What happens when you add a bank account to PayPal

When you add a bank account to PayPal, you're telling PayPal which account to pull money from when you send a payment, and where to deposit money when you receive one. PayPal doesn't store your account number permanently in the way a credit card processor does — instead, it uses a verification process to confirm you own the account, then links it to your PayPal wallet.

The connection takes two to three business days to complete. During that time, PayPal makes two small deposits (usually under $1 each) into your bank account. You then log back into PayPal and enter those amounts to prove you have access to the account. Once verified, you can use that bank account to fund transfers, pay for purchases, or receive money from other PayPal users.

You can add multiple bank accounts to a single PayPal account, but only one can be your primary funding source at any given time. If you remove a bank account, PayPal keeps a record of it for your account history, but the connection is severed.

Key Takeaways

  • PayPal verifies your bank account by depositing two small amounts and asking you to report those amounts back within a set window.
  • The verification process takes two to three business days from the time you first enter your account information.
  • You need your bank's routing number and your account number to start the process, which you can find on a check or by logging into your bank's website.
  • Once verified, you can set that account as your primary funding source or keep it as a backup option.
  • Removing a bank account from PayPal stops future transactions but does not erase the connection from your account history.

Step-by-step: adding a bank account

Log into your PayPal account on the website or app. Go to Wallet (on the website) or Accounts (on the app), then select Link a bank account. PayPal will ask whether you want to link a U.S. bank account or an account outside the U.S. — choose the correct option for your bank's location.

Enter your bank's name. PayPal will search its database and usually show you a match. If your bank doesn't appear, you can type the routing number instead. Then enter your account type (checking or savings), your account number, and confirm the account number a second time.

Review the information you've entered. PayPal will show you a summary before you submit. Once you confirm, PayPal sends the request to your bank. Your bank will process it, and within two to three business days, two small deposits will appear in your account.

Check your bank account for those deposits. They'll show up as transfers from PayPal, usually labeled something like "PAYPAL VERIFICATION" or "PAYPAL TEST." The amounts are typically between $0.01 and $0.99 each, and they're real money — you keep it. Write down both amounts.

Return to PayPal and go back to Wallet or Accounts. Find the bank account you just added and select Confirm or Verify. Enter the two deposit amounts in the order PayPal asks for them. If the amounts match, PayPal confirms the account when ready.

Finding your routing number and account number

Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank branch. Your account number is unique to your account at that bank. Both appear on the bottom left of any check you have from that account — the routing number comes first, then your account number.

If you don't have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app. Most banks display both numbers in the account details or settings section. Some banks label the routing number as "ABA number" or "transit number." If you can't find it, call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number and account number — they'll provide both in seconds.

Do not use your credit card number or debit card number here. PayPal is asking for your bank account itself, not a card linked to that account. If you enter a card number, the verification will fail.

What to do if verification takes longer than three days

If the two deposits don't appear after three business days, check your bank account again — they may have posted under a different name or description than you expected. Search your transaction history for "PayPal" or look for any small deposits around the date you added the account.

If you genuinely cannot find the deposits after five business days, go back to PayPal and select I don't see the deposits or a similar option. PayPal will offer an alternative verification method, usually a one-time code sent to your phone or email, or a manual review of your information. This alternative path typically completes within one business day.

If your bank rejected the deposits, PayPal will show an error message in your account. This usually means the account number or routing number was entered incorrectly. Delete the account from PayPal and add it again, double-checking each digit.

Setting a bank account as your primary funding source

Once your bank account is verified, you can choose whether to use it as your primary funding source — the account PayPal pulls from first when you send money or pay for something. Go to Wallet or Accounts, find your bank account, and select Make Primary or Set as Default.

If you have multiple bank accounts linked, PayPal will always try to pull from your primary account first. If that account doesn't have enough money, PayPal will ask whether you want to use a different account or a credit card instead. You can change your primary account at any time.

Removing a bank account from PayPal

To disconnect a bank account, go to Wallet or Accounts, find the account, and select Remove or Delete. PayPal will ask you to confirm. Once you confirm, that account is no longer linked to your PayPal wallet.

PayPal will not make any new transactions to or from that account. However, the account remains in your account history for record-keeping purposes — you can see it listed under past accounts if you need to reference it later. If you want to use that account again, you'll need to go through the full verification process a second time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a savings account instead of a checking account?

Yes. PayPal accepts both checking and savings accounts. When you add the account, you'll select the account type from a dropdown menu. The verification process is identical for both.

What if I enter the wrong account number?

PayPal will attempt to send the verification deposits to the account number you provided. If the number doesn't match a real account at that bank, the deposits will fail and PayPal will show an error. Delete the account and add it again with the correct number. You won't be charged for the failed attempt.

Do I need to verify my bank account every time I use PayPal?

No. Once verified, the account stays linked until you remove it. You won't see the verification deposits again unless you delete the account and add it a second time.

Can I add a joint bank account?

Yes, as long as your name appears on the account. PayPal doesn't verify whose name is on the account — it only confirms that the account exists and that you have access to it. If your name is not on the account, the verification will likely fail when the bank processes PayPal's deposits.

What happens to pending transactions if I remove my bank account?

If you remove a bank account while a transaction is pending, PayPal will attempt to complete the transaction using your next available funding source (another bank account or a credit card). If no other funding source is available, the transaction will fail and the money will be returned to the original source.