The basic steps to link your bank account
To add a bank account to PayPal, you log into your account, go to your wallet or settings, and tell PayPal your bank's routing number and your account number. PayPal then deposits two small amounts into that account — usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each — and you confirm those amounts back in PayPal to prove you own the account. The whole process takes a few minutes to set up, but the verification deposits can take three to five business days to arrive.
You need three things before you start: your PayPal login, your bank account number, and your bank's routing number. Your account number is on the bottom left of your checks; your routing number is on the bottom left as well, but it's a different nine-digit code. If you don't have checks, you can find both numbers by logging into your bank's website or calling the customer service number on the back of your debit card.
The reason PayPal uses this verification method is to confirm you actually own the account and have permission to use it. It's a security step that protects both you and PayPal from fraud.
Key Takeaways
- You will need your bank account number and your bank's routing number, both of which you can find on a check or through your bank's website.
- PayPal deposits two small amounts into your account and asks you to report those amounts back to confirm you own the account.
- The verification deposits usually arrive within three to five business days, and you must confirm them before you can use the account with PayPal.
- Once verified, your bank account can be used to send money, receive money, or set up automatic payments through PayPal.
Where to find your bank account and routing numbers
If you have checks, both numbers are printed on the bottom of every check. The routing number is the first nine digits on the left. Your account number comes after that and is usually ten to twelve digits long. Write both down before you start the PayPal process.
If you don't have checks or can't find them, log into your bank's website or mobile app. Most banks display both numbers in a section called "Account Details" or "Account Information." You can also call your bank's customer service line — the number is on the back of your debit card — and ask them to read you both numbers over the phone.
Do not share these numbers with anyone except PayPal. If someone contacts you asking for them, it's a scam.
What happens during the verification step
After you enter your account and routing numbers, PayPal will deposit two small amounts into your bank account. These are real deposits, not holds or pending charges. You'll see them show up in your bank account just like any other deposit, usually within three to five business days.
Once those deposits arrive, you go back into PayPal, find the section where you added the account, and enter the two amounts. PayPal checks that the amounts match what they sent, and if they do, your account is verified. You can now use that bank account with PayPal to send money, receive money, or set up recurring payments.
If the deposits don't arrive after five business days, contact your bank first to make sure they didn't get filtered into a spam folder or held for review. If your bank confirms they never arrived, contact PayPal support to ask them to resend the verification deposits.
Using your bank account once it's verified
Once your bank account is verified, you can use it in several ways. You can transfer money from PayPal to your bank account, which usually takes one to two business days. You can also set your bank account as the source when you send money to someone else through PayPal, which means the money comes directly from your bank instead of from a PayPal balance.
Some people set up their bank account as their primary payment method, so PayPal automatically pulls from the bank when they make a purchase. Others keep it as a backup and use a credit or debit card for everyday spending. The choice is yours, and you can change it anytime in your PayPal settings.
If you ever need to remove the bank account, you can do that in your wallet settings. PayPal will stop using it for new transactions, but any pending transfers will still go through.
What to do if verification deposits don't arrive
The most common reason verification deposits don't show up is a delay from your bank, not a problem with PayPal. Banks sometimes hold deposits for review, especially if the account is new or if there's unusual activity. Wait the full five business days before taking action.
If five business days have passed and you still don't see the deposits, log into your bank account and search your transaction history for any deposits from PayPal or from a company called "PayPal Verification." If you find them, note the amounts and enter them into PayPal. If you don't find them anywhere, contact your bank's customer service and ask them to check whether the deposits were rejected or held.
Once your bank confirms the deposits never arrived, go back to PayPal and contact their support team. You can ask them to resend the verification deposits or to use an alternative verification method. PayPal sometimes offers other options, such as verifying through your bank's website directly if your bank supports it.
Security and what happens to your information
PayPal does not store your full bank account number after verification. They store an encrypted version that lets them process transfers without exposing your actual account details. This is the same security method that banks and credit card companies use.
Never share your account or routing number with anyone except PayPal, your bank, or your employer if they need it for direct deposit. If someone contacts you through email, text, or phone asking for these numbers and claiming to be from PayPal or your bank, it's a scam. PayPal and banks never ask for these numbers by email or phone.
If you think someone has your account information, contact your bank when ready. They can monitor your account for fraud and issue you a new account number if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes. PayPal works with both checking and savings accounts. The process is the same — you enter the routing and account numbers, wait for the verification deposits, and confirm the amounts. Some people prefer to use a savings account to keep their PayPal transfers separate from their everyday spending.
What if I don't see the verification deposits after a week?
Contact your bank first and ask them to search for deposits from PayPal. If they confirm the deposits never arrived, go to PayPal's support page and request that they resend the verification deposits or offer an alternative verification method. Some banks support direct verification through their own website, which can be faster.
Can I add multiple bank accounts to one PayPal account?
Yes. You can add as many bank accounts as you want, and you can switch between them when you transfer money or set up payments. Each account needs to go through the verification process separately.
Do I have to use my bank account right away after it's verified?
No. Once it's verified, your bank account stays linked to PayPal until you remove it. You can use it when ready or wait weeks before your first transfer — it makes no difference. You can also keep it as a backup and use other payment methods for most transactions.
What if my bank account information changes?
If you close the account or switch banks, remove the old account from PayPal and add your new one. You'll need to go through the verification process again with the new account number and routing number. If you forget to remove the old account and PayPal tries to use it, the transfer will fail and PayPal will ask you to pick a different payment method.