You can change your linked checking account in PayPal's settings in about two minutes

PayPal lets you swap out which checking account receives your money or pays for purchases. You do this through your account settings, not through your bank. The process is straightforward: you add the new account, confirm it works, and then remove the old one if you want to. PayPal will ask you to verify the new account by checking two small deposits it sends to that bank — this usually takes a few business days.

You might need to change your account if you switched banks, closed an old account, or want PayPal money to land somewhere different. You can have multiple checking accounts linked at once, so you don't have to remove the old one when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into PayPal on a computer or phone, go to Wallet or Account Settings, and select the option to add or manage bank accounts.
  • Enter your new checking account number and routing number — you'll find both on a blank check or by calling your bank.
  • PayPal will send two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to your new account within a few business days to confirm it's really yours.
  • Once you confirm those deposits by entering the amounts in PayPal, your new account is active and ready to receive money.
  • You can keep your old account linked or remove it anytime — removing it doesn't affect past transactions.

Finding the bank account settings in PayPal

On a computer, log into PayPal and look for "Wallet" in the top menu. Click it, then find "Link a bank account" or "Manage bank accounts" — the exact wording changes depending on whether you already have one linked. On a phone app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right, then tap "Wallet" or "Account" and look for bank account options.

If you don't see a "Wallet" option, try clicking your name or profile icon in the top right corner and selecting "Account Settings" instead. From there, look for a section called "Banks and Cards" or "Linked Accounts." PayPal reorganizes these menus periodically, so the path may shift slightly, but the option is always in settings somewhere.

What information you need before you start

Have your new checking account number and routing number ready. You can find both on a blank check from your checkbook — the routing number is the first set of digits on the bottom left, and your account number comes after that. If you don't have checks, call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number and account number. They'll give you both in under a minute.

You'll also need to know your bank's name. PayPal will ask you to select it from a list, and if your bank isn't there, you can type the name in. Have your PayPal password ready too, since you may need to re-enter it before making changes to payment methods.

Adding your new checking account

Once you're in the bank account section, select "Add a bank account" or the equivalent option. PayPal will ask you to choose your bank from a dropdown list. If your bank appears, click it. If not, scroll to the bottom and select "My bank is not listed" or type the name in the search box.

Enter your account number and routing number in the fields PayPal provides. Double-check both numbers — a mistake here will cause the verification to fail. Then enter your name as it appears on the account. Click "Next" or "Continue" to move forward. PayPal will show you a summary of what you entered; review it carefully before confirming.

Confirming your new account with the verification deposits

After you submit your information, PayPal sends two tiny deposits to your new checking account — usually $0.01 to $0.99 each. These arrive within two to four business days. Your bank will show them as deposits from PayPal or a PayPal-related company name.

Once the deposits land, log back into PayPal and return to your bank account settings. Look for an option to "Confirm" or "Verify" your account. PayPal will ask you to enter the exact amounts of those two deposits. Type them in and click "Confirm." Your new account is now verified and active. You can use it to receive money from other PayPal users or to fund purchases right away.

Removing your old checking account

You don't have to remove your old account when ready. Many people keep multiple accounts linked so they can choose which one receives money on a case-by-case basis. If you do want to remove it, go back to your bank account settings and find the old account in your list.

Click on it and look for a "Remove" or "Delete" button. PayPal will ask you to confirm that you want to remove it. Removing an account doesn't affect any money that already went there or any past transactions — it just stops PayPal from being able to send new money to that account. If you change your mind later, you can add it back using the same process.

What to do if verification deposits don't arrive

If you don't see the two deposits after five business days, first check that you entered the routing number and account number correctly. Log back into PayPal, look at what you submitted, and compare it to your check or your bank's records. A single wrong digit will cause the deposits to fail.

If the numbers are correct, contact your bank's customer service and ask if they received any small deposits from PayPal. Some banks hold or delay deposits from unfamiliar senders, or they may have flagged them as suspicious. Your bank can release them if that happened. If your bank says they never arrived, contact PayPal's support team through the Help Center in your account settings and explain what happened — they can resend the deposits or help you troubleshoot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my checking account if I have a PayPal balance?

Yes. Your PayPal balance and your linked checking account are separate. You can change your bank account anytime without affecting money sitting in your PayPal account. When you're ready to move that balance to your new bank account, you can transfer it using PayPal's "Transfer to your bank" option.

What if I enter the wrong account number?

PayPal will send the verification deposits to the wrong account, and they won't arrive at the account you intended. You'll need to add the correct account as a new entry and go through verification again. You can then remove the incorrect account from your settings.

Do I need to tell my old bank I'm removing them from PayPal?

No. Removing a bank account from PayPal only stops PayPal from sending money there — it doesn't close your bank account or change anything with your bank. Your checking account stays open and active at your bank regardless of what you do in PayPal.

How long does it take for money to show up in my new checking account?

Once your new account is verified, transfers usually take one to three business days, depending on your bank. Some banks are faster than others. PayPal will tell you the expected timing when you request a transfer.

Can I have two checking accounts linked at the same time?

Yes. You can link as many bank accounts as you want and keep them all active. When you transfer money or receive a payment, you can choose which account it goes to, or set a default account that PayPal uses automatically.