The basic steps to move money from your bank into PayPal

To add money from your bank account to PayPal, you log into your PayPal account, go to your Wallet, select "Transfer Money," choose "Add Money to Your Balance," pick your bank account, enter the amount, and confirm the transfer. The money usually arrives in one to three business days, though it can take longer depending on your bank.

PayPal calls this a "transfer" rather than a deposit because the money moves from one place you own (your bank) to another place you own (your PayPal balance). You are not sending money to someone else — you are moving it between your own accounts.

Key Takeaways

  • You must link your bank account to PayPal before you can transfer money, which requires your routing number and account number.
  • Transfers from your bank to PayPal are free and take one to three business days, though some banks process them more slowly.
  • You can only transfer money you actually have in your bank account — PayPal will not let you overdraft.
  • Once money lands in your PayPal balance, you can send it to other people, use it to pay for things online, or transfer it back to your bank.

Linking your bank account to PayPal for the first time

Before you can move money from your bank to PayPal, you need to tell PayPal which bank account is yours. Log into PayPal, go to Settings (the gear icon), then select "Wallet" or "Banks and Cards" depending on which version you see. Click "Link a Bank Account" and choose your bank from the list, or enter it manually if it does not appear.

PayPal will ask for your routing number and account number. Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank branch — you can find it on the bottom left of any check you have, or call your bank and ask. Your account number is on the bottom of your checks as well, usually after the routing number. Some banks also let you find both numbers in their mobile app under account details.

After you enter these numbers, PayPal may ask you to confirm the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under one dollar each) into your bank account. You then log back into PayPal and tell it what those amounts were. This takes a few extra days but proves the account is really yours.

How to actually transfer the money

Once your bank account is linked, open PayPal and click on your Wallet (or Balance, depending on your version). Look for a button that says "Transfer Money" or "Add Money." Select "Add Money to Your Balance" and choose the bank account you linked.

Enter the dollar amount you want to move over. PayPal will show you a summary of the transfer — the amount, the bank account it is coming from, and how long it should take. Review this carefully to make sure the amount is correct, then click "Transfer Now" or "Confirm."

You will see a confirmation number on the screen. Write this down or take a screenshot — you will need it if something goes wrong and you have to contact PayPal support.

How long the transfer takes and what happens if it stalls

PayPal says transfers take one to three business days. In practice, most arrive within one business day, but some take the full three. The timing depends partly on PayPal and partly on your bank — some banks process outgoing transfers faster than others.

If more than three business days pass and the money has not shown up in your PayPal balance, log into PayPal and look for the transfer in your transaction history. If it shows as "pending," wait another day or two. If it shows as "failed" or "cancelled," the money should be back in your bank account within a few days.

If the transfer disappeared without a status update, or if you see the money left your bank but never arrived in PayPal, contact PayPal support through the Resolution Center. Have your confirmation number ready.

What you can do once the money is in your PayPal balance

Once the transfer completes, that money sits in your PayPal balance. You can use it to send money to other people (through PayPal's "Send Money" feature), pay for purchases on websites that accept PayPal, or withdraw it back to your bank account if you change your mind.

If you use PayPal to buy things online, you can choose to pay from your PayPal balance instead of linking a credit or debit card. This means the seller never sees your bank details — only PayPal does.

Fees and limits on transfers

Transferring money from your bank account to PayPal is free. PayPal does not charge you to move the money, and most banks do not either (though a few older accounts or specialty banks might — call yours if you are unsure).

There is no set limit on how much you can transfer at once, but PayPal may limit you based on how long your account has been active and how much you have transferred before. If you try to transfer a very large amount and PayPal declines it, try a smaller amount first, or contact PayPal support to ask about your limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer money from PayPal back to my bank account?

Yes. Go to your Wallet, click "Transfer Money," select "Transfer to Your Bank," choose your bank account, enter the amount, and confirm. This also takes one to three business days and is free.

What if I enter the wrong amount?

If you catch the mistake before you click "Confirm," you can go back and change it. If you already confirmed the transfer, you cannot cancel it, but once it lands in your PayPal balance you can transfer the extra money back to your bank.

Do I need a credit card linked to PayPal to transfer money from my bank?

No. You only need your bank account linked. A credit or debit card is optional and is used for different purposes, like paying for things when you do not have a PayPal balance.

Why does PayPal ask for two small deposits to confirm my bank account?

Those deposits prove you have access to the bank account and can see the money that lands there. It is a security step to prevent someone from linking an account that is not theirs.

Can I transfer money from someone else's bank account to my PayPal?

No. PayPal only lets you link bank accounts in your own name. If someone wants to send you money, they can use PayPal's "Send Money" feature or you can ask them to transfer it directly to your bank account.