Adding a bank account to PayPal takes about five minutes and requires your routing number and account number
You can link a bank account to PayPal through the Wallet section of your account settings. PayPal will verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into your bank account within one to two business days. Once you confirm those amounts in PayPal, the account is fully linked and you can send money to it or receive payments into it.
The process is the same whether you use PayPal on a computer or the mobile app. You'll need your bank's routing number and your account number — both appear on a check, or you can find them by logging into your bank's website.
Key Takeaways
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number to link a bank account; both are printed on checks or visible in your bank's online portal.
- PayPal verifies the account by depositing two small amounts and asking you to confirm them, which takes one to two business days.
- Once verified, you can transfer money from PayPal to your bank account or receive payments directly into that account.
- If verification fails, PayPal will tell you why — usually a mismatch between the name on your PayPal account and the name on the bank account.
Steps to link your bank account on a computer
Log into your PayPal account and click the gear icon in the top right corner, then select Wallet. Click Link a bank account or Add a bank account (the exact wording varies by region). PayPal will ask you to choose your country and bank type — select the country where your bank is located and whether it's a checking or savings account.
Enter your bank's routing number and your account number. PayPal will ask you to confirm the name on the account matches the name on your PayPal profile. If it doesn't, you'll need to update your PayPal name first or link a different account. Click Link Bank Account when you're ready.
PayPal will then tell you that it has sent two small deposits to your bank account. Check your bank account in one to two business days for these deposits — they'll appear as small charges from PayPal with a reference code. Return to PayPal, go back to your Wallet, find the bank account you just added, and click Confirm. Enter the two amounts you see in your bank statement, and PayPal will verify the account.
Steps to link your bank account on the PayPal mobile app
Open the PayPal app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right. Tap Wallet, then tap the plus icon or Add a bank account. Follow the same steps as the computer version: select your country and account type, enter your routing and account numbers, and confirm the name matches.
The verification deposits will arrive in one to two business days. When they do, return to the app, go to your Wallet, tap the bank account, and tap Confirm. Enter the two deposit amounts and PayPal will complete the verification.
What to do if verification fails or takes longer than expected
The most common reason verification fails is a mismatch between the name on your PayPal account and the name on your bank account. If the deposits don't arrive after three business days, check that the routing number and account number you entered are correct — even one digit wrong will prevent the deposits from reaching your account.
If you entered the information correctly but the deposits still haven't arrived after five business days, contact your bank to confirm the account is active and can receive transfers. Some banks flag small deposits as suspicious or hold them temporarily. Once you've confirmed with your bank that the deposits arrived, return to PayPal and enter the amounts to complete verification.
If PayPal rejects the amounts you enter, the deposits may have been returned to PayPal. This usually means the account information was incorrect. Delete the account from your Wallet and try again with verified routing and account numbers from your bank's website or a recent check.
How to find your routing and account numbers
The easiest way is to look at a check from your checking account. The routing number is the first nine digits at the bottom left of the check. The account number is the second set of digits, usually 10 to 12 digits long, in the middle at the bottom.
If you don't have a check, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details or account information. Most banks display both numbers in the account summary. You can also call your bank's customer service line — they can read both numbers to you over the phone.
What happens after your bank account is verified
Once PayPal confirms the two deposits, your bank account is fully linked. You can now transfer money from your PayPal balance to your bank account, which usually takes one to three business days depending on your bank. You can also set this account as your default for receiving payments if you use PayPal for business or peer-to-peer transfers.
You can link multiple bank accounts to the same PayPal account if you have accounts at different banks. Each one goes through the same two-deposit verification process. You can remove a bank account at any time from your Wallet settings, though PayPal may ask you to confirm you want to delete it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes. When you add the account, PayPal asks whether it's a checking or savings account. Select the correct type or PayPal may reject the verification deposits. The process is otherwise identical.
What if the name on my bank account doesn't match my PayPal name exactly?
PayPal requires the names to match. If your bank account is under a different name — for example, a business name or a spouse's name — you'll need to update your PayPal account name first or link a different account. Contact PayPal support if you need to change your account name.
Do I have to wait for the verification deposits before I can use PayPal?
No. You can send and receive money through PayPal before your bank account is verified. The bank account is only necessary if you want to transfer your PayPal balance to your bank or set it as your default payment method.
How long does it take to transfer money from PayPal to my bank account?
Standard transfers take one to three business days. PayPal also offers when ready transfers for a small fee, usually $0.25 to $2 depending on the amount, if your bank supports it.
Can I link a bank account from another country?
PayPal supports bank accounts in most countries, but the process varies. When you select your country during setup, PayPal will show you whether your bank type is supported. Some countries require additional verification steps.