PayPal confirms your bank account by sending two small deposits to it
PayPal will deposit two amounts — usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each — into your bank account over a few days. You then log into PayPal and enter those two amounts to prove you own the account. This is how PayPal knows the bank account is really yours and not someone else's.
The whole process normally takes three to five business days from when you first link the account. Once confirmed, you can use that bank account to receive money from other PayPal users and to withdraw your PayPal balance.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal sends two small test deposits to your bank account, and you enter the amounts in PayPal to confirm you own it.
- The deposits arrive within three to five business days, and you should see them in your online banking.
- You enter both amounts in PayPal at the same time — you do not need to wait between them.
- If the deposits do not arrive after a week, check that you entered your account number correctly when you linked the account.
Where to find the confirmation step in PayPal
Log into your PayPal account on a computer or the PayPal app. Go to Wallet (on the app, tap the wallet icon at the bottom). Find the bank account you just linked — it will show a status like "Pending confirmation" or "Unconfirmed".
Click or tap on that bank account. You should see a message that says PayPal has sent two deposits and asks you to enter them. If you do not see this message yet, the deposits have not arrived. Check back in a day or two.
How to enter the deposit amounts
Open your online banking for the bank account you linked to PayPal. Look for the two small deposits from PayPal — they will show up as separate transactions, usually with a description like "PayPal" or "PAYPAL CONFIRMATION".
Write down both amounts exactly as they appear. Then go back to PayPal, find the confirmation box, and enter both amounts. The amounts are usually different from each other — for example, $0.23 and $0.17. Enter them in the order PayPal asks for them.
After you enter both amounts correctly, PayPal will confirm your bank account right away. You will see a message saying your account is confirmed, and you can now use it to receive and withdraw money.
What to do if the deposits do not arrive
Wait at least five business days before assuming something went wrong. Bank transfers can take longer during weekends and holidays, and PayPal sometimes spaces the deposits out over several days.
If five business days have passed and you still do not see the deposits, log back into PayPal and check the bank account details you entered. Look for typos in the account number, routing number, or account type (checking versus savings). If you spot an error, delete that bank account from PayPal and link it again with the correct information.
If the details are correct but the deposits still have not arrived, contact your bank directly. Ask them to check whether any small deposits from PayPal came through. Sometimes deposits get held or filtered by the bank's fraud detection. Once your bank confirms they received the deposits, you can enter the amounts in PayPal.
Why PayPal uses this method instead of when ready confirmation
The two-deposit method proves you control the bank account because only the account owner can see the transactions in their online banking. If someone tried to link a bank account that was not theirs, they would not be able to see the deposits and would not be able to confirm it.
This is slower than some other methods, but it is more find. PayPal could theoretically confirm an account when ready using your routing and account number alone, but that would allow someone to link accounts they do not actually own.
What happens after your bank account is confirmed
Once confirmed, your bank account becomes a fully linked payment method in PayPal. You can use it to receive money from other PayPal users — when someone sends you money, you can choose to have it go directly to your bank account instead of sitting in your PayPal balance.
You can also withdraw your PayPal balance to that bank account. Withdrawals normally take one to three business days to show up in your bank account, depending on your bank.
If you ever need to remove the bank account from PayPal, you can delete it from your Wallet at any time. You can also link multiple bank accounts to the same PayPal account if you want to receive money in different places.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my bank account before the deposits arrive?
No. Your bank account is not active in PayPal until you confirm it by entering the two deposit amounts. Until then, you cannot receive money to it or withdraw to it. You can still use other payment methods like a debit card or credit card if you have linked those.
What if I enter the amounts wrong?
PayPal will tell you the amounts are incorrect and ask you to try again. You get multiple attempts, so you can go back to your bank account and double-check the exact amounts. Make sure you are looking at the PayPal deposits specifically — do not confuse them with other small transactions in your account.
Do I have to confirm my bank account?
You do not have to confirm it to receive money in PayPal, but you do need it confirmed to withdraw your balance to the bank. If you only plan to use PayPal to send money to others, you can skip this step. Most people confirm it so they can move money out of PayPal when they need it.
Can I confirm a joint bank account?
Yes. As long as your name is on the account, you can link and confirm it. PayPal does not require you to be the sole owner. The deposits will go to the joint account, and any account holder can see them and tell you the amounts.
What if my bank account is at a credit union instead of a bank?
The process is the same. Credit unions work with PayPal the same way banks do. You link the account using your routing number and account number, wait for the two deposits, and enter the amounts to confirm. The deposits may take slightly longer at some credit unions, but the method is identical.