The fastest way to link your checking account
Log into PayPal on a computer or the mobile app, go to Wallet, then select Link a bank account. PayPal will ask for your bank's name, your account number, and your routing number. You can find both numbers on a check, or log into your bank's website to locate them. PayPal will then make two small deposits (usually under $1 each) into your checking account within one to two business days.
Once those deposits arrive, PayPal will ask you to confirm the amounts. This verification step proves you own the account. After you confirm, your checking account is linked and ready to use for sending money, paying bills, or moving funds between PayPal and your bank.
The entire process typically takes three to five business days from start to finish, though the link itself becomes active as soon as you confirm the deposit amounts.
Key Takeaways
- You need your account number and routing number from your checking account, both visible on a check or in your bank's online portal.
- PayPal sends two small test deposits to your account, which you must confirm to complete the link.
- The verification deposits arrive within one to two business days, and the whole process finishes in three to five business days.
- Once linked, you can use your checking account to fund PayPal transfers, pay bills, or move money back to your bank.
- If PayPal cannot verify your account automatically, you may need to upload a bank statement or other proof of ownership.
Where to find your account and routing numbers
The easiest place to find both numbers is a blank check from your checkbook. Your routing number appears on the left side of the bottom line, and your account number follows it on the right. If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for a section labeled Account Details, Account Information, or Statements. Most banks display both numbers there.
You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number and account number. Have your account holder name and the last four digits of your Social Security number ready when you call. Some banks will also email or text you this information if you request it through their app.
Do not use a credit card or savings account number by mistake. PayPal specifically needs your checking account number, and using the wrong account type will cause the verification to fail.
What happens during the verification step
After you enter your account details, PayPal deposits two amounts—usually between 1 and 99 cents each—into your checking account. Your bank will process these deposits like any other transfer, so they will show up in your account history. The deposits may take one to two business days to appear, depending on your bank's processing speed.
Once the deposits land, PayPal will prompt you to enter the two amounts. This step confirms that you have access to the account and own it. If you cannot find the deposits after two business days, check your bank's pending transactions or contact your bank to confirm the transfers arrived. Some banks hold small deposits briefly before posting them to your account.
If you enter the amounts incorrectly, PayPal will give you a limited number of attempts before asking you to try a different verification method, such as uploading a recent bank statement or utility bill showing your name and address.
Using your linked checking account
Once your checking account is verified, you can use it to fund PayPal transfers to other people, pay bills through PayPal's bill pay feature, or move money from PayPal back to your bank. When you send money or pay a bill, you will see your linked checking account as a funding option at checkout. Select it, and the money will be drawn from your bank account.
Transfers from PayPal back to your checking account typically take one to three business days, depending on your bank. PayPal does not charge a fee for standard transfers to your bank, though some banks may charge their own fees for incoming transfers—check your bank's policy if you are unsure.
You can link multiple checking accounts to the same PayPal account if you have accounts at different banks. Each account must go through the same verification process with the two test deposits.
What to do if verification fails
If PayPal cannot verify your account using the deposit method, you will be offered alternative verification options. The most common is uploading a recent bank statement or utility bill that shows your name and address. PayPal will ask you to upload a clear image or PDF of the document. The statement should be dated within the last 90 days.
Make sure the document clearly shows your full name, the account number or bank name, and your current address. Blur or cover any sensitive information like your full account number or Social Security number before uploading, but leave enough visible for PayPal to confirm the account is yours.
PayPal typically reviews uploaded documents within 24 hours. If the document is rejected, you will receive an email explaining why and what to upload instead. If you have trouble with this step, contact PayPal's customer service through the app or website for guidance on which documents they will accept.
Unlinking or removing your checking account
You can remove a linked checking account at any time through your PayPal Wallet settings. Go to Wallet, find the account you want to remove, and select Remove or Unlink. PayPal will ask you to confirm, and the account will be disconnected when ready. You will no longer be able to use that account to fund PayPal transfers or receive money into it.
Removing an account does not affect any transactions you have already completed. If you want to use that checking account again in the future, you will need to link it again and go through the verification process a second time.
If your checking account is closed or you switch banks, you should remove the old account from PayPal to prevent failed transactions. Then link your new checking account using the same process described above.
Security and protecting your account information
PayPal uses encryption to protect your account and routing numbers when you enter them. Your full account number is not stored in a way that is visible to PayPal's customer service team, which means they cannot see it even if you contact them for help. PayPal only stores enough information to identify your account and process transfers.
Never share your account number, routing number, or PayPal password with anyone claiming to help you link your account. PayPal will never ask for this information via email, text, or phone call. If someone contacts you claiming to be from PayPal and asks for these details, it is a scam—report it to PayPal when ready through the app or website.
If you believe your checking account has been compromised or used without your permission, contact your bank right away. Your bank can freeze the account, reverse unauthorized transfers, and issue you a new account number. Then remove the compromised account from PayPal and link a new one if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to link a checking account to PayPal?
The verification deposits usually arrive within one to two business days. Once you confirm the amounts, your account is linked when ready. The entire process from start to finish typically takes three to five business days, though it can be faster if your bank processes deposits quickly.
Can I link a savings account instead of a checking account?
PayPal is designed to work with checking accounts, but some savings accounts can be linked if they have a routing number and account number. Contact your bank to confirm whether your savings account has both numbers. If it does, you can try linking it using the same process, though PayPal may reject it during verification.
What if the two test deposits do not show up in my account?
Wait two full business days before assuming they are lost. Some banks hold small transfers briefly before posting them. If they still have not appeared after two business days, contact your bank to confirm the transfers were received. You can also contact PayPal to request that the deposits be resent or to use an alternative verification method like uploading a bank statement.
Do I need to keep my checking account open after linking it to PayPal?
Yes, you should keep the account open and active. If you close the account, PayPal will not be able to process transfers to or from it, and you will need to link a different account. If you are switching banks, remove the old account from PayPal before closing it and link your new account.
Can someone else link my checking account to their PayPal account?
No. PayPal requires you to verify that you own the account by confirming the two test deposits. Only someone with access to your checking account can complete this step, which prevents unauthorized linking. If you believe someone has linked your account without permission, contact your bank and PayPal when ready.