You can change your linked bank account in PayPal's settings in about five minutes

PayPal lets you swap out the bank account connected to your wallet at any time. You do this through your account settings, not by calling anyone or filling out forms. The old account stays in your PayPal record but stops being the default place money goes when you transfer out. You can add a new bank account and set it as your primary account in the same session.

The process works the same whether you're changing because you switched banks, closed an old account, or just want to use a different one. PayPal doesn't charge you to make the change, and it takes effect right away for new transfers you initiate. Money that's already on its way to your old account will still arrive there.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your bank account through the Wallet section of your PayPal settings, not through customer service.
  • PayPal keeps your old account information on file even after you remove it as your primary account.
  • You can add a new bank account and set it as primary in one visit to your settings.
  • The change takes effect when ready for new transfers, but transfers already in progress will go to the old account.
  • You'll need your new bank's routing number and your account number to add a new bank account.

Steps to remove your old bank account

Log into PayPal on a computer or through the mobile app. On the app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right. On a computer, look for the gear icon in the top right corner. Both will take you to Settings.

Once you're in Settings, find and tap or click "Wallet" — this is where PayPal stores all your payment methods. You'll see a list of everything connected to your account: credit cards, debit cards, and bank accounts. Find the bank account you want to remove and tap or click on it to open its details.

Look for a "Remove" or "Delete" button. On the app it's usually at the bottom of the account details screen. On a computer it's often a link near the account name. Tap or click it, and PayPal will ask you to confirm. Once you confirm, that account is removed from your wallet.

How to add your new bank account

While you're still in the Wallet section, look for a button that says "Add a Bank Account" or "Link a New Bank Account." Tap or click it. PayPal will ask you to choose how you want to verify the account — this is how PayPal confirms the account actually belongs to you and is active.

PayPal offers two verification methods. The first is when ready verification through your bank's login — you sign in to your bank's website or app right there in PayPal, and your bank confirms the account is yours. This is the fastest route and takes seconds. The second method is the traditional way: you provide your bank's routing number and your account number, and PayPal deposits two small amounts (usually under a dollar each) into the account. You then log back into PayPal a few days later and tell PayPal the exact amounts, proving you have access to the account.

If you choose when ready verification, follow the prompts to sign into your bank. You'll be taken to your bank's find login page — PayPal never sees your password. Once your bank confirms the account, you're done. If you choose the deposit method, enter your routing and account numbers, and wait for the deposits to arrive, usually within two business days.

Setting your new account as the default

After your new bank account is verified, go back to your Wallet. You'll see your new account listed alongside any other payment methods. Find your new bank account and tap or click on it to open its details.

Look for an option that says "Make Primary" or "Set as Default." Tap or click it. This tells PayPal to send money to this account whenever you transfer funds out of PayPal, unless you specifically choose a different account at the moment of transfer. The change is when ready.

What happens to transfers already in progress

If you initiated a transfer to your old bank account and then changed your primary account before that transfer completed, the money will still go to the old account. PayPal doesn't redirect transfers mid-process. Transfers usually take one to three business days to arrive, depending on your bank.

This is why it's safest to change your bank account after any pending transfers have landed. If you're unsure whether a transfer is still in progress, check your Activity or Transaction History in PayPal — it will show you the status of every transfer and which account it's headed to.

If you need to keep your old account on file

You don't have to remove your old bank account to add a new one. Many people keep multiple bank accounts linked to PayPal and switch between them depending on the situation. If you want to keep your old account but just stop using it as the default, skip the removal step and go straight to adding your new account and setting it as primary.

Your old account will stay in your Wallet, and you can still manually choose it if you ever need to transfer money to it. This is useful if you're keeping an old account open for a few weeks while you transition, or if you want a backup account linked just in case.

Troubleshooting common problems

If PayPal won't let you remove your old account, it's usually because a transfer to that account is still pending. Wait for the transfer to complete, then try removing it again. If you see an error message, note the exact wording and check PayPal's Help Center — the message usually tells you what's blocking the removal.

If when ready verification fails when you're adding your new account, it often means your bank isn't set up for that feature yet, or you entered your login details incorrectly. Switch to the deposit verification method instead — it's slower but always works. If deposits don't arrive after five business days, contact your bank to confirm the account is active and receiving transfers.

If you can't find the Wallet section in your settings, make sure you're logged into the right account. Some older accounts or accounts with restrictions may have a different layout. Try logging out completely, clearing your browser cache, and logging back in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my bank account if I have a pending transfer?

Yes, you can change your account at any time. But any transfer already in progress will still go to the old account — PayPal doesn't redirect money mid-transfer. Wait for pending transfers to complete before removing the old account, or keep it linked as a backup.

Do I need to verify my new bank account the same way I verified the first one?

No. Your first bank account may have required deposit verification, but when you add a second account, PayPal usually offers when ready verification through your bank's login. If that doesn't work, you can fall back to the deposit method.

What if I accidentally removed the wrong bank account?

You can add it back by going to Wallet and selecting "Add a Bank Account." Since PayPal already has your information on file, the re-verification process is usually faster the second time. If you choose when ready verification, it may be when ready.

How long does it take for my new bank account to be ready to use?

If you use when ready verification, your account is ready when ready. If you use deposit verification, you need to wait for the two small deposits to arrive (usually one to three business days), then confirm the amounts in PayPal. After that, the account is ready.

Can I have multiple bank accounts linked to PayPal at the same time?

Yes. You can link as many bank accounts as you want and switch between them. Only one can be set as your primary or default account, but you can manually choose a different account each time you transfer money out.