Why you would add a checking account to PayPal

Adding a checking account to PayPal lets you move money between your bank and your PayPal balance without fees, and gives PayPal a way to verify who you are. When you receive money through PayPal — whether from a friend, a job, or selling something — you can send it directly to your checking account instead of keeping it in PayPal. You can also fund PayPal payments from your checking account instead of using a debit or credit card.

The connection is also how PayPal confirms your identity. When you first link a checking account, PayPal deposits two small amounts (usually under a dollar each) into that account. You then log into PayPal and enter those amounts to prove you own the account. This verification step protects both you and PayPal.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need your checking account number and routing number, which you can find on a check or by calling your bank.
  • PayPal will deposit two small test amounts into your account, and you must enter those amounts in PayPal to complete the link.
  • The entire process takes a few minutes to set up, but verification can take three to five business days.
  • Once linked, you can transfer money from PayPal to your checking account for free, usually within one to two business days.

What information you need before you start

Gather these details before you open PayPal. You will need your routing number and account number from your checking account. The routing number identifies your specific bank branch; the account number identifies your account within that bank.

The easiest place to find both is on a check from your checkbook — the routing number is the first set of numbers on the bottom left, and the account number is the second set. If you do not have checks, call your bank's customer service line (the number is usually on your debit card or bank statement) and ask for your routing number and account number. Have your account PIN or answer security questions ready so the bank can verify you.

You will also need your PayPal login information, or you will create a PayPal account during this process if you do not have one yet.

Steps to add your checking account in PayPal

Log into your PayPal account on a computer or the PayPal app. On a computer, click the gear icon in the top right corner and select "Account Settings." On the app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and select "Settings."

Look for a section called "Linked Banks and Cards" or "Bank Accounts" — the exact name varies depending on whether you are on the website or app. Click "Link a Bank Account" or the plus icon next to "Bank Accounts." PayPal will ask you to choose between linking your account manually or using your bank's login to connect automatically.

If you choose to link manually, enter your routing number and account number in the fields PayPal provides. Double-check both numbers before you submit — a mistake here will delay the process. If you choose to connect through your bank's login, PayPal will direct you to your bank's website, where you log in and authorize PayPal to see your account. Your bank then sends the correct information to PayPal automatically, which is faster and more accurate.

After you submit, PayPal will show you a confirmation screen. Write down or screenshot the confirmation number. PayPal will then send two small deposits to your checking account — usually within one to three business days.

How to verify your account with the test deposits

Check your checking account online or wait for your bank statement to see the two deposits from PayPal. They will appear as small amounts, often between 1 and 99 cents each, and the description will usually say something like "PayPal verification" or "PAYPAL VERIFICATION."

Once you see both deposits, go back to PayPal and look for a prompt asking you to verify your bank account. Enter the two amounts exactly as they appear in your account. If you enter them incorrectly, PayPal will let you try again, but entering them correctly the first time moves the process faster.

After you enter the amounts correctly, PayPal will confirm that your checking account is now linked and verified. You can now transfer money from PayPal to your checking account and use your checking account to fund PayPal payments.

How long transfers take and what to expect

Once your account is verified, transferring money from PayPal to your checking account is free and usually takes one to two business days. This means if you request a transfer on a Monday, the money will likely arrive in your checking account by Wednesday. Transfers requested on weekends or holidays may take longer because banks do not process transfers on those days.

Transfers from your checking account to PayPal to pay someone or make a purchase are usually when ready or take a few minutes. You will see the money leave your checking account right away, though it may take a moment to show up in PayPal.

If a transfer does not arrive when you expect it, check that you requested it correctly and that your bank account is still verified. If your bank account information changes — for example, if you close that account and open a new one — you will need to link the new account and verify it the same way.

What to do if the verification fails

If PayPal tells you the amounts you entered are incorrect, you can try again. PayPal usually allows three attempts before you have to start over. If you have tried three times and still cannot match the amounts, the deposits may not have reached your account yet — wait a few more business days and check again.

If the deposits never arrive after five business days, your routing or account number may have been entered incorrectly. Go back to PayPal's linked accounts section, remove the account, and add it again with the correct information. You can also contact your bank to confirm they received the deposits; sometimes banks hold or reject small deposits if they look unusual.

If you are still stuck, PayPal's customer service can help. From your account settings, look for a "Contact Us" or "Help" link and describe the problem. PayPal may be able to verify your account another way or resend the test deposits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to verify with the test deposits, or can I just enter my account number?

You must complete the verification step with the test deposits. This is how PayPal confirms you own the account and protects against fraud. There is no way to skip this step, but it usually takes only a few minutes once the deposits arrive.

Can I link more than one checking account to PayPal?

Yes. You can link multiple checking accounts and choose which one to transfer money to each time. Each account must go through the same verification process with test deposits.

What happens if I close the checking account after I link it to PayPal?

PayPal will not be able to transfer money to a closed account. You will need to link a different checking account and verify it. Remove the old account from your PayPal settings so PayPal does not try to use it.

Is it safe to give PayPal my routing and account number?

Yes. Your routing and account number are not sensitive information — they appear on every check you write and are meant to be shared. PayPal uses industry-standard encryption to protect this information, and linking your account does not give PayPal permission to withdraw money without your approval.

Can I use a savings account instead of a checking account?

Most banks allow you to link a savings account to PayPal the same way. Use your savings account's routing number and account number. Check with your bank first if you are unsure whether they allow this.