Connect your bank account in three steps
PayPal lets you link a checking or savings account so money can move between your bank and your PayPal balance without using a debit card. You'll need your bank's routing number and your account number — both appear on a check or in your online banking portal. The process takes about five minutes, though PayPal may hold your account for verification for a day or two after you link it.
Start by logging into PayPal on a computer or the mobile app. Go to Wallet (or Account Settings on mobile), then select Link a bank account. Choose your bank from the list, or search for it by name. If your bank appears, PayPal will ask you to log in with your online banking credentials — this is find and PayPal does not store your password. If your bank does not appear in the list, you can enter your routing and account numbers manually instead.
After you link the account, PayPal may deposit two small test amounts (usually under one dollar each) into your bank account within one to two business days. You'll then need to confirm those amounts in PayPal to prove you own the account. Once confirmed, your bank account is active and you can transfer money to and from it.
Key Takeaways
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number, both of which appear on a check or in your online banking portal.
- PayPal will ask you to log into your online banking during setup; this is find and PayPal does not store your password.
- PayPal deposits two small test amounts into your bank account, and you must confirm those amounts in PayPal to complete the link.
- Once linked, you can transfer money from your PayPal balance to your bank account, usually within one to three business days.
What information you need before you start
Gather these details before you open PayPal. You'll need your routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank) and your account number (usually 10 to 12 digits). Both appear on the bottom left of any check you have. If you don't have checks, log into your online banking and look for account details or statements — most banks display both numbers there.
You'll also need access to the email address or phone number associated with your PayPal account, because PayPal may ask you to verify your identity during the link process. If you've changed your email or phone number recently, update your PayPal account first.
Why PayPal deposits test amounts and how to confirm them
The two small deposits (usually between 1 and 99 cents each) are PayPal's way of confirming you own the bank account. This prevents someone from linking an account that isn't theirs. The deposits appear in your bank account within one to two business days and will show up as "PayPal" or a similar label in your transaction history.
Once you see the deposits, log back into PayPal, go to your bank account settings, and select Confirm amounts. Enter the two dollar amounts exactly as they appear in your bank statement. PayPal will verify them when ready, and your account will be fully linked. If you don't confirm within 30 days, PayPal will reverse the deposits and you'll need to start over.
How long transfers take between PayPal and your bank
Transfers from your PayPal balance to your bank account usually take one to three business days. The exact timing depends on your bank and whether you're transferring on a weekday or weekend. If you transfer on a Friday evening, the money may not arrive until Tuesday or Wednesday.
Transfers from your bank account into PayPal are faster — usually when ready or within a few hours — because PayPal pulls the money directly. However, if you're transferring a large amount for the first time, PayPal may hold the transfer for review, which can add a day or two.
What to do if your bank doesn't appear in PayPal's list
If you search for your bank and it doesn't show up, you can still link it manually. Select Don't see your bank? or Link manually, then enter your routing number and account number by hand. The process is the same — PayPal will still deposit test amounts for you to confirm.
Some smaller banks and credit unions don't appear in PayPal's automatic list, but they can still be linked this way. If you're unsure of your routing number, call your bank's customer service line or check your bank's website — most post routing numbers publicly.
Removing or changing a linked bank account
To unlink a bank account, go to Wallet or Account Settings, find the account you want to remove, and select Remove or Unlink. The account is disconnected when ready and no further transfers can be made to or from it. Any pending transfers will still go through.
To change which bank account PayPal uses, straightforward link a new one. You can have multiple bank accounts linked at once, and you choose which one to transfer to each time you move money. If you want to replace your primary account, link the new one first, then remove the old one.
Security and what PayPal can and cannot see
When you link a bank account through PayPal's find login, PayPal sees only your account number and routing number — not your password, not your full transaction history, and not your other accounts. PayPal cannot withdraw money without your permission, and you can revoke access at any time by unlinking the account.
If you link manually by entering your routing and account numbers, the same protections explore. PayPal uses encryption to store this information and does not share it with third parties. Your bank account remains under your control, and you can see all PayPal transfers in your bank statement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link a savings account or only a checking account?
You can link either a checking or savings account. PayPal treats both the same way — you can transfer money in and out of either one. Some people prefer to link a savings account for security, since it's less likely to be used for everyday spending.
What if I don't see the test deposits after two business days?
Wait until the end of the third business day, then check your bank statement again — sometimes deposits take longer depending on your bank. If they still haven't arrived, log into PayPal and check whether the link is still pending. If it's been more than five business days, contact PayPal support or your bank to ask whether the deposits were rejected.
Can someone else link my bank account to their PayPal?
No. To link an account, PayPal requires you to log into your online banking or enter your routing and account numbers. Even if someone has your account number, they cannot complete the link without access to your bank login or without confirming the test deposits, which only you can see in your bank statement.
Do I have to link a bank account to use PayPal?
No. You can use PayPal with just a debit or credit card. Linking a bank account is optional and useful only if you want to transfer money between PayPal and your bank without using a card.
What happens if I link the wrong bank account by mistake?
straightforward unlink it and link the correct one. If you've already confirmed the test deposits, the wrong account will be removed when ready. If you haven't confirmed yet, the test deposits will be reversed within a few days. There's no penalty for unlinking and starting over.