elsewhere, or if you're waiting for a payment to arrive and want to cover a purchase in the meantime.
You can also withdraw money from your PayPal balance back to your bank account. This takes three to five business days and is free if you choose standard transfer. PayPal also offers when ready transfers for a small fee (usually $0.25 to $2.00 depending on the amount).
Timing and fees for bank transfers
| Transfer Type | Time Frame | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bank to PayPal balance | 1–2 business days | Free |
| PayPal balance to bank (standard) | 3–5 business days | Free |
| PayPal balance to bank (when ready) | 30 minutes or less | $0.25–$2.00 |
| Sending money to another person | when ready to recipient's PayPal account; 1–3 days if they withdraw to their bank | Free for bank-funded transfers |
Business days are Monday through Friday and do not include weekends or federal holidays. If you initiate a transfer on a Friday evening, it won't begin processing until Monday, which can make the total time longer than the stated range.
Security and what PayPal needs from you
PayPal requires your routing number and account number to link your bank account. These are the same numbers you'd give to an employer for direct deposit, so they're safe to share with PayPal. Do not share your PIN, password, or online banking login information — PayPal will never ask for these.
Once your account is linked, PayPal stores this information securely and uses it only to move money in and out of your account. You can see which bank account is linked in your PayPal settings and can remove it at any time.
If you notice unauthorized transfers or suspicious activity, contact PayPal's Resolution Center when ready. You can also contact your bank directly — they have their own fraud protections and can reverse unauthorized transfers on their end.
Unlinking or removing your bank account
You can remove a bank account from PayPal whenever you want. Go to your Wallet or Account Settings, find the linked bank account, and select the option to remove or unlink it. This doesn't affect your PayPal account or any other payment methods you have on file.
If you're removing the account because you closed that bank account, make sure you don't have any pending transfers to or from it. If a transfer is in progress when you unlink the account, it may fail and you'll need to contact PayPal to resolve it.
If you want to switch to a different bank account, you can add a new one while keeping the old one linked, then remove the old one once you've confirmed the new one works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes. PayPal accepts both checking and savings accounts. The process is the same — you provide your routing number and account number, wait for the verification deposits, and confirm the amounts. Some banks process these deposits slightly differently for savings accounts, but PayPal handles both types.
What if the verification deposits don't show up in my bank account?
Wait at least three business days from when you submitted your information. If they still haven't appeared, check that you entered your routing and account numbers correctly. If you made a mistake, delete the bank account from PayPal and add it again with the correct numbers. If the numbers were correct, contact your bank — they may have flagged the deposits as suspicious and blocked them.
Can I use my bank account to receive money from other PayPal users?
Not directly. When someone sends you money through PayPal, it goes into your PayPal balance first. From there, you can transfer it to your linked bank account. The transfer takes three to five business days for a standard transfer, or 30 minutes or less if you pay the when ready transfer fee.
Is it safe to link my bank account to PayPal?
Yes, if you're linking it to your own legitimate PayPal account. PayPal uses encryption and fraud detection to protect your information. Only share your routing and account number with PayPal — never share your PIN, password, or online banking login. If you see unauthorized activity, contact PayPal and your bank when ready.
Can I link multiple bank accounts to one PayPal account?
Yes. You can add more than one bank account to your PayPal account. When you send money or make a purchase, you can choose which bank account to use. This is useful if you have accounts at different banks or want to keep personal and business finances separate.