What you need before you start
To add a bank account to PayPal, you will need your bank's routing number and your account number. These appear on the bottom left of any check you have from that account. If you do not have checks, you can log into your bank's website or call the bank directly — they can give you both numbers in seconds.
You will also need to be logged into your PayPal account. If you do not have one yet, you will create it first with your email address and a password. PayPal will ask for your name, address, and date of birth during setup.
The process takes about 10 minutes to complete, though PayPal may take a few business days to confirm the account is actually yours before you can move money.
Key Takeaways
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number, both found on the bottom of a check or available from your bank by phone.
- PayPal will ask you to confirm the account by verifying two small deposits it sends to your bank — this usually takes three to five business days.
- Once confirmed, you can send money from PayPal to your bank account, though the transfer itself takes one to three business days.
- Your bank account is what PayPal uses to fund payments you send to others, so adding it is necessary if you want to pay from your bank balance rather than a PayPal balance.
The step-by-step process to add your account
Log into PayPal and go to your account settings. Look for a section called "Wallet" or "Bank and Cards" — the exact name varies depending on whether you are on the website or the mobile app, but it is always in settings.
Click "Link a Bank Account" or "Add Bank Account". PayPal will ask you to choose your bank from a list, or you can search for it by name. Select your bank.
Enter your routing number and account number in the fields provided. Double-check both numbers before you continue — a mistake here means the confirmation will fail and you will have to start over.
PayPal will show you a summary of the account you are about to add. Verify that the account type (checking or savings) and the last four digits of your account number are correct, then click confirm.
How PayPal confirms your account is really yours
After you submit your information, PayPal sends two small deposits to your bank account — usually between 1 and 99 cents each. These deposits appear in your bank account within three to five business days. The amounts are random and different each time.
Once you see the deposits in your bank account, you go back to PayPal and enter the two amounts. This proves to PayPal that you actually own the account, because only the real account holder would see those deposits.
After you enter the amounts correctly, PayPal marks the account as confirmed. You can now move money between PayPal and your bank account. If you enter the amounts wrong, PayPal gives you a few more tries before you have to start the linking process over.
What happens after your account is confirmed
Once confirmed, your bank account becomes your default funding source. This means when you send money through PayPal, it will pull from your bank account unless you choose a different source. You can change this in your wallet settings at any time.
You can now transfer money from PayPal to your bank account whenever you want. The transfer takes one to three business days, depending on your bank. PayPal does not charge a fee for this transfer, but your bank might — check your bank's fee schedule if you are unsure.
You can also use your bank account to add money to your PayPal balance if you want to keep funds in PayPal for faster payments. This also takes one to three business days and is free.
Removing or changing your bank account later
If you want to remove the bank account, go back to your wallet settings and click the account. You will see an option to remove or unlink it. PayPal will ask you to confirm, then the account is disconnected. You can add a different bank account at any time using the same process.
If you change banks, you will need to add your new bank account and go through the confirmation process again. You can keep your old bank account linked while you set up the new one, then remove the old one once the new one is confirmed.
Troubleshooting common problems
If PayPal cannot find your bank in the list, search by the bank's name rather than scrolling. If it still does not appear, your bank may not be in PayPal's system — call your bank and ask if they work with PayPal, or try adding the account manually by entering your routing and account numbers without selecting from the list.
If the confirmation deposits do not arrive after five business days, check that you entered the routing and account numbers correctly. If they are correct, contact your bank — sometimes banks block small transfers from unfamiliar sources. Once your bank approves PayPal, the deposits will go through.
If you entered the confirmation amounts wrong and ran out of tries, you will need to remove the account and start over. Go to your wallet settings, find the unconfirmed account, and click remove. Then add it again from the beginning.
Why PayPal needs your bank account
Your bank account is where PayPal gets the money when you send a payment to someone else. Without a bank account or credit card linked, you can only send money that is already sitting in your PayPal balance — money someone else sent you or that you transferred in earlier.
Linking your bank account also lets you move money out of PayPal and back to your bank whenever you want. This is useful if you receive payments through PayPal and want to use that money for everyday expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add more than one bank account?
Yes. You can link multiple bank accounts to the same PayPal account. You choose which one to use each time you send money or transfer funds. Only one can be your default, but you can change which one that is in your settings.
What if I enter the wrong routing or account number?
PayPal will send the confirmation deposits to the wrong account, and they will not arrive in your bank account. You will not be able to confirm the account. Remove it from your wallet and add it again with the correct numbers. Check your bank statements or call your bank if you are unsure of the correct numbers.
Do I have to use my bank account to send money through PayPal?
No. Once your bank account is linked, you can choose to fund payments from a credit card, debit card, or your PayPal balance instead. Your bank account is just one option. You pick which source to use each time you send money.
How long does it take to transfer money from PayPal back to my bank?
One to three business days, depending on your bank. Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days. Some banks are faster than others — if you transfer regularly, you will learn your bank's typical speed.
Is it safe to give PayPal my bank account number?
PayPal is a major payment company that handles millions of bank accounts. Your account number is encrypted and stored securely. You are giving PayPal the same information you would give any company you set up automatic payments with, like a utility or insurance company.