Why PayPal asks you to confirm your bank account
PayPal needs to verify that you own the bank account you're linking to it. This protects you from fraud — if someone else added your account without permission, the confirmation step catches it. It also protects PayPal and your bank from unauthorized transfers.
The confirmation process is straightforward: PayPal deposits two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into your bank account, waits a few business days for them to appear, then asks you to tell PayPal what those amounts were. Once you do, your account is confirmed and you can transfer money freely between PayPal and your bank.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal sends two tiny deposits to your bank account; you wait for them to show up, then enter the amounts into PayPal to confirm ownership.
- The deposits usually arrive within three to five business days, though timing depends on your bank's processing speed.
- You can check the amounts by logging into your bank account online or through your bank's app — you do not need to wait for a paper statement.
- Once confirmed, you can transfer money from PayPal to your bank account and, in some cases, receive direct deposits from employers or other PayPal users.
- If the deposits do not arrive after a week, contact PayPal support; your bank may be blocking small transfers or your account details may need correction.
The step-by-step confirmation process
Start by logging into your PayPal account on a computer or the PayPal app. Go to your wallet or account settings — the exact location varies slightly depending on whether you use the website or app, but look for a section labeled "Linked Banks" or "Bank Accounts."
Select the option to add a new bank account. You will enter your bank's routing number, your account number, and the account type (checking or savings). PayPal will then tell you that it has sent two deposits and ask you to check your bank account in three to five business days.
When the deposits arrive, log into your bank account online or through your bank's mobile app and find the two small transactions from PayPal. Write down the exact amounts — they will be something like $0.23 and $0.17, but the numbers are different for each person. Return to PayPal, find the bank account you just added, and enter those two amounts. PayPal will verify them when ready, and your account will be confirmed.
Where to find your bank's routing and account numbers
Your routing number and account number appear on the bottom left of any check you have from your bank. The routing number is the first set of nine digits, and your account number follows it.
If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or app. Most banks display this information in the account details or settings section — look for "Account Information" or "Routing Number." You can also call your bank's customer service line; they will read both numbers to you over the phone.
Make sure you enter the numbers correctly. A single digit wrong will cause the deposits to fail or go to the wrong account. If you are unsure, double-check against a check or call your bank before submitting.
What to do if the deposits do not arrive
If more than five business days have passed and you still do not see the two deposits in your bank account, the most common reason is that your bank is blocking small transfers or flagging them as suspicious. Some banks, particularly smaller regional banks, have extra security that stops unusual activity.
Contact your bank first and ask whether they received any transfers from PayPal that were declined or held. If they did, ask them to allow the transfers through. If your bank says they never received anything, contact PayPal support through the Help Center in your account. Have your routing number and account number ready; PayPal can check whether the deposits were sent and troubleshoot from there.
In rare cases, you may have entered a digit incorrectly. PayPal will let you delete the bank account and start over with corrected information.
How long confirmation takes and what you can do while waiting
The entire process usually takes one to two weeks from the moment you add your bank account. The deposits themselves take three to five business days to arrive, and then you need a day or two to notice them and enter the amounts into PayPal.
While you are waiting, you can still use PayPal to receive money from other PayPal users or to make purchases. You just cannot transfer money out to your bank account until the confirmation is complete. If you need to move money urgently, ask the person paying you to send it as a PayPal transfer instead of a bank transfer, and you will have access to it when ready.
What happens after your bank account is confirmed
Once PayPal confirms your account, you can transfer money from your PayPal balance to your bank account whenever you want. The transfer usually takes one to three business days, depending on your bank. You can also set up direct deposit so that employers, clients, or other PayPal users can send money straight to your bank account instead of your PayPal wallet.
Your confirmed bank account also makes PayPal more useful for receiving payments. Some employers and gig platforms (like certain delivery or freelance services) will only pay you if you have a confirmed bank account linked to PayPal, because they want to know the money is going somewhere real.
Security things to remember
Never share your routing number or account number with anyone except PayPal or your bank. If someone asks for these numbers claiming to be from PayPal, they are not — PayPal already has this information once you enter it yourself.
PayPal will never ask you to confirm your account by clicking a link in an email or text message. If you receive an email that looks like it is from PayPal asking you to confirm deposits, log into PayPal directly through the official app or website instead of clicking the link. Scammers sometimes send fake confirmation emails to trick people into giving up their banking information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I confirm my bank account on the PayPal app, or do I have to use a computer?
You can add your bank account on either the app or the website. However, some people find it easier to enter the routing and account numbers on a computer with a full keyboard. Either way works — just make sure you enter the numbers correctly.
What if I enter the deposit amounts wrong the first time?
PayPal will tell you the amounts are incorrect and let you try again. You have multiple attempts, so do not worry if you misread the first time. Just check your bank account again and re-enter the correct amounts.
Do I have to confirm my bank account to use PayPal?
No. You can send and receive money on PayPal without confirming a bank account. However, you will not be able to transfer money out to your bank or set up direct deposit until your account is confirmed. Many people skip this step if they only use PayPal to pay for things online.
Can I confirm more than one bank account?
Yes. You can add and confirm multiple bank accounts to the same PayPal account. Each one goes through the same two-deposit verification process. This is useful if you have accounts at different banks or want to keep business and personal accounts separate.
What if my bank account information changes?
If you close your bank account or switch banks, you will need to remove the old account from PayPal and add the new one. The new account will need to go through the confirmation process again with the two deposits.