What you need before you start

To link a bank account to PayPal, you need three things: an active PayPal account, a U.S. bank account in your own name, and your bank's routing number and your account number. PayPal will make two small deposits to your account (usually $0.01 and $0.02) within one to two business days, and you'll need to confirm those amounts to verify ownership. The whole process takes about five to ten minutes of setup time, plus the waiting period for those deposits to arrive.

If you're outside the U.S., the process varies by country. PayPal supports bank connections in most countries, but the verification method and required documents differ. Check PayPal's country-specific help pages before you start if you're not in the U.S.

Key Takeaways

  • You'll need your bank's routing number and your account number, both found on a check or through your bank's website or app.
  • PayPal sends two tiny test deposits to confirm the account is yours; you must log in and report those amounts to complete the link.
  • The verification deposits arrive within one to two business days, so plan for a five-to-seven-day total timeline from start to finish.
  • Once linked, you can transfer money from PayPal to your bank account, but you cannot receive direct deposits from employers or other sources into PayPal itself.
  • If verification fails after three attempts, contact PayPal support; a locked account usually unlocks within 24 hours.

Finding your routing and account numbers

Your routing number and account number appear on the bottom left of any check you have. The routing number is the first nine digits; your account number follows. If you don't have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details, account information, or routing information—most banks display both numbers there.

Some banks label the routing number as "ABA number" or "transit number." If you cannot find it online, call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number and account number. Have your account number or card ready when you call. Write both numbers down before you open PayPal.

Steps to add your bank account in PayPal

Step 1: Log into PayPal. Go to paypal.com and sign in with your email and password. If you don't have a PayPal account yet, create one first—you'll need an email address and a password.

Step 2: Go to Wallet or Account Settings. On the home page, look for "Wallet" (on mobile) or click the gear icon for "Settings" (on desktop). The exact location varies slightly between the mobile app and the website, but both lead to the same place.

Step 3: Select "Link a Bank Account" or "Add Bank Account." This option appears under a section labeled "Linked Accounts," "Bank Accounts," or "Payment Methods." Click it.

Step 4: Enter your bank details. Type in your bank's name, your routing number, and your account number. Double-check both numbers before you proceed—a single digit wrong will cause the verification to fail.

Step 5: Confirm the account type. PayPal will ask whether it's a checking or savings account. Select the correct type.

Step 6: Wait for the verification deposits. PayPal will send two small deposits (usually $0.01 and $0.02) to your bank account. Check your bank account in one to two business days. These deposits will show up as "PayPal" or "PAYPAL" in your transaction list.

Step 7: Report the deposit amounts. Log back into PayPal, go to your bank account settings, and enter the two amounts you saw in your bank account. PayPal will confirm the match and your account will be fully linked.

What to do if verification deposits don't arrive

If you don't see the two deposits after three business days, check your bank account's pending transactions or recent activity—sometimes they appear there before they settle. If they're not there at all, log into PayPal and check whether the system shows them as sent. If PayPal says they were sent but your bank doesn't show them, contact your bank's customer service and ask whether they blocked or filtered the deposits.

If your bank says the deposits never arrived, or if PayPal shows an error when you try to confirm the amounts, you can request new deposits. Go back to your bank account settings in PayPal and select "Resend Deposits" or "Try Again." You can request new deposits up to three times. If all three attempts fail, contact PayPal support through the Help Center—a specialist can manually verify your account or troubleshoot why the deposits aren't going through.

What happens after your bank account is linked

Once your bank account is verified, you can transfer money from your PayPal balance to your bank account. Go to your Wallet, select your bank account, and choose "Transfer to Bank" or "Withdraw." PayPal will ask how much you want to transfer. The money usually arrives in your bank account within one to three business days, depending on your bank.

Linking a bank account does not allow you to receive direct deposits from your employer or other sources into PayPal. If someone sends you money through PayPal, it lands in your PayPal balance first, and you then transfer it to your bank if you want it there. You also cannot use the linked bank account to pay for things directly—PayPal uses your PayPal balance or a linked credit or debit card for purchases.

Removing or changing your bank account

If you need to remove the bank account, go to your Wallet or Account Settings, find the linked bank account, and select "Remove" or "Unlink." The account will be disconnected when ready. You can add a different bank account anytime by repeating the steps above.

If you want to change the account but keep the same bank, you'll need to remove the old account first, then add the new one. The new account will go through the same two-deposit verification process. If you're switching to a different bank entirely, the process is the same: unlink the old account and add the new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I link someone else's bank account to my PayPal?

No. PayPal requires that the bank account be in your name and that you own it. If you try to add an account in someone else's name, verification will fail when PayPal checks the name against the bank's records. The account must match the name on your PayPal account.

What if I enter the wrong routing or account number?

PayPal will reject the information during the verification step. You'll see an error message and can try again. Make sure you copy the numbers exactly from your check or your bank's website. If you're unsure, call your bank and confirm both numbers before you re-enter them.

How long does it take to transfer money from PayPal to my bank?

Standard transfers take one to three business days. PayPal also offers when ready transfers to a linked debit card (not a bank account), which arrive within minutes, but that requires a different setup. For bank account transfers, plan for at least one business day.

Can I link a savings account instead of checking?

Yes. PayPal accepts both checking and savings accounts. When you enter your account details, select the correct type. The verification process is the same for both.

What if PayPal says my account is locked after failed verification?

A locked account usually unlocks automatically within 24 hours. If it stays locked longer, or if you want to unlock it sooner, contact PayPal support through the Help Center. Have your account number and the dates you attempted verification ready when you reach out.