Yes, you can pay with a checking account on PayPal
PayPal lets you link your checking account directly and use it to send money to other people or pay for things online. When you link your account, PayPal pulls money straight from your bank instead of requiring you to load money into PayPal first. This works the same way whether you're sending money to a friend or paying a business.
The process takes a few minutes, and once your account is linked, you can choose your checking account as your payment method whenever you're ready to send or spend money. PayPal doesn't charge you a fee for this — the cost depends on what you're doing (sending money to friends is usually free, but business payments may have a fee).
Key Takeaways
- You can link your checking account to PayPal by providing your routing number and account number, which PayPal verifies with two small test deposits.
- Once linked, your checking account appears as a payment option whenever you send money or make a purchase through PayPal.
- PayPal does not charge you to link a checking account or to use it for personal transfers, though business payments may include a fee.
- Your bank may charge you a fee if you overdraft, but PayPal itself will not prevent you from using a checking account with a low balance.
- You can unlink your checking account at any time through your PayPal settings, and the test deposits PayPal made will be returned to your account.
What information you need to link your checking account
To link your checking account, you'll need the routing number and account number from your bank. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank branch. Your account number is the unique number assigned to your checking account.
You can find both numbers on the bottom left of any check you have. If you don't have checks, log into your bank's website or app — most banks display these numbers in the account details section. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask them to read the numbers to you.
You'll also need your PayPal login information. If you don't have a PayPal account yet, you can create one for free using your email address.
The step-by-step process for linking your account
Log into your PayPal account and go to the Wallet section. Look for the option to add a bank account or payment method — the exact wording changes depending on whether you're using the website or the app, but it's usually labeled "Link a bank account" or "Add bank account."
Enter your routing number and account number when PayPal asks for them. PayPal will then send two small test deposits (usually between 1 and 2 cents each) to your checking account. These deposits appear within one to two business days. Once you see them, you'll need to log back into PayPal and confirm the exact amounts of those deposits — this proves you actually own the account.
After you confirm the amounts, your checking account is linked and ready to use. PayPal will automatically remove those test deposits from your account, so you don't need to do anything else.
How to choose your checking account when you pay
Once your checking account is linked, it shows up in your list of payment methods. When you're sending money to someone or paying for something, PayPal will show you all your available payment options — your checking account, any credit or debit cards you've linked, and your PayPal balance if you have one.
Click or tap on your checking account to select it as your payment method for that transaction. If you want to make your checking account your default payment method (the one PayPal uses automatically unless you choose something else), you can set that in your account settings under Wallet or Payment Methods.
Fees and what happens if your account runs low
PayPal does not charge you a fee for linking your checking account or for sending money to friends and family. If you're using your checking account to pay a business or to receive a payment yourself, fees may explore — PayPal's website shows the exact fee before you complete the transaction, so you'll know the cost upfront.
If your checking account doesn't have enough money to cover a payment, PayPal will decline the transaction and tell you the payment failed. Your bank will not charge you an overdraft fee just because PayPal tried to pull money — overdraft fees only happen if your bank allows the transaction to go through anyway and your balance goes negative. You can avoid this by checking your balance before you pay.
Unlinking your checking account
You can remove your checking account from PayPal at any time. Go to your Wallet or Payment Methods section, find your checking account in the list, and select the option to remove or unlink it. PayPal will stop trying to use that account for future payments.
If you unlink your account before those test deposits clear, PayPal will still return them to your bank — you don't need to do anything. If you linked your account months ago and forgot about those test deposits, they've already been removed from your account, so there's nothing to worry about.
Security and protecting your information
When you link your checking account, you're giving PayPal permission to pull money from that account on your behalf. PayPal uses encryption to protect your routing and account numbers, the same way your bank does. You can see a record of every transaction PayPal made from your checking account in your bank statement.
If you notice a transaction you didn't authorize, contact PayPal's customer service right away. You can also contact your bank — they have their own fraud protection rules and can help you dispute unauthorized charges. If your PayPal account is compromised, unlinking your checking account when ready stops PayPal from being able to pull money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use my checking account every time I pay with PayPal?
No. Once your checking account is linked, it's just one option among your payment methods. You can choose a different payment method for any individual transaction, or set a different default payment method in your settings.
What if I don't see the test deposits from PayPal?
Test deposits usually arrive within one to two business days. If more than three business days have passed, log back into PayPal and check whether the account is still pending verification. If it is, you may need to re-enter your information or contact PayPal support to troubleshoot.
Can I link a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes. PayPal accepts both checking and savings accounts. The process is identical — you provide your routing number and account number, confirm the test deposits, and you're ready to use it.
What happens to my linked checking account if I close my PayPal account?
If you close your PayPal account, the link is automatically removed. Your checking account itself remains open at your bank — closing PayPal doesn't affect your bank account in any way.
Can PayPal see my checking account balance?
No. PayPal only sees the information you give it: your routing number and account number. PayPal cannot view your balance, your transaction history, or any other details about your account. Your bank controls all of that information.