The fastest way is to link your bank account to PayPal and transfer directly
You can move money from your bank account into your PayPal balance in two to three business days. PayPal calls this a "bank transfer," and it works by connecting your checking or savings account to your PayPal account so PayPal can pull the money directly. The transfer itself is free, though your bank may charge a fee if you have a basic account — check your bank's fee schedule first.
The process takes a few minutes to set up the first time, then becomes a one-click action whenever you need to move money. You'll need your bank's routing number and your account number, both printed on the bottom left of your checks or available in your bank's app or website.
Key Takeaways
- Bank transfers from your account to PayPal take two to three business days and are free from PayPal's side, though your bank may charge a fee.
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number to link your bank account, both found on your checks or in your bank's app.
- Once linked, you can transfer money anytime through the PayPal app or website by going to your wallet and selecting "Transfer Money."
- PayPal will verify your account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into your bank account, which you'll confirm back in PayPal within a few days.
- If you need money faster, you can use a debit card instead, though some cards charge fees and the transfer may take longer.
How to link your bank account to PayPal
Start by logging into your PayPal account on the website or app. Go to your wallet (usually labeled "Wallet" or "Balance" depending on which version you're using), then look for an option to add a bank account or payment method. PayPal will ask for your bank's name, your account type (checking or savings), your routing number, and your account number.
After you enter this information, PayPal will send two small deposits to your bank account — usually between 10 cents and $1 each. These deposits arrive within a few business days. Once they land, you'll go back into PayPal and confirm the exact amounts of those two deposits. This verification step proves you own the account and prevents fraud.
Once verified, your bank account stays linked to PayPal. You don't have to do this again unless you change banks or remove the account yourself.
Moving money from your bank to PayPal after linking
Once your bank account is verified, transferring money is straightforward. Open PayPal on the app or website and go to your wallet. Look for a button or link that says "Transfer Money" or "Add Money" — the exact wording varies by device and region, but it's always in the wallet section.
Select "Transfer from your bank" or the option that names your linked bank account. Enter the amount you want to move, review the details, and confirm. PayPal will show you the expected arrival date, which is usually two to three business days later. The money will appear in your PayPal balance once the transfer completes.
What happens if you don't want to wait for a bank transfer
If you need money in your PayPal account faster, you can add money using a debit card instead. Debit card transfers sometimes arrive the same day or within 24 hours, though this depends on your card issuer and PayPal's processing speed that day. The trade-off is that some debit cards charge a fee for this type of transfer — check with your bank or card issuer first.
You can also ask someone to send you money directly through PayPal using their own account or card. This is faster than a bank transfer but requires the other person to have PayPal set up.
Why PayPal asks for verification with those two small deposits
The two small deposits are PayPal's way of confirming you actually own the bank account. Without this step, someone could link an account that isn't theirs and steal money from it. The deposits are real money — you keep them — and confirming the amounts takes just a minute or two.
This verification only happens once per bank account. After you confirm those two deposits, you can transfer money back and forth as many times as you want without repeating the process.
Fees and limits on bank transfers
PayPal does not charge a fee to transfer money from your bank account to your PayPal balance. However, your bank may charge a fee depending on your account type. Some banks charge for outgoing transfers, especially if you have a basic checking account. Check your bank's fee schedule or call them to ask whether they charge for ACH transfers — that's the technical name for the type of transfer PayPal uses.
PayPal does not publish a limit on how much you can transfer at once, but your bank may have its own daily or monthly transfer limits. If you're moving a large amount, contact your bank first to make sure the transfer won't be blocked.
What to do if the verification deposits don't arrive
The two verification deposits usually arrive within three to five business days. If more than a week has passed and you haven't seen them, log into your bank account and check your transaction history carefully — sometimes they appear as small charges from PayPal that are straightforward to miss. If you genuinely cannot find them, contact PayPal's support team through the app or website and provide your bank account details. They can resend the deposits or help you troubleshoot the link.
If your bank account is very new or if you've recently moved, the deposits may take longer to arrive. Some banks also hold small deposits for a few extra days before showing them in your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money from PayPal back to my bank account?
Yes. Go to your PayPal wallet, select "Transfer Money," and choose "Transfer to your bank." The money takes two to three business days to arrive, and PayPal does not charge a fee. Your bank may charge a fee depending on your account type.
What if I don't have checks and can't find my routing number?
Log into your bank's website or app and look for account details or account information. Your routing number is usually listed there. You can also call your bank's customer service line — they can give you both your routing number and account number over the phone.
Is it safe to give PayPal my bank account number?
Yes, as long as you're logging into PayPal directly through their official app or website. PayPal is encrypted and regulated by the government. Never enter your bank details on a link sent to you by email or text — always go to PayPal yourself.
Can I link a savings account instead of checking?
Yes. When PayPal asks for your account type, select "savings." The process is identical — PayPal will still send two verification deposits, and transfers take the same two to three business days.
What if my bank rejects the verification deposits?
This is rare but can happen if your account is flagged for fraud or if you've recently closed and reopened the account. Contact your bank to ask why the deposits were rejected, then try linking a different account if you have one. If you only have one account, your bank can help you resolve the issue.