What you need to create a PayPal account

Creating a PayPal account takes about 10 minutes and requires three things: an email address you can access right now, a valid government ID (like a driver's license or passport), and either a bank account or debit card number. PayPal will verify your identity using the ID and confirm your bank account or card by sending small test deposits — this part usually takes 1 to 3 business days.

You do not need to have a lot of money in your account to start. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, but you do need to be at least 18 years old and have a U.S. address on file. If you are opening an account to receive money from someone else (like a family member sending you funds), you can do that before your bank account is fully verified — PayPal will hold the money in your account until verification is complete.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to paypal.com, click "Sign Up," and choose either Personal or Business account type based on whether you plan to use it for personal payments or to sell things.
  • Enter your email address, create a password, and provide your full name, date of birth, and U.S. address exactly as they appear on your government ID.
  • Link a bank account or debit card by entering the account or card number — PayPal will send two small test deposits to your bank account to confirm you own it.
  • Confirm the test deposit amounts (usually under $1 each) by logging back into PayPal within 30 days, and your account will be fully verified.
  • Once verified, you can send and receive money, make online purchases, and set up automatic payments.

Step 1: Go to PayPal and choose your account type

Open a web browser and go to paypal.com. In the top right corner, click "Sign Up." PayPal will ask you to choose between a Personal account and a Business account. Choose Personal if you are sending money to friends and family or paying for online purchases. Choose Business if you plan to sell items or services and want to accept payments from customers.

For most people new to PayPal, Personal is the right choice. You can always change to Business later if you start selling things. Click the button for the account type you want, and PayPal will take you to the next screen.

Step 2: Enter your email and create a password

PayPal will ask for an email address. Use one you check regularly — this is how PayPal will contact you and how you will log in. Type the email address twice to make sure it is correct. Then create a password that is at least 8 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol (like ! or @). Write this password down somewhere safe, or use a password manager if you have one.

Click "Next" and PayPal will ask for your full name, date of birth, and home address. Type these exactly as they appear on your government ID — if your ID says "Robert" but you usually go by "Bob," use "Robert." Mismatches between your ID and what you type can slow down verification. PayPal will also ask what country you live in; select United States.

Step 3: Link a bank account or debit card

PayPal needs to confirm you own a bank account or debit card before you can send money. You will see a screen asking "How do you want to pay?" Click "Link a debit or credit card" or "Link a bank account." If you choose a card, type the 16-digit card number, expiration date, and the three-digit security code on the back. If you choose a bank account, you will need your routing number and account number — these are printed on the bottom left of a check, or you can log into your bank's website to find them.

After you enter the information, PayPal will tell you it will send two small test deposits to your bank account within 1 to 3 business days. These deposits are usually less than $1 each and are PayPal's way of confirming you own the account. Do not close this browser window or log out yet — you will need to come back and confirm these amounts once they arrive.

Step 4: Confirm the test deposits

Check your bank account or email for the two small deposits from PayPal. They will show up as transfers from "PayPal" or a similar name. The amounts will be random — for example, $0.23 and $0.17. Once both deposits are in your account, log back into PayPal on paypal.com. Click on your account settings or profile, then look for a section called "Confirm Bank Account" or "Verify Bank Account."

Type in the two deposit amounts exactly as they appear in your bank account. PayPal will confirm the amounts match and mark your bank account as verified. This usually happens when ready. If you do not see the deposits after 3 business days, contact PayPal support through the Help Center on their website — sometimes deposits take longer if your bank processes transfers slowly.

Step 5: Set up security and start using your account

Once your bank account is verified, your PayPal account is ready to use. Before you send money or make purchases, take a few minutes to set up security. Log into your account and go to Settings. Turn on two-factor authentication, which means PayPal will send you a code by text or email every time you log in from a new device. This protects your account if someone learns your password.

You can now send money to other PayPal users by their email address, pay for online purchases at stores that accept PayPal, or receive money from others. If someone sends you money before your account is fully verified, PayPal will hold it until verification is complete — you will see it in your account but cannot spend it yet.

What happens if verification takes longer than expected

Most accounts are verified within 1 to 3 business days, but sometimes PayPal asks for extra information. You might receive an email asking you to upload a photo of your government ID or to answer security questions about your past addresses. This is normal and does not mean anything is wrong — PayPal is just double-checking your identity. Upload or answer what they ask within the timeframe they give you (usually 10 days), and verification will continue.

If PayPal cannot verify your identity, they will tell you why in an email and explain what you can do next. Common reasons include a mismatch between your ID and the address you entered, or a bank account that is not in your name. If this happens, contact PayPal support through the Help Center and explain your situation — they can often work with you to resolve it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a credit card to open a PayPal account?

No. You can link a debit card or a bank account instead. A debit card works the same way as a credit card for PayPal's purposes — it just pulls money directly from your checking account rather than creating a bill you pay later.

Can I use PayPal without a bank account?

You can create an account and receive money without a bank account, but you will not be able to send money or withdraw funds until you link one. If you do not have a bank account yet, consider opening one first — many banks and credit unions offer free checking accounts with no minimum balance.

What if I do not have a government ID?

PayPal requires a valid government ID to verify your identity. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you may be able to use a state ID card or tribal ID. Contact PayPal support through the Help Center to ask what forms of ID they accept in your situation.

How long does it take to send money after I create my account?

You can send money to other PayPal users as soon as your account is created, even before your bank account is verified. However, the person receiving the money may not be able to withdraw it until your account is fully verified. Once your bank account is confirmed (usually 1 to 3 days), you have full access.

Is it safe to link my bank account to PayPal?

PayPal uses encryption to protect your information, and your bank account number is not shared with the people you send money to — they only see your email address. That said, use a strong password and turn on two-factor authentication to protect your account from unauthorized access.