What you need to create a PayPal account

Creating a PayPal account takes about 10 minutes and requires three things: a valid email address, a password you create, and either a debit card, credit card, or bank account number. PayPal will verify one of these payment methods before your account is fully active, which usually takes a few minutes but can take up to a few days.

You do not need to have a bank account to start. If you only have a debit or credit card, that is enough to open the account. However, if you want to receive money from other people — not just send it — you will eventually need to add a bank account so PayPal can deposit funds there.

PayPal is free to create and use for basic sending and receiving. They charge fees only when you receive money from someone else (usually 2.2% plus $0.30 per transaction) or when you use certain services like when ready transfers to your bank account.

Key Takeaways

  • You need an email address and a valid payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account) to create a PayPal account.
  • The account creation process takes about 10 minutes, but PayPal may take a few days to verify your payment method.
  • You can send money when ready after creating your account, but receiving money requires a verified bank account.
  • PayPal charges no fee to create an account or to send money, but charges a small percentage when you receive payments from others.

Step 1: Go to PayPal and choose your account type

Open a web browser and go to paypal.com. Click the "Sign Up" button, usually located in the top right corner. PayPal will ask you to choose between a Personal account and a Business account. Choose Personal unless you are setting up PayPal for a business you own.

The main difference is that a Business account lets you accept payments under a business name and provides more detailed sales reports. A Personal account is simpler and is what most people use for sending money to friends, paying bills, or receiving occasional payments.

Step 2: Enter your email and create a password

PayPal will ask for your email address. Use an email you check regularly — this is how PayPal will contact you and how you will log in. Type the email address carefully, because you will need access to it to verify your account later.

Next, create a password. PayPal requires at least 8 characters, and it should include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (like ! or @). Write this password down somewhere safe, or use a password manager if you have one. Do not use a password you have used on other websites.

Step 3: Add your personal information

PayPal will ask for your first name, last name, date of birth, and address. Use your legal name — the one on your government ID — because PayPal verifies this information. Your date of birth must show that you are at least 18 years old.

The address should be your current home address. PayPal uses this to confirm your identity and to comply with banking regulations. If you have moved recently, use your current address, not an old one.

Step 4: Add a payment method

PayPal will ask you to add a debit card, credit card, or bank account. If you have a debit card, this is usually the fastest option. Enter the card number, expiration date, and the three-digit security code on the back of the card.

If you want to add a bank account instead, you will need your routing number and account number. You can find these on a check, or by logging into your bank's website. PayPal will make two small deposits to your bank account (usually $0.01 and $0.02) and ask you to confirm the amounts — this is how they verify you own the account.

If you add a credit card, PayPal may charge a small verification fee (usually $1.95) that will be refunded to your card within a few days.

Step 5: Verify your email and complete setup

After you submit your information, PayPal will send an email to the address you provided. Open that email and click the verification link. This confirms that you own the email address and completes your account creation.

Once you verify your email, you can log in to PayPal and start using your account. If you added a debit card, you can send money when ready. If you added a bank account, PayPal will wait for you to confirm those two small deposits before your account is fully verified — this usually takes 1 to 3 business days.

What to do after your account is created

Once you are logged in, you will see your PayPal dashboard. From here, you can send money by clicking "Send & Request" and entering the recipient's email address or phone number. You can also set up a profile picture and add a backup payment method so you have options if one card is declined.

If you plan to receive money from other people, add a bank account now even if you do not need it yet. When someone sends you money, PayPal will deposit it into that bank account. Without a bank account on file, you can receive money but will not be able to move it to your bank — it will stay in your PayPal balance.

Consider turning on two-factor authentication for security. This means PayPal will ask for a code from your phone or email every time you log in from a new device. You can find this setting under "Security" in your account settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for PayPal to verify my account?

Email verification is when ready — you will be able to log in as soon as you click the link in your email. If you added a debit or credit card, PayPal usually verifies it within minutes. If you added a bank account, PayPal will wait for you to confirm two small deposits, which takes 1 to 3 business days.

Can I create a PayPal account without a bank account?

Yes. You can create an account and send money using only a debit or credit card. However, if you want to receive money from others, you will need to add a bank account so PayPal can deposit the funds there.

What if I forget my PayPal password?

Go to paypal.com and click "Log In". Then click "Forgot password?" and enter your email address. PayPal will send you a link to reset your password. Click that link and create a new password. Make sure you have access to your email account to complete this process.

Is it safe to give PayPal my bank account number?

Yes. PayPal is regulated by the U.S. government and uses encryption to protect your information. Your bank account number is no less safe with PayPal than it is with any other company you have authorized to access your account, such as your employer or a bill payment service.

Can I have more than one PayPal account?

PayPal's rules say each person should have only one Personal account. If you create multiple accounts, PayPal may close them. If you need a separate account for business purposes, create one Business account instead of a second Personal account.